Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Bristol News: March 1, 1897

One hundred and twenty-three years ago, on March 1, 1897, Marjorie Van Wickle was at the Jekyll Island Club in Brunswick, Georgia, with her parents Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle.  While she was there she … Read more.

The Bristol Summerhouse

An Archives volunteer recently brought a magazine article to share with us. It was “Focal Points” by Garden Antiques dealer, Barbara Israel. She describes a visit to Winterthur to see an exhibit called “Follies: Architectural … Read more.

THE Big Tree

Blithewold is officially back open for the season, warmly inviting visitors to tour the Mansion and grounds all beautifully decorated in the theme of A Grand Tour of Europe. And one of the favorite attractions … Read more.

Teatime in England

The decorating of Marjorie’s Bedroom in the Mansion, which has an English theme  for Christmas at Blithewold’s “A Grand Tour of Europe,” fell to Betty Durfee, a sixth-year decorating volunteer, who teamed up with volunteer Nancy … Read more.

A Blue and White Swedish Christmas

When Nancy Rosner learned that this year’s Blithewold Christmas theme was A Grand Tour of Europe, she drew inspiration for her “Christmas in Sweden” theme in the loggia from the colors Sweden is known for. … Read more.

“I Simply Love It”

“I simply love it,” was Jane Hennessey, fifth year decorating volunteer’s response to why she keeps coming back to help prepare Blithewold for Christmas at Blithewold every year. Jane and her best friend, Debbie Brown, … Read more.

Christmas at Blithewold 2012: “A Grand Tour of Europe”

Can you believe winter is just around the corner? We can—because it’s that time of year again… Christmas at Blithewold! I know what you’re thinking … so soon? It’s never too soon for Christmas, so … Read more.