This year the George Eastman Award recipient is Jodie Foster. A gala is planned May 25th, where she will be honored, and present to accept the award. If only I could attend…, so tonight am viewing Taxi Driver. Throughout the month weekly films of Miss Foster’s work will be screened. My favorite was Panic Room. What was yours?
Did not realize she has 2 Oscars with 4 nominations, winning for Silence of the Lambs, and The Accused, and nominations for Taxi Driver, (at 13 years of age), and Nell. She has been working since she was a child, and is a Yale graduate – in good company with Meryl Streep.
The Eastman Museum has a 500 seat theater – The Dryden, and at $11. a seat is a bargain. There also are musical and community events at the Museum with a Mother’s Day Brunch, musical performances by notables, and also students from the Eastman School of Music. Will be checking out these events and keep readers updated in future blogs.
And as a Mother’s Day tribute, (belated), wish to write a few words about George Eastman’s mother, Maria Kilbourn Eastman. She loved flowers, music, and was frugal. Her husband passed early, and she raised George and 2 sisters alone, with George’s sisters also dying prematurely. George loved to lavish gifts on his mum, and named Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music for her.
This Mansion was the home of Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson. Frederick was the founder/director of First National Bank in the City of New York, which later became Citibank. Their home in Canandaigua was one of many they owned worldwide, however, it was their favorite, and they spent many summers at the property. While the home is vast it truly has a homey feel. The home on the property was originally a farmhouse, however, the Thompson’s replaced that structure with the Queen Anne mansion of 40 rooms, which was built from 1885-1887.
One of the Mansion’s Parlors
The Dining Room
Mr. Thompson’s Office is of Chinese and Japanese decor.
While there a docent played the Thompson’s Steinway Piano which is unique as it has 84, rather than the usual 88 keys.
What a treat.
Mary Clark Thompson..
Her Bedroom
Some of her clothes
Mrs. Thompson was originally from Onondaga County. Her father was the Onondaga County Sheriff and later served 2 years as New York’s Governor. She met her husband at a party while her father was Governor. They were married within 6 months of meeting. Their marriage was a happy one, however, the couple had no children. Upon their deaths the home was willed to a nephew, but this was during the depression, so the nephew sold it to the federal government for $100,000. The actual value of the home and property was several million yet during the depression money was tight, and this was a fair sale according to one of the many well versed docents at the Mansion.
On the property a VA Hospital was built, and the home was used as a residence for nurses and doctors until 1970.
Mrs. Thompson’s sister was a teacher in the area and had a bedroom at the Mansion.
The Thompson’s had many diverse interests – hiking, music, animals, and travel. Some rare finds are pictured below.
Mary was involved in the community with one of her main concerns the Iroquois Indian population. She donated much of her time and energy to improve their lives. She was so loved in the community upon her death flags in the county were half masted.
Added Bonus – during this month there is an exhibit on the Underground Railroad. There are many interesting placards to read regarding this time in history. One fascinating fact – it was recently discovered that information regarding the location of railroad stops were “stitched” into quilts. As of yet these codes have yet to be deciphered.
Underground Railroad Map
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Upon her husband’s death Mary focused her grieving on the development of the gardens at the Mansion. Let’s visit them.
The Japanese Garden – this was the first Japanese Garden in the United States
The Rock Garden – my favorite
The Blue and White Garden – only blue and white flowers with a Diana statute looking on..
More Gardens..
After the visit traveled into the City of Canandaigua which is a beautiful spot. Walked along the lake and took in the mountains and other scenery. While there “young adults” were busily snapping pictures in their Senior Ball attire. What fun to watch these folks and their parents socializing while pictures taken. Also in this area are several high end restaurants and I was even able to locate an EV charger, and while slow it worked and I was able to return to Rochester with some charge left.
Had a wine tasting at New York Kitchen. For $13 received 4 ample samples – is that a rhyme or what? Also had their seasoned french fries – yum for $8. and have enough for 5 future servings. This restaurant is an interesting concept as it gives cooking lessons, as well as the usual music.
What a phenomenal visit!
Would love to summer here.
View from the porch of the Sonnenberg Mansion.
There are many comfortable chairs on the porch to relax in.
What a whirlwind day… The Market, Highland Park, Mount Hope Cemetery, and the Susan B. Anthony House tour. Amazing. While the tour was to last 45 minutes my docent, Martha, and I spent 90 minutes touring, and talking of the life of this astonishing woman. Susan B. Anthony was born a Quaker into a large family. While she had minimal formal education she used her talents to light the world in her mission for equality of women, in voting, in marriage, and in the financial arena. She began her career teaching in Canajoharie, N.Y., where here she acquired her love for fashion after assisting with her family needs. She made $100 annually.
Her father was a businessman but when he lost all in a depression of this era he moved the family to Rochester buying a farm. Susan worked on the farm, and later the family moved to the City where he began an insurance company. It was at that time the family acquired the home. The adjacent home was acquired decades later for a Visitor Center through the efforts of Hillary Clinton.
Her alligator bag which accompanied her on all her travels.
In the City of Rochester Susan became an activist working on many initiatives. She worked with Clara Barton to begin nursing schools, abolitionists to ensure rights for slaves working closely with Frederick Douglass, and lecturing throughout the country and world to promote these initiatives. She was known to write over 100 letters per week to influence these causes.
Susan B. Anthony Square is not far from the home. Here is this statute of she and Frederick Douglass discussing issues.
At 5’6″ and 140 pounds she was known to be a health nut taking cold sponge baths daily as well as exercising daily. Dying at 86 in this time period these items seemed to work.. Susan befriended, and worked with many throughout the world and was the motivation of the 1920 amendment giving women the vote, which occurred 14 years after her death.
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The Home
Susan’s Bedroom – A dress she wore given to her by Mormon women. When the dress was found in disrepair Mormon women of recent date took the garment and had it repaired for inclusion at the home.
The third floor of the home was the “offices” of the suffragist movement for over 40 years. Here the work of the organization was conducted. Susan was a great fundraiser, and much of her support came from Vanderbilt women.
A Parlor in the Home
A picture of a friend who was part of the Underground Railroad, and one of Susan’s traveling trunks. This trunk was returned by family and housed a treasure trove of papers Susan had written.
A chair given to her on her 80th birthday by a furniture designer friend.
Wonder if she ever took the time to sit in it??
Susan was an avid gardener, and gardens are maintained in the back of her home by the conservators.
This woman spurred a revolution without weapons, or anarchy. Perhaps a paraphrase of her last comments given publicly says it all,
Failure is impossible. When women gather good things happen.
Found this Cemetery across from Highland Park. It is 192 acres of the final resting place of over 350,000, former Rochester residents. Many of prominence such as Frederick Douglass, and Susan B. Anthony are buried here.
Susan B. Anthony lies next to her sister, and Frederick Douglass between his 2 wives and daughter.
Stop at the Cemetery Office for a map to find these graves, and others of prominence from the Rochester area.
There are several sections devoted to our veterans who paid the ultimate price.
And a special section devoted to firefighters.
There are also many beautiful buildings and chapels in disrepair. Met some Friends of the Cemetery, and they give tours so will be checking this out in my future blogs. Their website is http://www.fomh.org.
Finally, mausoleums of interest old – and new..
Never saw a modern mausoleum, but here are two examples.. Who knew? Can you imagine the cost for these??
Highland Park was Rochester’s first Park and dates back to 1883.
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As I will be in Europe visiting the Castles of the Loire Valley during the Rochester Lilac Festival decided to visit today. Only was able to take in part of the Park so will be returning later prior to my European departure. The flowers, the flowering trees, the fragrances were like none I had ever experienced. What a profoundly beautiful place and I didn’t even get to the lilacs on this visit!
Fascinating tree with white, pink, and red flowers all in one tree.
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Sadly, I arrived at 4:05 pm so missed this conservatory. Will return later – look forward to it.
Lovers on a swing..
More tulips.
Part of the Park also includes Warner’s Castle which is currently not open to the public, however has a virtual tour found on the following web site.
After a 12 hour shift decided to visit this spot and see what all the chatter was about. It didn’t disappoint. While it was a cold and rainy May day, (45 degrees), there was a good selection of friendly vendors bearing the cold, and selling at phenomenal prices. Picked up a good sized bag of assorted colored cherry tomatoes, $2, yummy, as well as grape leaves – 10/$3, syrup $11 a quart, amazing pork chops – thick cut $2/each, and many other finds. The flowers and herbs were alluring but just didn’t have enough room in my bag,. Oh shucks!
Coffee shops, and other vendors line the open market.
And the butcher shop was my favorite. Haven’t been to something like this since I was a little girl.
What great cuts of meat and friendly service.
And in this cabinet things you can’t find anywhere – pigs feet, cow bones, oxtail..
Had a great breakfast sandwich on a roll at this spot, and took home their jambalaya for later feasting. I probably should have gotten the chili as well..
And will have to return when they have other events.
Just completed this fascinating tome of history regarding the royal family. I recommend anyone who is a royal watcher to indulge in this riveting work of real life and time intrigue. While there has been outrage at this work it is something most of us already knew, only now it is in print.
I was unaware how vast Prince Harry’s military career was, and while I scanned most of his voluminous explanations of war the courage of his actions were omnipresent. Perhaps that is how he acquired the strength to separate from his extremely dysfunctional family.
Was interesting to read his relationship with Meghan Markle began on the birthday of his mum, Princess Diana.
If that was not a sign, nothing was.
And one last comment – Harry, you made the right decision by moving on.
The lobby of this Museum is inviting and open. Architecturally the Museum is a work of art with the old and new blended.
The Rochester Finger Lakes Exhibit
The lovely sculpture which welcomes you to the exhibit is The West Wind, 1876, a marble work by Thomas Ridgeway Gould.
Next some American classics – a creamer by Paul Revere.
A Thomas Cole, Genesee Scenery, from 1846. Cole traveled extensively through New York State painting. He had a home in the Hudson Valley of New York State. Am unsure if it still open to the public, but check it out if in the vicinity, and Olana, Frederick Church’s home as well. While Cole was British born, he is considered an American artist.
And this painting by Winslow Homer, The Artist’s Studio in an Afternoon Fog, 1894.
This work brings back memories. Approximately 35 years ago my daughter and I visited the Jersey shore staying at a bed and breakfast. The lodgings were the home of this artist. His 90 year old granddaughter owned, and managed the artists former home. She gave us a tour of his studio. Priceless.
His work also appears at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Articles Hung on a Door, John Peto, circa 1890.
Statutes: Abraham Lincoln’s Life Mask and Hands, in bronze, and Harriet Tubman’s portrait sculpture for a 122nd St. park .
Some Impressionist’s Work
Maurice Prendergast, Woodland Bathers
Childe Hassam, The Bathers
A Norman Rockwell- Soldier on Leave, 1944.
And some modern works..
Venus de Milo – interesting but prefer the one at the Louvre
An Andy Warhol of a local philanthropist’s wife. Lovely.
And a work by George Condo, 2010. Mr. Condo worked for Andy Warhol.
The Museum also had a vast collection of religious works, items from South America – Mayan, African works as well as several Egyptian mummies. This was an amazing visit and if in the area make a point to stop by.
And if you are looking for a wedding venue the Museum is available. The older area of the Museum with its beautiful wooden walls, staircases, and flooring would make for a unique wedding setting.
Also down the street is Village Square with a collection of restaurants, pop up markets, and small unique shops for your retail pleasure.
The Memorial Art Gallery resides in a former University of Rochester dorm with modern extensions. It is a memorial to James George Averell, a grandson of Hiram Sibley, an American industrialist who pioneered the telegraph. Averell, sadly, died at 26.
Prior to entering the Museum explore the grounds as there is an eclectic group of sculptures.
There is a playground of sorts for children to climb on the statutes as this little one did.
Much of the Museum’s masters, and there are many, came from the George Eastman collection as well as other wealthy businessmen of the area.
Each year the Museum sponsors the Finger Lakes Festival, which is now in its 68th year. Interspersed with the masters are local artists of notoriety and found it to be an interesting and well developed collection. In the next blog will highlight some of my favorite pics. Stay tuned..
My 40 year old daughter is marrying for the first time on June 24th. While we’ve had the normal calamities since the November engagement it hasn’t been horrific. Early on I decided to give a check for a certain amount for the event and otherwise stay out of it. I have cringed at the dress, and put my foot down about the restaurant, but overall left it up to them. The other side who I have not yet met have had the same philosophy, and am grateful for that.
Initially it was to be a 10 person event at a Long Island Town Hall with a dinner at a restaurant across the street, but somehow that mushroomed into 60 people with the groom’s side, then 60 of my daughter’s friends. Once I heard that I offered a stipend and said work it out. The groom’s side decided on an after wedding event in Wisconsin on a river boat as his 60 family members live in the Chicago area, and 45 friends and family will attend a destiny wedding at a friend’s home in Amish Country, Pennsylvania.
Today my daughter, the future bride, texted me a picture of her wedding band and it hit me – she’s really doing this.
Funny, how things like that make you wake to reality.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 