Celebration: Photo Ops with Mr. Bunny

They say, every"bunny" has his days...and last Saturday was mine!  I had HUGE feet to fill from the prior Mr. Bunny's jovial antics, but I was up to the challenge!  We had a very nice turn out, not sure of the final count, maybe 30 children with their parents, grandparents, and older siblings in tow!  And the tornado of children descended on the large, furry,(and sweat drenched) Mr. Bunny at first sight.  Just before Mr. Bunny turned to greet one child, there was an eager parent/photographer snapping pictures...from ALL angles.  He was very confused as to which pose was appropriate for which child...below is Mr. Bunny just before making his entrance.  Needless to say, this Mr. Bunny was a far more "crazed" than his senior...if not before, definitely after!

We included a greyhound rescue this year, and it was a huge hit with the children.  Of course, I didn't realize that the senior racing dogs chased RABBITS...you can imagine the look of confusion in their eyes, the rabbit larger than they were!  Mr. Bunny and the gracious canines became close friends...making Mr. Bunny just a little nervous.

Victorian Village Ambassadors even got into the fun while directing tours and assisting with traffic control.

Mrs. Pera jumped at the photo op, I think she even pushed a little girl snacking on cookies out of the way!

The always stunning Mrs. Ralston was sporting a vintage look and was quite gracious when Mr. Bunny asked for a snapshot.

I can honestly say that the Egg Hunt was one of the most draining events.  I think Mr. Bunny sweat about five pounds of Reece's peanut butter eggs out during the course of two hours!  I'm sure I wouldn't have changed a thing and look forward to next year!

Celebration: Third Annual Egg Hunt at Woodruff-Fontaine

Due to the terrible storms this past week, I was left without the use of my laptop!  The storms have long since past and so have my worries about my beloved laptop (hopefully).

The morning was warm and sunny.  The birds chirped in the ancient magnolia trees and the fountain was gurgling.  We met the day with a strong and ambitious smile!  Then, the volunteers began to show and things started to get REALLY busy!  Our home-school friends came out in grand style to assist with hiding eggs and entertaining what would be very curious children and their awe struck parents.  The girls always give the most polished impression to our guests, always impressing everyone! 

In this shot, Mrs. Ralston is bright and beautifully dressed (in no doubt, vintage) topped with her Easter bonnet.  I have no doubt that she is discussing the details of the girls' dresses and bonnets with the young school girl. 

Mr. and Mrs. McAndrews reported early to assist in hiding eggs.  They're always the busiest couple in the mornings, so we asked for the assist at such an early hour. 

Celebration: Easter Dinner

It never fails.  Everyone that I take through the mansion is AMAZED to learn that the Woodruff's dining room was rarely used.  Only for the most formal dinner parties, holidays, and birthdays would the family and/or guests gather around (what would have been very large and very expensive) table.  The Woodruff's would be served dinner in the family parlor!  In those days parlors, large or small, served a multitude of purposes...but, that's an ideal topic for another day.  The "Victorian" holidays most celebrated were Yuletide (Christmas...all twelved days), St. Valentine's day, Eastertide (all holy days during the spring season), and All Hallows Eve (Halloween).  I digress, however.  This particular Celebration entry is about Easter dinner...

The traditional Victorian Easter dinner table would be set in grand style.  Lace and linen graced the table.  The best china, silver, and crystal was used.  Small favors like baskets or eggs would be set for each guest and the centerpiece was always very large and definitely in Eastertide theme.  This year at WF we chose to use a gorgeous silver centerpiece.  It has two candle wells and a large glass trumpet vase filled with dogwood branches.  (Dogwood trees were original to the property and can be seen today dotted in the back yard.)  These kinds of centerpieces were most common during this period.  Eggs are hung from the branches for a bit of whimsy. 

An Easter dinner was much like it is today.  The menu would consist of baked ham, fresh spring vegetables, deviled eggs, assorted salads, and carrot cake.  A traditional confection that has passed with this era is the hot cross bun.  Usually these were made on Good Friday and eaten all weekend.  The cross of icing  is symbolic of the cross and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  However, this confection is believed to pre date Christianity!  The Saxons are believed to have eaten small cakes with a cross on them in the spring to honor the goddess Eostre (probably the root of "Easter").  The cross represented the four quarters of the moon...springtime being the first quarter of the lunar calendar year.  A popular tradition would be to break the bun in half with a neighbor and recite "Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be" . 

While many traditions have gone with the wind, we southerners hold on to a few traditions still and pass them on to our children.  Whatever your chosen path during this sacred time, be blessed and share these times with your family and friends with the security that the Light will always prevail.

Textiles: Dark Details

Please excuse my absence this past week.  I was in the museum today and decided to just take a breather and investigate the detail of a particular "tea dress".  While this photo shows "Prudence" wearing the dress in the parlor, she's actually greeting guests in the dining room.  (Don't ask, but I have named each mannequin in the museum...even the dismantled ones!)  Taking time to really look at the detail in some of the textiles gives me a profound feeling of respect for the maker.  The patience it must have taken to sew individual beads, sequin, and tiny hooks into each piece!  This is a favorite of mine.  A "tea dress" that could have well been an evening dress, in my opinion.  I assume that it is the light-weight feel of the dress and the shorter sleeves that lends itself to a tea dress.  The black net lace overlay, however, lends a darker and  more formal air.  Notice the waistline is "belted" with black sequin rosettes.  The dress is a light sage, almost "minty green" silk...very light and flowing with a slight train in the back.

The accessories used are pearls.  This really accents the formal look beautifully.  The dress is turn of the century, probably more 1910's.  The black velvet bow on the shoulder makes a sophisticated nod, as does the heavily sequined net lace overlay.  I don't usually think of sequin being used in Victorian/Edwardian gowns, but we have a number of gowns that are beaded and sequined from this period!  They're TINY...almost looks like glitter!

The sleeve shines under the black net lace overlay with even more sequin!  There's also a fair amount of embroidery work done on the hems of the sleeves and on the net lace.  A "cute" detail that's almost a bit casual...the tiny bows on the sleeves.  It's a stunning "tea dress"/gown.  No matter how it was worn, the look is definitely in the details!



Wedding Belle: "You know there's a wedding at WF when..."

This past Saturday night was the first wedding of the season.  I played "wedding crasher" to check on Michelle.  Of course, she was busy as a one-armed paper hanger!  She took a breather for a moment and told me the different "stories" from the evening.  It was the usual wedding day mishaps...the groom's men were quite intoxicated before the service began, the marriage license was left at the hotel...you know what I'm saying.  The funniest thing, however, was when she whispered to me, "Come look at this!"...as she usually does when the two of us are together.  She opened the side mailbox and there were a pair of high heeled shoes resting neatly inside.  "Whaaaat is that?", I asked...she pointed to her shoes and I noticed she was wearing flats (never happens).  "I put my shoes in the mailbox."  I thought it was priceless, even tried to take a picture.  As things usually go, I didn't use flash...no picture.

Today we were discussing business as usual at WF over the phone.  In closing, she said "You know there's a wedding (at WF) when my shoes are in the mailbox!"  Classic humor from the wedding belle and her sidekick...maybe you just had to be there.

In the Gardens

Around the mansion this time of year, we always get excited to see the wisteria growing on the arbor.  It's usually a large indication that warmer is around the corner!  I read somewhere in the archives that the Fontaine family planted wisteria on the west side of the carriage house.  I think that the arbor contains transplanted wisteria...no one should quote me on this, until I get solid proof!  It makes for a nice story, nonetheless.

We REALLY get excited when the fountain is cleaned out and bubbles to life.  This is a definite sign that the bridal season has kicked in to high gear.  This weekend we have a wedding reception in the carriage house, so I know that they will love that the fountain is on.

The wisteria always starts blooming in the back of the arbor, as you can see from the first picture posted.  Today, guests commented how wonderfully fragrant it was when passing by.  Of course, we have every bumble bee in the tri state area collecting pollen from the vines right now.  No need for alarm, they'll be gone with the end of our "pollen" months.

We all have our favorite places at WF.  My favorite place is this bench (below).  It is planted on the west side of the garden, nearest the carriage drive and WF house.  I call it my favorite because I can see the changing seasons perfectly...from summer to fall...and fall to winter...by the view against the Lee house next door.  The sunset also shines against the brick walls and windows of the Lee house...in the fall the trees in that direction turn the most amazing orange color.  In the spring and summer, the sun sets through the branches of thick leaves...really something that should be taken advantage of this summer!  Perhaps I can bribe my fellow board member Cat McAndrews to make a few with a bottle of wine...

I simply couldn't leave this little piece of heaven out.  The dogwoods are ALL in full bloom, waiting for the Easter egg hunt the Saturday morning before Easter Sunday.  The Handwerker gingerbread cottage is the perfect "throne" for Mr. Bunny!  Any child (both young and young at heart) to host a tea party here is truly "top drawer", in my opinion.



So, indeed...Spring has OFFICIALLY sprung at WF.  Please feel free to picnic on the grounds and enjoy the beautiful weather (just remember to leave just as you found the grounds!)

Quiet and Still

So, last night Otherworld Paranormal Investigations came out to WF.  I gave them a brief tour then retired to the carriage house.  The team finished up near 2:45AM.  After hearing that things were "quiet" I felt bad for them.  One of the investigators mentioned that she felt as if something was on her back in the museum room. (The museum room is the former bedroom of Elliott Fontaine, he usually causes mayhem...a genuine trickster.)  There were a few things that were captured, perhaps.  I'm sure we'll get some feedback soon.  Until then, let's hope things remain quiet and still.

On another note, Michelle Williams and I will be visiting Mahaffey today to select designs for the satellite showroom upstairs in the carriage house.  It's going to be absolutely beautiful, definitely something to see.

"SPECTACULAR! SPECTACULAR!": A Splendid Evening

Saturday night's "SPECTACULAR! SPECTACULAR! Speakeasy of Southern Sensibilities" was a huge success!  The gin was flowing and so were the "clams"...the evening brought in over $1000 for the preservation efforts of APTA Memphis Chapter.  Below are a few shots from the evening.  It seems that the photographer took "fuzzy" shots, probably because that's how everyone else was seeing things.  Nonetheless, everyone looked fantastic!  We had alot of fresh faces there and can't wait to throw another event very soon!  (No names are attatched, as to protect the innocent.)

"SPECTACULAR": Sazerac

I can't believe it's just 7AM and I'm thinking about cocktails already!  Anywho...the first cocktail that came to mind when deciding what to serve tomorrow night at our "SPECTACULAR! SPECTACULAR!", was the sazerac.  This is, without a doubt, my favorite cocktail...no matter the season.  It's a drink that I was introduced to, appropriately enough, in New Orleans!  This cocktail will have a featured table and demonstration tomorrow night, that's how much I love this drink!  I hope you grow to love it as much as I do.

1838 Antoine Amedie Peychaud, owner of a New Orleans apothecary, treated his friends to brandy toddies of his own recipe, including his "Peychaud's Bitters," made from a secret family recipe. The toddies were made using a double-ended egg cup as a measuring cup or jigger, then known as a "coquetier" (pronounced "ko-k-tay"), from which the word "cocktail" was derived. Thus, the world's first cocktail was born!


1850 The Sazerac Cocktail, made with Sazerac French brandy and Peychaud's Bitters, was immensely popular, and became the first "branded" cocktail. In 1873, the recipe for the Sazerac Cocktail was altered to replace the French brandy with American Rye whiskey, and a dash of absinthe was added.

1933 The Sazerac Cocktail was bottled and marketed by the Sazerac Company of New Orleans. That same year, "Herbsaint," a pastis, was made according to a French recipe; "Herbsaint" was so named for the New Orleans term for wormwood - "Herb Sainte."

1940 The Official Sazerac Cocktail recipe was modified to use Herbsaint as the absinthe.

2000 The Official Sazerac Cocktail recipe was modified to use Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.

Now, do you see why this is my favorite cocktail?  It's a piece of history, pride, and passion...the three things that I consider to be great qualities.  Come spend your evening with us and enjoy!
 

Saturday, April 2nd  6-10 PM

Woodruff-Fontaine House (underside in the clubrooms)

680 Adams Avenue inside the Victorian Village, Memphis

Suggested donation $20 At the door (more if you're inclined)

21 and over only! (and, yes, we check)

Period dress or cocktail dress encouraged