Grey Gardens And "Little Edie" Beale

Above images from the 1920's

If the walls of Grey Gardens could talk, they would resound in laughter, and the cries of the dramatic and curious souls that once roamed it's halls. This grand estate, nestled in the upper crust town of East Hampton, New York, was home to Edith Ewing Bouvier and Phelan Beales. They purchased the home, in 1923, and with it's beautiful gardens and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, it was an idyllic retreat.
Unfortunately, in 1931, Phelan walked out on his wife, and three children. Thus, leaving "Big Edie" all alone with only her family to rely on for help and support. She once had big dreams of a career in the entertainment industry, but those proved to be elusive.
Her only daughter, "Little Edie", was born in November of 1917. A first cousin to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, "Little Edie" was quite the busy young socialite. Having attended the some of the best schools in Manhattan, and making her debut at the Pierre Hotel in 1936, she led a very privileged life. She modeled clothes for Macy's, and had a constant appetite for being famous someday, even linking herself, personally, to several prominent gentlemen. Although, many of these liaisons never seemed to have their roots in reality.

A young "Little Edie"

In July of 1959, "Little Edie" would return to Grey Gardens to live with her mother, a temporary move, that lasted twenty years.
After the caretaker for Grey Gardens passed away, in 1963, the maintenance of such a large estate and the surrounding property fell into disrepair. Both "Big" and "Little Edie" preferred to live amongst the growing vines and ever encroaching clutter and garbage. A sad commentary, on the lives that once were so grand.
In 1971, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis came to their rescue, and offered a large sum of money, and services to help restore the rundown estate, after the town threatened to evict the women, due to unsanitary, and dangerous living conditions. It was a quick fix, that lasted for a short while, and soon the property spiraled downward, into further decay.

"Little Edie" at Grey Gardens, circa 1970's

In 1975, the brothers, Albert and David Maysles, shot "Big" and "Little Edie" to fame with a documentary about Grey Gardens. It was a unique perspective into the lives of two very unusual, and eccentric women. Here is an interview, with Albert Maysles, on the 30th anniversary (4 years ago), of the film, hosted by Jenny Mayer of Plum TV.



The fascinating story of Grey Gardens, was made into a Broadway musical, and further explored in the 2009, HBO film of the same name, starring Drew Barrymore, and Jessica Lange.
Grey Gardens is a fantastic estate, that, over these many years, has seen it's share of heartache, and neglect. The present owners have since restored the grounds and the home to it's present glory, retaining the charm and character of this fine property.
Below, are some photos from a real estate listing this past winter, for a summer rental at Grey Gardens... will we see you there? Ciao! -Al

Photos courtesy hamptons.curbed.com

Add An Antique Movie Poster To Your Decor

What better way to decorate your media or family room, than with an antique movie poster... or three... or four! With their bold graphics and engaging subject matter, these beauties are real treasures to bring into your home, or office. Plus, there are so many to choose from in this fascinating category of memorabilia collecting.

Back in the day, (yes, we are talking before the movie trailers and press junkets of today), the movie poster, and the lobby card, were the means by which the major production companies promoted, and enticed the Average Joe, to go out to the theater to catch their latest release. These posters were rented, or loaned to the movie theaters, strictly to promote the film. Then they were sent on, to the next theater on the distributors list. They were never meant to be sold to the general public, and were often printed on inexpensive paper. Some of the best examples of the more famous movie posters are shown here in this post.

If you loved that classic horror movie, or preferred that tangled love story, there is a vintage movie poster that can conjure up those distant memories. Perhaps, you first saw these films at your favorite Drive-in Movie, or on that first date. Whatever the case may be, they are a dramatic way to bring back a time long ago, before Netflix, and Pay Per View. When we could actually afford to go out to dinner, and see a movie. Do you remember those days? We do.

There are auction houses, companies, and private dealers that sell the original versions of these fabulous posters, but they don't come cheap. And, with all of the great resources that are out in the market today, you can bring home a handful of reproductions of these great masterpieces, for a song.
Of course, we have our favorites, some are even pictured here.... let us know what yours are, we'd love to hear from you soon. -Al
P.S. Dear friends, please don't forget to Follow, Friend, Tweet and sing about this latest post by Skylark Manor, on whatever platform you choose! Thanks.

A Vintage Rose Garden

Years ago, our grandmother carefully tended one of the most exquisite rose gardens, in her small backyard in Flushing, NY. As children, we would play hide and seek among the tidy little islands of hybrid tea roses. We were always being reminded by our parents, of the delicate, and thorny nature of these towering blooms, which grew in shades of crimson, fuchsia, yellow and creamy white.
When these beauties were ready for cutting, our grandmother would lovingly place them, at center stage, in a clear glass vase on the living room table. Thus, anointing the space with their pleasurable scent. It is a memory that is as fresh, as those flowers were that day.
David Austin, is a renowned British rose breeder, whose specialty is preserving and continuing the "old" rose garden. A connoisseur of growing large petaled and immensely fragrant rose varieties, he offers a wide selection for every taste. Here is a peek at some of the roses David Austin has to offer, as featured in the May/June 2011 issue of Garden Design Magazine...

'Rosalind'

'Juliet' and 'Miranda'

'Kiera'

We are sure grandmother would approve of these gorgeous blooms for her own garden. And the notion of nurturing a vintage plant, so very rich in tradition, memory, and beauty. -Al
Photos courtesy Garden Design Magazine, by Maria Robledo

Not Your Mother's Hand-Me-Down

So you had your heart set on the antique side table in your Mother's home. And low and behold, she's told you it is going to be left to the eldest child, her first born... hooray. Of course it came as a shock, a brutal blow to your ego, and your untimely placement in the pecking order.
In your mind, there was a place for that vintage treasure, down the hallway, just inside the front door. To hold the mail, the keys, the stuff of your life. But honestly, you knew all along this day would come, right? Especially since you were never the "favorite" child.
Alas, you drag yourself home, and mope about your fate for a few days... and then the dawn breaks. You sit down to contemplate the next move. Do you go out hunting, and searching at garage sales for that perfect, old, look alike counterpart? Deep down in your heart, you know it will never turn up.
Or, do you resort to trying the DIY approach, by painting, and distressing that old, shop worn card table in the basement?
Our suggestion is this. Put down your paint brush. Sit down and let us show you a few things, that may make your heart skip a beat again. Check out these fabulous offerings from Tracy Porter. She just happens to procure some of the most creative, unique, and beautiful handmade wood furniture. And yes, they all have that vintage, timeless appeal, that will certainly enhance any decor. Here are our recommendations.

Perhaps something in blue?

Chateau Side Table

Or maybe a laid back distressed feel?

Carved Estate Side Table

A little Mahogany number, with spindle legs?

Vineyard Side Table

Oh heck, go big, and put a sideboard in that hallway!

French Heritage Country Sideboard

These stunning pieces of furniture scream heirloom, vintage, and flat out fabulousness. Have we solved the problem for you? Your siblings will all be wondering where Mother was hiding these beauties. Don't worry, we won't tell, if you don't. Ciao- Al
All photos courtesy Tracy Porter