Inside the WF: Summer Chandeliers

I received a call from a friend who reads this blog with a question about a picture.  I took the following picture last year during Southern Summers.  The response was so great that I'm going to find myself teetering from a very tall ladder again this year! 

There are a few reasons why folks covered chandeliers in the summertime.  The first is simple, the fixture wasn't used.  Chandeliers used candles (gasoliers used gas)...they created unwanted heat in the house. 

The second is to keep the fixture clean while the windows were open.  Remember, there was no air conditioning!  Many streets, at least here in Memphis, were compacted dirt and clay during this time.  The dry dusty whirlwind would float right into the house through the unscreened windows.  Other furnishings like fine silk sofas, chairs, and settees were also covered for protection during the summer. 

Thirdly, and probably a more offensively, was to keep the flies away.  Most of these grand chandeliers were crystal or cut glass.  The prisms would sparkle and shine in the daylight hours.  To flies and water bugs, the shimmering reflection looks like water...drawing them in search of an afternoon drink!  The insects would land on any "water-like" surface and secrete acids.  This acid eats through crystal prisms, glass, and mirrored or reflective surfaces.  Leaving behind what we call "water spots".  In addition to chandeliers, most mirrors, glass, crystal, and silver were covered with net for protection from these pests.

And, even today some "Old Southerners" still cover up heirloom chandeliers...as a nod of respect and tradition.  A friend of mine in New Orleans does this from early spring until autumn, making for some interesting dinner conversation with friends. 



Thoughts on Southern Summers

I try my best to ensure that every detail in our displays is well thought out, well planned, and well researched.  Some themes are easier than others and the information literally jumps from the pages of history.  Sometimes, I'm not so lucky and usually begin to "burn out".  There are times...and themes that I just sit back and let it flow.  Southern Summers is just that kind of theme. 

I believe that I am one of just a few true Southern born and bred volunteers inside the WF.  While others have made "the South" home for many years, I have always called the South home. I've always thought of myself as a true Southern gentleman having been born and raised into a "good ol' Southern" family.  So, it comes as no surprise that I find this theme extremely effortless.  And, here's why...

Over the past 100 years (or, more), summertime traditions and lifestyle of Southerners hasn't changed all that much.  It truly must be the heat and humidity!  We move (and talk) a little slower...even more graceful, our skin seems to always glisten from the humidity, and our tempers are either sweet and docile or as violent as a summer thunderstorm.  Our forefathers of the last two centuries were no different.

Eating habits are lighter, fluid intake is greater.  Specific styles are maintained both personally and in the home.  We wear linen, seersucker, and fluid cotton...the lighter and more loose, the better.  Our homes take a turn by making everything effortless and as cool as we can.  Outside evening entertainment either poolside or lounging in the park is always preferred to sitting in a stuffy house.  And, just like that...we're in the lifestyle once lived by our grands and their grands. 

I feel a sense of nostalgia more in the summer than any other season.  Being barefoot...drinking my mother's incredibly sweet iced tea out of plastic cups...running through the sprinkler in the yard...having picnics...swimming at night...fresh strawberries in sugar.  More than memories, it's just what we did...what we do...during a Southern Summer. 

Now, I've found my "happy place"...time to kick off my shoes, sit back with a tall glass of sweet tea, and let the ideas flow.  I can't wait for you to see how this turns out...heck, I can't wait to see how this turns out!

Southern Summers...teaser!

We've added some new florals to complete the themed rooms.

Our "wedding belles" this year are from the early 1900s.



The third floor hall is dedicated to gentlemen at the turn of the century, thanks

to our local Brooks Brothers for donating forms to properly display these vintage

textiles and accessories.  Finally, the "men of the house" get into the limelight!

Southern Summers

June 6 - August 5

"Titanic Entry" by Elliott Hill Fontaine

I'm not sure if there were any Memphis connections to the sinking of Titanic, but the impact was felt globally within days.  And, Memphis was certainly no exception.  One of the most cherished pieces in WF's permanent collection is that of Elliott Fontaine's diary.  I've mentioned it several times in previous posts.  The special significance is that the diary was kept during the year 1912.  Below is an image of his entry about the Titanic. 

"The papers today publish an account of the White Star SS. Titanic, which in it's maiden voyage collided with an iceberg off Newfoundland sinking within four hours, and carrying down more than thirteen hundred of it's two thousand passengers."

Titanic

These past few days have brought a plethora of coverage surrounding the S.S. White Star Titanic that sank 100 years ago after a collision with an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland.  I see the blow by blow of the sinking.  I see endless shots of the ship's skeleton beneath the deep water.  But, one thing that I haven't seen alot of is the interior of the ship.  The design, the details, the absolute grandeur and epic beauty of the spaces inside the Titanic.  Here are a few shots of several spaces that I found thumbing around some other historical blogs and sites.  Some of the pictures eerily look like they had been taken just yesterday. 

 The iconic Grand Staircase...emptied into lounge adjacent to dining room

The Cafe Parisien...authentic French menu and music

Gymnasium...a bit primitive, also included a spa

 First class lounge...gathering place before formal meals

Smokeroom...a retreat for the gentlemen aboard

The Veranda...for afternoon tea...a favorite of Mollie Brown

Inside the WF: Floors and Windows

Recently, our floors and windows got some much needed attention.  After many, MANY years of green carpet, the carriage house floors were updated with stained concrete floors.  The end results are fantastic.  The update of the floors was preceded by the interior window sills and panes being painted inside the mansion.  While the handy work isn't visible in most of the rooms, the need for the paint job was very important.  It also gave the opportunity for some spring cleaning.  Below are a few pictures of the floors in the center room of the carriage house in different stages and our very fragile lace curtains being soaked and cleaned by board members Peggy Lovell, Jane Work, and Karen Ralston!  Thank you ladies for rinsing out, what I'm sure resembled the muddy waters of the Mighty Mississippii...or worse, the Gayoso Bayou!



Easter bunny smiles and puppy dog kisses...

Saturday, March 31st marked the fourth annual egg hunt at the WF!  Mr. Bunny was on hand for photo ops and puppies galore were on hand eagerly awaiting belly rubs and ear scratches.  The weather couldn't have been more beatiful for all the fun crafts and games that were planned.  Empty baskets left full along with lots of happy smiles.  Below are a few pictures from that sun-shiney morning!

President of APTA Memphis Chapter, Mrs. Peggy Lovell and Mr. Bunny (who is a close personal friend of Dr. Lovell...and approves this picture)

APTA board member, Mrs. Karen Ralston and Mr. Bunny.  Mrs. Ralston is also our textiles director and volunteers each year for the egg hunt.

 Many happy faces posing with Mr. Bunny.  Fun and games ensued after photo ops with lots of mommies and daddies in tow.

 APTA board treasurers, Mrs. Pera and Mrs. Fite setting up mid-morning snacks under the wisteria arbor.

 Puppies, puppies, puppies...among the laughter of children the YAPPING of excited puppies!