Fresh Start

I've been aching to publish a blog about the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum for a long time.  Inspired by reading one of Elliott Fontaine's personal journals, I decided to go ahead with it.  After beginning a few times, I thought it best to commit to a "fresh start" in the spring.  Well, spring has sprung and I stay true to my word. 

The content of the blog will completely rely on the goings on, the ups and downs, the ins and outs (not to mention a healthy dose of history) of the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum.  The "WF" resides in the area of Memphis named Victorian Village and stands among ancient magnolia trees on Adams Avenue, known once as "Millionaire's Row"  The Second Empire French mansion was a home to two prominent families during the late 19th century and early 20th century, the Amos Woodruff family and the Noland Fontaine family, and an art school that grew to become what is now the Memphis College of Art.  There's plenty of time for those histories...

Today the property is a museum, under the care of APTA, Memphis Chapter (Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities).  APTA is a state wide non profit association that strives to preserve our rich Tennesse history, customs, and relics.  I serve on the board of directors here in Memphis, serve as a volunteer docent, and have taken the museum as a "second home".  The Memphis APTA is a non profit that saved the property from it's certain demise, restored the mansion and carriage houses, and have leased the property from the city for the past fifty years soley for the purpose of historic education and aesthetic enjoyment.  We are currently working to renew our lease from the City of Memphis.

It's a daily struggle and a daily gift to everyone associated with this grand home...and I call it "home" because it is.  The staff, volunteers, board members, and guests make this such a "home-like" environment.  Not to mention the residents that never left, our beloved gentle spirits that guide and entertain most of us there on a regular basis.  I truly hope that this is as rewarding and pleasing for you to read, as it is for me to compose.  I will do my best to fill this blog with the images and stories that have made me a better man, a better person for having been graced by the spirit of Woodruff-Fontaine House.  Thank you, Mr. Fontaine...for the daily inspiration and your "Daily Reminder".