What a beautiful home, my favorite even including the Newport Mansions! Here it is in pictures..
Entrance to the home is through the Museum.
The Dining Room
What a warm and elegant room.
The Conservatory
In the rear of the room is an organ which plays throughout the home visit.
The Billiard Room
Fireplace in the Billiard Room
The Library
The entrance and stairs to the second floor. The home is available for weddings. One can imagine how breath taking it must be to see a bride and bridal party photographed on these stairs.
The Living Room area
A portrait of George’s mother above the bookcase.
More of the living room, George’s desk. 85% of the items in the home are original.
George’s mothers bedroom and bath
In the remaining rooms there are camera exhibits, a children’s room, and home movies Eastman took of the home and farm. These films give a fascinating glimpse into Eastman’s life.
What a phenomenal visit. Upon leaving came across this statute of Phillip Seymour Hoffman in front of the Eastman Cinema. Originally from Fairport, New York, he is known to be one of the most talented and versatile actors of his time. He left us tragically at 46, and his eldest son, Cooper, recently was seen in Licorice Pizza. Captivating tribute to an amazing actor.
Marcia Resnick is a NYC Bohemian of the 1970-1980’s and still alive at 72. She is unorthodox and avant garde, born in Brooklyn. Educated at NYU, and Cooper Union, she then moved to California for further education at the California Institute of Art but returned to NYC. She has written books, and has an eccentric sense of humor. This is seen in her cartoons and writings.
Growing up in the 1970’s, she began her career photographing Viet Nam War demonstrations. She embellished her photos with gelatin color and metallics. While her works in this exhibit only included the 1970’s, she is still alive and kicking. Interesting woman.
Marcia at the time of these photographs
Her parents – note the color style..
A Travel Photo
The Grand Canyon
Her humorous side
Photo of a friend, John Belushi
Another friend and activist – Susan Sontag
One of her cartoons.
And let’s end with a final joke..
ALAN EKBERG
Photographs of whimsy was seen in this exhibit. Alan draws his work then develops photographs from these drawings. Interesting and unique, here they are:
In the hallway leading to the Museum exhibits were some interesting historical cameras and paraphernalia associated with photography. Let’s take a look.
This wall contains bottles of color for the films. And a close up..
My how things have changed..
And some cameras for filming movies and beyond..
This 1967 gem was used in the Lunar Orbiter Program photographing both sides of the moon. Its pictures helped decide where the lunar landings would be for the Apollo space program.
Now, the historic cameras..
The Motiograph Deluxe Projector, circa 1928, was one of the last projectors used in the silent film industry.
Panaflex Gold II 35 mm camera. was a wide screen camera system created for MGM. Julia Roberts has also attended the Museum, and am sure her husband, a camera man, also visited to view these fascinating historic cameras.
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The first exhibit was a collection of war photographs. Below are photos from the Civil War. Beyond this were photographs from other past wars. For war buffs they would be of interest, however, found them disturbing and will only include the below selection.
Really enjoyed this Museum, and if Rochester gets their act together with some fast EV chargers would like to return to the area for the May lilac festival, and to visit this Museum’s gardens in bloom. The Eastman home is beyond lovely, and at one point in time was 8.5 acres in size, and a working farm. It is a must see.
George Eastman
George Eastman began his life as a bank clerk. He became obsessed with creating an easier way to make photographs. Spending all his free time in this endeavor, he created a process. Calling the company Kodak, as he liked the letter K, and randomly placed the rest of the consonants and vowels he came up with a name which remains a standard recognized world wide.
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The Museum has many events with films shown several times a week in the evening. Above is remnants of their flower exhibition had just closed.
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The tour information stated George’s company went from his mother’s kitchen to the globe, and how true a statement.
Once the Kodak trademark was registered in 1888, the camera was sold with film for 100 pictures for $25. Upon completion of the film it was returned to the Rochester factory for developing and printing for $10. The owner received the camera with a fresh roll of film. It is said the camera made excellent pictures.
The camera that began it all. Reminds me of a bird house, wouldn’t you say?
George was excellent to his employees giving health care benefits, and even tuition reimbursement. He was a major philanthropist giving away $100 million prior to his death, and at his death bequeathing the remainder of his fortune to MIT, University of Rochester, and Tuskegee Institute. His home was given to the University of Rochester president for 10 years upon his death, however later became a Museum as the cost of maintaining the home was prohibitive.
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The Museum foyer has a cafe and small gift shop.
Was told Rita Moreno visited recently.
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Eastman never married, however, did have a female companion who accompanied him on his far reaching journeys. He always thought women were after him for his money, and was consumed by his business, philanthropic, and community responsibilities.
For those camera enthusiasts there are displays of every type of camera throughout the Museum.
Charles Umlauf was the son of German farmers who migrated to Chicago in 1911 to escape anti-German sentiments. At 14 he was orphaned in his tough Chicago neighborhood however managed to survive winning a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago. Post graduation the Depression struck and problems obtaining work occurred, however fate changed as he met and married, Angeline, with their partnership producing 6 children. It was also during this time his provocative and haunting work was noticed.
Example of his haunting work
Two very different sculptures depicting the family.
A realistic sculpture of Mother and Child
In 1941 he was offered and accepted a position at University of Texas at Austin where he worked for the next 40 years as an art professor and sculptor. He and his wife built a home on the grounds where the garden now stands and his donation to the City of Austin is a lasting legacy.
Religious SculpturesThen a passionate work, The LoversAnd some whimsy, The Skater
Umlauf’s works are found in the Met in NYC, the Smithsonian, and Houston’s Love Field. They run the gambit from impressionism to abstract, to life like sculptures. He worked in marble, wood, rose quartz, and onyx. Creating his sculptures using an ancient Lost Wax Method, from the classic Greeks, here are the steps:
A charcoal sketch was created.
Followed by a 3 dimensional clay model
Plaster was then molded over the clay
This was then sent to Italy where the wax was specially treated and fired creating a mold.
Copper and tin were then poured into the mold.
The final work was then chiseled away.
All this is explained in a fascinating movie narrated by Umlauf. What a unique and treasured gift Austin received in his donation of the Sculpture Garden.
Go and enjoy this must see..
This concludes my Austin visit. Great way to end the trip.
University of Texas at Austin – this campus is ENORMOUS and fascinating. UT gives you a feel for how large the Lone Star State really is. The Blanton Art Museum is on campus, however, each time I’ve visited it was closed. Go for me and let me know your thoughts.
The LBJ Library is on the grounds of UT, an amazing place.
And while we are on LBJ, stop by his ranch 50 miles west of Austin in Hill Country. They continue to breed his world famous cattle at this National Park. Only in America, but hey, it’s Texas.
The Driskoll Hotel, where LBJ and Lady Bird had their first date. An iconic hotel in downtown Austin with Romanesque architecture.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and Botanical Gardens.
The State Capitol and State Museum. Check with Auntie Google for specific times but make an effort to see both. Great tour.
HEB Supermarket – phenomenal place to visit and get groceries. Bring your own bags.
F1 Track not a fan but it is there.
Take a drive south of Austin for ribs in Lockhart. Worth the drive. Cute town.
Bucee’s – watch for the signs on the highway and stop.
Barton Springs Municipal Pool – natural spring, phenomenal.
Mount Bonnell – great views.
Wineries – there are several in the area, tours and wine remarkable.
Walkways are many, Auntie Google to decide on your favorite or do them all.
Mayfield Park – see peacocks in the trees and visit the historic home.
Walk downtown and see the sites. What architecture!
And my new favorite which I will review tomorrow Umlauf Sculpture Garden. What a peaceful spot near Barton Springs.
The final museum in this Raleigh tour was the North Carolina Museum of History. This Museum gave a portrayal of history and depicted North Carolina citizens during the various eras. Let’s start with those who lived here over 10,000 years ago those being, our native sons, the Cherokees.
In this area of the museum was an authentic Indian home. The Cherokee Indians lived in the remote mountains of North Carolina. They had little to do with white settlers until the 1700’s when trading began. Also in this area of the museum was Indian sculpture and a replica of their sports equipment, which were a chunkey and stickball, as seen in pictures below.
And can we forget the villain of the seas who strolled the Carolina waters? Here is a replica of the Blackbeard ship.
On to the Revolutionary War where a Continental Army soldier stood..
Slavery..
Civil War..
And reconstruction.
The Depression.
And on to happier days.. Flight and new innovations.
The North Carolina Sport Hall of Fame is housed at the museum. Begun in 1963 it honors many native sons and daughters who gained prominence in sports. Stop and view the introductory film at the beginning of this area. There are over 300 honored in this exhibit.
Separate from the Hall of Fame was the Legends of Racing. Here the race car of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., is displayed and a tribute to the Tar Heel racers.
At the end of the exhibit was an interesting movie bringing history to modern day. What a great way to end the visit.
Tomorrow: My favorite exhibit at the museum: Quilts
And, discover I did of this amazing museum with much to offer. This kid friendly museum provides much, read on.
Of particular interest to children seemed to be the dinosaur exhibit. Passing through I heard the oohs and aahs of many under aged as they viewed these creatures. Quite frankly, I did as well.
Then there was the tribute to the Carolina Coast.
And the creatures of the forest..
As well as the minerals from the Tar State.
Documentaries are available at the Museum. Those I viewed were Earth Flight, concerning bird migration, and Great White Sharks, informative but not scary. Pricing is reasonable and with membership discounts are available. The Museum web site is:
The North Carolina Art Museum has an extensive outside sculpture collection in their park. On most Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. they have a 90 minute free walk through the collection. On this day David, the volunteer docent, gave an amazing tour. Let’s start..
This sculpture is known as Askew, and was created by Virginia born, New York based artist Roxy Paine. Standing 30 feet tall this steel sculpture is not meant to be a tree but a dendroid, similiar to our veins. Check out the North Carolina Art Museum website to see how it was installed.
Ogromna which means huge in Polish is true to its name. This cedar sculpture was created by Polish artist Ursula vonRydingsvard. It is one solid piece of wood however it was sliced in order to be mounted in its location. The artist grew up in a wooded area of Poland where she developed her love for this art form.
The Three Shades Can you see they are one individual joined?
These lovely Rodins were the impetus for the new museum building as the owner, Iris Cantor, wished her sculptures be displayed in a better site. Thus the new museum building was forged. In front of these amazing works is a lotus pool. At the present time several sculptures are being refurbished at Stanford University.
The Rodin Garden is one of five courtyards which surround the museum building. Three of these courtyards have water features, however the courtyard pictured below was a creation of Mother Nature. It is one of simplicity and beauty. She’s quite an artist wouldn’t you say?
Linear Courtyard
While the museum was born via state funding in the 1940’s it currently is funded by a 70% foundation/30% state partnership. Support through annual memberships of $50 annually is a key component to their operation. These memberships provide many free items and discounted concerts, movies, and special events. This month a special exhibit of Frida Kahlo will be at the museum and every March Art in Bloom, the museum’s biggest fundraiser occurs.
Now, back to the tour…
Collapse by African artist Ledelle Moe is created in cement and depicts the concept that nothing last forever. Her father was a road builder and this encouraged the artist to work in this medium. It is currently on loan to the museum.
The artist also has this work in the African area of the Museum.
Crossroads in another unique piece in the Park. As the museum was built on the former Polk Youth Center this sculpture says much in its title and creation. It is made of bricks from the former youth center by Martha Jackson Jarvis.
Pigcasso is a fun piece which is part of the Discovery Center of the park. A playground is nearby by and there is a spot for picnics as well. Plans are underway for a butterfly garden.
The Museum grounds are watered via a swale system. All rainwater is captured flowing to an onsite pond. The water is cleaned via this system and provides for a beautiful spot.
What a delightful way to spend a morning. There are also volunteer docents on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. who explain paintings to children. Check out the museum website for specifics, https://ncartmuseum.org/ and come for a visit. It will leave you with many fond memories.
What a fine tribute to an amazing man. Let’s start with a little history of this incredible individual who served 11 presidents and gave more than 60 years to God and the world.
Billy Graham was raised on a dairy farm of 80 acres with 60 milking cows. The Graham Brothers Dairy was key to Billy’s life. Stop and see his boyhood home as the first part of the visit. While his mom redecorated in 1962 and Billy never lived in the redecorated home it is a lovely home to see.
From here stop and see the graves of Billy and Ruth in the Memorial Prayer Garden. Then enter the actual museum where you are greeted by…..
After leaving our Holstein cow there is a movie about Billy’s life and several rooms filled with memorabilia from his career. Billy met his wife Ruth in Wheaton College. She was the daughter of medical missionaries who lived in China.
A picture of Ruth and Billy along with a replica of their home. The translation of the saying over the fireplace is, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.”
When Billy graduated from college he ministered at one church, then was called to a revival meeting. His message was so strong that his 3 week engagement lasted 8 weeks. From here his career began in radio and before long he was ministering to the world.
While Ruth stayed at home raising 5 children she was able to travel with Billy at times. Billy often said she was the finest Christian he had ever known. Both now have left us but their children remain active in ministry with their focus outreach to those in tragedy.
Franklin Graham is having a Decision America tour in North Carolina. Here are the following dates and cities:
Young Retiree Needs a Life 