Southern Summers: Summer Scavenger Hunt

Our scavenger hunt is quickly coming to a close, but there's still a week to catch anything you may have missed.  This item is a "haunting" preview of what is to come during our "Mourning Memphis" exhibit.  Do you know what it is, where it is, and any "spectral" information about it???



Southern Summers: Summer Scavenger Hunt

This brilliantly painted floral jar graces the hall table to the right of the second floor tower room.  One of a pair, this Italianate porcelain piece dates around mid 19th century.  Above, Lulu Montgomery's portrait smirks of mischief.



Southern Summers: Summer Scavenger Hunt

During the past weeks, the scavenger hunt items have been simply obvious.  As we draw to the close of "Southern Summers" at the WF, the items will be more difficult to place...



Southern Summers: Summer Scavenger Hunt

Here's the reveal!  The tall stained glass window is situated at the top of the stairs.  Originally, the window may have been clear.  The beautiful stained  piece was donated from a Carnes Avenue home here in Memphis.  The lower piece is trimmed with "bull's eye" glass.  The multi-colored spheres are original to the home, but used in a very different way.  Inside the crown molding in the front hall, these pieces were faceted behind plaster medallions.  So, when the sunshine came through the original glass window door, the light would bounce off of the glass creating a rainbow effect through the front hall.  Mr. Woodruff called this effect his "aura of wealth"!  The sheer craftsmanship is genius, but the design is absolutely breathtaking. 



Southern Summers: Summer Scavenger Hunt



Here's the third item on the Summer scavenger hunt...do you know what this is?  How about where?  Answers will be posted on Sunday!!!

Southern Summers: Summer Scavenger Hunt

After a long celebratory weekend for your faithful blogger, I realized that I had neglected to update the scavenger hunt item...so here it is:

And here is the reveal...



This beautiful piece sits in the alcove, generally, inside the Ballroom.  The Woodruff family used this room for the reception of their beloved daughter's (Mollie) wedding reception on December 21, 1871!  This luxurious room also hosted Grand Duke Alexis during his short stay here in Memphis while on tour in 1872.  I digress, the beautiful Royal Vienna vase, ca. 1820 rests on the backs of three carved wooden pelicans that have been gilded with gold.  Two goat heads rest just below the handles on each side and a scene is painted on the face of the vase.  At one time this may have been converted into a lamp!!!  I can't imagine, but the metal plate and fixture sits just inside the mouth of the vase.  A favorite piece of many of our guests.

Afternoons in the WF

Some days when I walk through the museum to turn lights off before closing, I pause to take in the different perspective that the late afternoon light offeres.  Here's just a few images...a bit haunting...a bit romantic.

 Napolean Hill

Astral glass

Lula Montgomery

last light



I'm no Monty Shane, Andrea Cowart, or Amanda Hill...though, I see what I like and like what I see.

Southern Summers: Summer Scavenger Hunt

Here's the second item inside the museum to find.  I felt that the painted canvas mat was just an easy start, so this one may take some time. 



Southern Summers: Summer Scavenger Hunt

Here is the clue posted Monday.  To my surprise there were a few answers...some were right, some were wrong, and some were both! 

The item is a painted canvas mat that lies in the formal parlor.  It was hand painted by Kimberly Dicus and and Barbara Presley,  titled "Sweet Woodruff".  This seasonal floor covering rests under the large wool rug during the fall, winter, and spring.  Long about May, the wool rug is cleaned and stored...as many early Memphis families would do during the turn of the century.  Wool rugs, heavy tapestry, draperies, and heavy table coverings were often removed from rooms, as they were heavy and insulated the already uncomfortable rooms during the summer months.  Be sure to check tomorrow for the next Summer Scavenger Hunt item!