Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Blithewald by the Sea
Blithewald – a gracious 45-room mansion by the sea, surrounded by extensive tree plantings and formal gardens, including a sunken European-style garden with a marble shell fountain. Does this description sound familiar? The slight difference … Read more.
The Trip on the Lusitania
In April 1910 Bessie and William McKee, with Marjorie and 11-year old Augustine, took a 2-month long trip to Europe taking in the major cities and traveling first-class all the way. They sailed on … Read more.
Bristol Phoenix, Tuesday, June 22, 1897: Opening of a New Golf Club House
*Article from the Bristol Phoenix, Tuesday, June 22, 1897* The formal opening of the new club house of the Bristol Golf Club took place Saturday afternoon and proved to be a very pleasant occasion. The … Read more.
February at Blithewold “I Remember”
The Christmas decorations are put away for another year, and Blithewold enters a hibernation of sorts — taking a well-earned rest before the activity and commotion of preparing for another season. An icy wind is … Read more.
Fox Dressmaking Company
The Fox Company, Bessie Van Wickle-McKee’s favorite dressmaker, was one of the oldest and most elite dressmaking establishments in the United States. Founded by the four Fox sisters in 1885, it occupied an elegant house … Read more.
Italian Tiles & The Brokaw Clock
Italian Tiles A box of left-over tiles from the Breakfast Porch was recently discovered in the basement. They revealed that these much-admired pink poppy tiles were made in Italy sometime around the turn of the twentieth century and … Read more.
The Stickley Room
Newer members may think we have a new room at Blithewold – the small room across from Augustine’s on the second floor. Older members may reminisce and recognize that it is now exactly as it … Read more.
A Dog’s Life at Blithewold
This amusing article was written by our dear friend and colleague, Mary Philbrick, eleven years ago. It is as charming today as it was then! Blithewold’s Great Lawn is a perfect place for dogs to … Read more.
GETTYSBURG
I recently visited Gettysburg and found Pardee Field where Bessie’s brother, Ario Pardee, led his men (Pennsylvania 147th) into battle on the 3rd day of the Battle of Gettysburg, July 3rd, 1863. There is a … Read more.
Marjorie’s Wedding One Hundred Years Ago
This month we are celebrating the hundredth anniversary of Marjorie Van Wickle’s marriage to George Lyon which took place on a beautiful summer’s day at Blithewold on June 1, 1914. At 4 o’clock in the … Read more.