Horticulture, Architecture, and Decorative Arts

“Henry Francis duPont transformed into a museum the house on a hill at Winterthur, Delaware, where two generations of his family had lived before him” (11).

The Book

Henry F. duPont and Winterthur: A Daughter’s Portrait by Ruth Lord introduces the reader to a man who had a love for gardening and preserving American architecture and decorative arts. duPont chose to share that love with the world when he opened Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library.

Lord provides a brief look into the duPont ancestry and how they arrived in the Brandywine Valley area of Delaware. A great-grandfather founded the gun powder company that eventually became the DuPont chemical company. Henry Francis duPont was born into this family and lived a life of material luxury. However, Lord paints a picture of an insecure and dependent child who struggled in school. 

At an early age duPont showed an interest in gardening and interior design. When duPont’s mother died, he took over the household duties at Winterthur and eventually the grounds, gardens, and farms. While visiting a friend in 1923, duPont was bitten by the American architecture and decorative arts “bug”. He began to collect interiors of buildings as well as furniture. The idea for a museum gradually developed and it opened in 1951. Lord says, “[duPont] did not buy things wholesale but more often with a definite plan in mind” (188). This is evident in the woodwork from five states incorporated into the museum and the multiple period rooms on display.

Henry F. duPont and Winterthur is written like a relative is sharing her memories – it does jump around some, but it is easy to follow. The chapters are short and several provide unique insights or perspectives into duPont’s life. One interesting chapter focuses solely on the planning that went into weekend parties and dinners. It is evident from the book that duPont loved this land and American decorative arts and sought to preserve both. One could argue that, with the largest collection of Americana and vast native landscapes, he succeeded.

The Place
Winterthur is named for a Swiss town and it means "door of winter". Yet, the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library is anything but just a door of winter. Year round it offers breathtaking views in the gardens and a peak into American decorative arts in the museum.

In creating the garden, duPont planned for year-round blooming. From February to November, various plants paint colors in the gardens where visitors can stroll or take tram rides. Winterthur is known for its azaleas, which bloom in May. I visited in July and was able to see hostas and hydrangeas. We took a tram ride around the grounds to see various gardens, the barn, and the old post office.

A tour of the home provides a look into life for the duPonts and their guests, as well as historic American decorative art. The tour begins with the first piece duPont collected and from there each room reveals his passion to preserve this part of American history. The dining room provides a glimpse into how meticulously duPont planned each meal (from the food, to the china, to the flowers).

There are a variety of admission packages available, with some providing an in-depth tour of the museum. Winterthur is closed on Monday, so make sure to plan accordingly. It would be better to tour the grounds during nice weather and year-round blooming does allow for different scenery each visit. 

Uniting the Islands

“…here, where there is a breathtaking view of the jagged green volcanic peaks of Kaneohe and Kailua to the north, there is also a long and very steep precipice tumbling to the lowlands” (253).

The Book

The Warrior King: Hawaii’s Kamehameha the Great takes the reader through the life of Kamehameha, the man who unified the Hawaiian Islands. Prior to this, the islands were ruled by various chiefs and there was always a struggle for power. Author Richard Tregaskis does caution the reader that prior to 1778 (when Captain James Cook arrived), there are no dates in Hawaiian history. There also was no written language in Hawaii, all history was handed down orally.

Kamehameha was from the island of Hawaii and was a great athlete, trained at the warrior school. At the age of 14, Kamehameha moved the Naha Stone (similar to the sword in the stone of the King Arthur legend); legend said that whoever moved this stone would be Hawaii’s greatest king and one day unite the islands. The first half of the book focuses on Kamehameha’s participation in various power struggles among the various island chiefs. The arrival of British explorers begins to have an effect on Kamehameha, for he sees the benefit of their goods (particularly military) in his quest to control the islands.

In the 1790s, Kamehameha successfully conquers the islands of Maui and Molokai. After subduing a revolt on Hawaii, Kamehameha sets his sights on Oahu. His forces face little resistance in Waikiki because the island defenders moved inland toward the Nu’uanu Pali Pass. The defenders thought the steep height and rugged terrain would slow down Kamehameha’s forces and cannons. However, Kamehameha drove the defenders into the lowlands, attacked, and the enemy was driven into the jagged mountain pass. Now, Kauai was the last island left not under his control. It wasn’t until 1810 that the leader of Kauai met with Kamehameha and agreed to submit to his rule. Kamehameha’s last words, in 1819, were “I have given you-the greatest good: peace. And a kingdom which-is all one-a kingdom of all the islands” (303).

The Warrior King is a fascinating look into the early history of Hawaii, the culture and way of life, religion, politics, and family relations. The book includes drawings of the Hawaiian people and the islands to provide a glimpse into a different time period. The first half of the book felt less like the biography of Kamehameha and more a biography of the islands. Much time is spent on the struggle for control of the islands, prior to Kamehameha’s major role. However, the book helps provide an introduction to a unique culture and history.

The Place

The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout  provides gorgeous views of Oahu, whether it is sunny or overcast. In order to get to the lookout, you must drive down a long road that feels like you are in the jungle. After a bit, there is an opening for a small parking lot. As you walk from the parking lot to the lookout, you are suddenly greeted with a view of a green valley, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. It is easy to simply want to take in the views for as long as possible. The park provides information about Kamehameha the Great’s battle to unify the islands at this spot and visitors can visualize the fighting that ensued.

There is a fee for parking, put the lookout is free. Be prepared for a sudden change in temperature when you exit your car. The wind is very strong and adds a chill to even a hot and sunny day. When my family visited, we had just come from a day at the beach and swimsuits and cover-ups did not keep us warm. 

“Time goes, you say? Ah no! Alas, Time stays, we go” [Henry Austin Dobson]

“…as a whole, the monumental sculpture is essentially a joyous celebration of the moment with all the splendor and pageantry of life” (160).

The Book

Lorado Taft: The Chicago Years by Allen Stuart Weller introduces the reader to an American sculpture who left a mark on Chicago. In a sense, it is a professional and personal biography-intertwining personal letters with sculpture commissions.

Taft returned to Illinois in 1886, after spending several years studying at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His early years in Chicago were spent lecturing at the Art Institute and sculpting busts and Civil War monuments. The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition shaped Taft’s view of public art (p. 68) and provided him the opportunity to work on a larger scale. In 1906, Taft opened his Midway Studios on the campus of the University of Chicago. 

Taft planned to develop a sculpture park where the Midway was during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. In 1912, Taft received a commission from the Art Institute for the Fountain of Time (based on the first lines of Dobson’s poem Paradox of Time): a look at how time stands still and our lives move past it.  The sculpture includes 80 figures (plus the figure of Time); it is 120 feet long, 18 feet wide, and 14 feet wide. Taft originally wanted it cast in marble, but choose concrete because of the size. Dedicated in 1922, the Fountain of Time is the only completed part of the planned sculpture park.

While Lorado Taft would be classified as an academic book, it is written in a way that anyone can read. Chapters are spent on Taft’s work with his students and the breadth of writing he completed, in addition to a chronological look at his time in Chicago. The author sometimes presents an artistic critique and look at Taft’s development as an artist. One of the aspects of the book I really liked, was the encouragement for the reader to look up any images mentioned that weren’t included in the book. I found myself doing this quite frequently, to help supplement what I was learning. The book does include many images that provide a look into Taft’s studio, sculpture at various levels of completion, and the people he interacted with.

The Place
Lorado Taft’s Fountain of Time is located in Washington Park, not too far from the University of Chicago’s campus. The sculpture sits at the end of a long road and seems to draw your attention from whatever angle you approach. The sculpture is 360 degrees, so visitors have the opportunity to walk completely around it. It is an interesting experience to contemplate the first line of Dobson’s poem, while viewing the people passing before Time. Unfortunately, the fountain is no longer operating, but this does not take away from the impact of the sculpture.

The purpose for our visit to Washington Park was to see the Fountain of Time. The park is open all day, every day and has ample street parking. Visitors can find a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, as well as special events.

A Force to be Reckoned With

“The riddle for a biographer is to explain how this Hudson River aristocrat, a son of privilege who never depended on a paycheck, became the champion of the common man” (xii).

The Book

The life of the 32^nd president was one of privilege and politics, trials and triumphs. FDR by Jean Edward Smith takes the reader through the entire life of Franklin D. Roosevelt. It provides insight, excerpts from personal letters, and a glimpse into a large figure in American history.

FDR’s career (1910-1945) in government spans significant moments in American history and the reader is given a front seat view to his thoughts and interactions with other political figures. Smith focuses on FDR’s reactions and decisions when covering events like World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. Interwoven are stories of his family and personal relationships.

Over half of FDR’s time in government was impacted by his contraction of polio in 1921. The book spends quite a bit of time on FDR’s battle with polio and the aftermath. For additional insight into this part of FDR’s life, I would recommend the film Sunrise at Campobello.

This biography is well-written and provides just enough information for the reader to feel like they have a better idea of who FDR was and his public life. Little stories throughout each chapter help to entertain and show FDR as human. As you read the book, you are able to grasp what the context, time period, and relationships were like. Do not be put off by the length of the book (over 600 pages), the reading comes easily. There are certain sections where Smith’s admiration and political leanings are subtlety included in the narrative. While the author does spend substantial time on FDR’s personal flaws and poor public decisions, the biography does not always read as impartial.

The Place
The FDR Presidential Library and Museum provides visitors the opportunity to visit and learn in several different ways. The first stop is the Welcome Center where tickets can be purchased (for the museum, home, or both). Here, visitors are able to watch an introductory video about the life of FDR. Just outside the Welcome Center, you can wander the grounds where you encounter statutes commemorating FDR’s speeches or significant events, gardens, and the graves of FDR and Eleanor. I would recommend you take some time looking down the lane FDR would walk each day to regain his mobility that was lost when he had polio (see photo on right).

The tour of FDR’s home is with a park ranger and tickets are timed-so make sure to purchase them right away. Tickets for the museum do not sell out as quickly. The museum is self-guided and provides visitors an immersive look at FDR’s life and public service. Artifacts on display include his metal leg braces and personally annotated drafts of many significant speeches. For me, it was quite an experience to see FDR’s personal notes on speeches like the delivery to Congress after the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

More than Just a River

“And the Ohio River can still cause one to ‘pause’, ‘wonder’, and ‘scarcely believe in its reality’” (11).

The Book

The River Book: Cincinnati and the Ohio makes a bold, yet seemingly accurate claim “Without the Ohio River, there would be no Cincinnati community” (6). The rest of the book regales the reader with reasons why this is an accurate claim: travel, economy, goods and livestock, entertainment, and leisure. The early settlers of Cincinnati were dependent on the river and today’s citizens are no different, although the reasons might have changed.

Each chapter is written by a different contributor with a unique connection to the Ohio River: from employees on a riverboat to lifelong residents. This collection of chapters explains the importance, value, and history of the river. Readers will read of pirates and outlaws, the steamboat industry, energy and power, dam and lock systems, and floods to name a few. One chapter, I found particularly interesting, focused on the nine bridges that cross the Ohio River. Area residents originally believed that the river was too wide for a bridge to span. However, in 1862 a pontoon bridge was created to help with the defense of Cincinnati during the Civil War. In 1866, after ten years of construction, the first official bridge opened: Roebling Suspension Bridge. Today, it is fascinating to see so many bridges (for cars, railways, and pedestrians) in a short span of space.

The River Book is well-written and easy to follow. There was some overlap between chapters, which would make the book ideal for a coffee table. Throughout the chapters are photos and drawings that depict the river, city, and watercraft throughout history. It would be interesting to create an updated edition (this was printed in 1981) to provide a look at the changes since publication. The authors cover pretty much every facet a reader could think of and provide a good introduction into the significance of one of the major parts of American geography.

The Place
The Ohio River truly is an impressive sight to see. It is 981 miles long, with Cincinnati being close to the middle. On one end is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and on the other end is the Mississippi River, passing through six states. Despite the evidence of modern technology and buildings, it is still possible to close your eyes and imagine a bustling riverfront full of steamboats, passengers, and livestock or goods.

One way to recapture that image is to take a Riverboat cruise with BB Riverboats. There are a variety of cruises to choose from, but I would recommend the Historic Cincinnati Sightseeing Cruise. This cruise provides insight into the history of Cincinnati and takes passengers west to the Roebling Suspension Bridge and then east beyond Mt. Adams. There is nothing quite like floating under numerous bridges and feeling the breeze as you take in the view. The river cruises do require a reservation and are available most days of the week.

“A Day that Will Live in Infamy”

“The location of the memorial, the design of the structure, the etching of the names, the wording on the plaques, they all help tell the story of what happened in that harbor so many years ago” (234).

The Book

All the Gallant Men: The First Memoir by a USS Arizona Survivor provides the reader a rare glimpse into the story of Peral Harbor: the lead-up, attack, and aftermath. Authors Donald Stratton and Ken Gire begin the book with the reason for writing: so the memories of Stratton would not be forgotten.

The book divides up into five sections that focus on Stratton’s life: early life, entering the Navy, the attack, the aftermath, and the remainder of World War II. Stratton enlisted in the Navy, in 1940, in order to obtain a job; the Great Depression was still impacting his small community in Nebraska. After basic training, Stratton was assigned to the USS Arizona in 1940. In the sections on the attack, the reader encounters a minute by minute account that parallels the Japanese with Stratton’s day. Stratton helps the reader visualize, smell, and hear the attack on December 7, 1941.

Stratton was severely burned during the attack and spent several months recovering in California. After a medical discharge in September 1942, Stratton returned to Nebraska. But, he felt the need to rejoin the fight and re-enlisted in February 1944. He was assigned to the USS Stack and joined the Third Fleet in the Pacific Theater.

All the Gallant Men is a well-written and easy to read flow that is accessible for all types of readers. The authors provide enough detail that answers the reader’s questions but doesn’t go down too many rabbit trails. By reading a memoir, the reader is able to reflect on the sacrifice of so many men (and families) and the impact. Stratton ends his memoirs with two important chapters: one on why he thought the attack happened and lessons we should learn and one on the importance of remembering.

The Place

Pearl Harbor. Those two words engulf so much history and emotion for Americans. It is seventy-seven years later and the impact of the memorial is just as strong as if the attack happened yesterday. My family began our visit with the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. Because it floats above the final resting place for seamen, there is an atmosphere of respect on the Memorial. You can look down and see parts of the ship, then look to the sky and imagine incoming Japanese planes. Afterwards, we spent quite a bit of time exploring the grounds (which provided information regarding the attack) and the museums.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at the WWIIValor in the Pacific National Monument is a part of Hawaii that you do not want to miss. As a part of the National Park Service, there is no fee for admission. However, timed tickets are required for a trip to the USS Arizona Memorial and a tour of the USS Bowfin submarine. Tickets can be reserved online or obtained the day of your visit. I would recommend reserving tickets ahead of time, the line for day of tickets is long, even before the center opens. Visitors can easily spend a whole day exploring the museums that explain what life was like prior to the attack and the attack itself, walking along the harbor, and paying respect to the lives lost. 

“The Happiest Millionaire”

“…a man with a one-track mind and a capacity for putting every fiber of himself into whatever enterprise was immediately before him” (p. 47).

The Book

Anthony J. Drexel Biddle was the grandson of Anthony J. Drexel, the founder of Drexel University. A part of a historic and wealthy family of Philadelphia, Drexel Biddle brought his own unique twist to high society. My Philadelphia Father by Cordelia Drexel Biddle as told to Kyle Crichton presents the reader with this unique twist.

Drexel Biddle had numerous interests and passions: boxing, writing, interacting with all types of people, Christianity, pet alligators, and the Marines. The Drexel Biddle Bible Class helped launch the idea of Athletic Christianity, combining Bible study with boxing lessons. Prior to the United States entering World War I, Drexel Biddle was a prominent member of the preparedness movement. This is when he began his long association with the Marines, helping to train soldiers in hand-to-hand combat for World War I and World War II. Drexel Biddle was a larger than life personality who seemed to genuinely care about whatever was happening at the moment.

My Philadelphia Father has both a conversational and reminiscent flow to it. It feels like you are listening to an older relative tell stories of their life, with one story leading you to another. There is no real order to the book, but it is a fun a quick read. It provides the reader a peek into high society and the impact one man can have on his family and country. In 1967, My Philadelphia Father was made into a Disney film: The Happiest Millionaire, introducing a new generation to the Drexel Biddle family. 

The Place

Full disclosure: I am a third generation Drexel University graduate and the only time I set foot on campus was for my graduation from the Master of Science program. Despite being on campus for one day, I was impressed with the facilities and location. Drexel University is located in the heart of Philadelphia. The architecture is a blend of original and new-pointing students and visitors towards the school’s roots and future.

The campus is easy to explore and close to several other places of interest: Penn Museum, Independence Hall, Mutter Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences, and the National Constitution Center. A visit could also entail a campus tour for high school students interested in a university offering both academics and a co-op experience. 

“The ‘Cockpit’ of the American Revolution”

“New Jersey remained a constantly contested battleground where Loyalist and Patriot militias fought for supplies, land, and influence” (5).

The Book

The American Revolution in New Jersey: Where the Battlefront Meets the Home Front edited by James J. Gigantion II, explores the experience of the residents of New Jersey during the Revolutionary War from different aspects. The book is divided into two parts: “A Revolutionary Experience” and “The Impact of the Revolutionary Experience”.

Part One walks the reader through five areas: the militia, illegal trade, iron and salt production, the Battle of Fort Lee, and the arrival of the French military. Part Two explores the impact on local economy, religious organizations, slavery, and Loyalist residents. Instead of outlining each section here, a preview will be provided to present a look at what the reader can expect. In the militia essay of Part One, the reader learns that being a part of the militia was extremely difficult. A part-time job as soldier was not easily balanced with the full-time job of farmer or craftsmen. The laws and enforcement of the militia often fluctuated and their homes were often ransacked by British troops. In the sections on religious organizations and slavery in Part Two, the reader learns that the Quakers led the charge to abolish slavery in New Jersey and many abolitionists linked the Declaration of Independence with the call to end slavery.

The American Revolution in New Jersey is an edited book composed of a variety of essays looking at the impact of the war. It is well-written in the academic genre, but it is also easy to read. The essays are in-depth and interesting, relying on many testimonies from the residents of New Jersey. The chapters easily stand-alone, allowing the reader to pick and choose where to start.

The Place

Red Bank Battlefield Park is one of the many locations in New Jersey that commemorates where the American forces fought for Independence from Great Britain. The park is on land originally owned by the Whitall family. During a battle between American forces and Hessian soldiers, their home was used as a field hospital.

Today, visitors can walk the grounds along the Delaware River every day except Christmas and New Year’s. The Whitall home is open seasonally and provides a glimpse into Colonial life. Our family often visited Red Bank Battlefield Park for a day. It provides something for the kid (playgrounds), nature lover (grounds to discover and piers to walk to the end of), and the history buff (plaques, cannons, and the Whitall house). 

One Hundred Years of Memories

“Locals referred to [Gatlinburg] simply as ‘the Burg’” (57).

The Book

A Lifetime in Gatlinburg: Martha Cole Whaley Remembers provides readers a rare opportunity: the sense of listening to an individual retell the stories of her life. As you read, it feels like you are sitting in a room with Martha Cole Whalely and are learning of all the changes that took place in Gatlinburg, TN.

Author Marie Maddox presents a dual biography to the reader: Gatlinburg, TN and Cole Whaley (a resident of the area for over 100 years). The reader learns what it was like to grow up in an area that is now part of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Then, is introduced to the emergence of the hotel and tourism industry; Cole Whaley and her husband managed a hotel for many years. Finally, the reader hears Cole Whaley explain her hobbies, secret for longevity, and famous recipes.

A Lifetime in Gatlinburg presents a slice of Americana to the reader. The book is interspersed with personal photographs and ones from various archives. The chapters are short, easy to read, and written in a conversational style. It would have been nice to have more about Gatlinburg’s growth itself, to provide context with Cole Whaley’s stories.  This book is something many of us think of doing with our older relatives or friends-put to paper all of their experiences and stories.

The Place
Gatlinburg and its neighbor Pigeon Forge are known for their variety of attractions. Of course, there is the Great Smoky Mountain NationalPark, where visitors can participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Gatlinburg has a great downtown area packed with shopping, restaurants, and family fun. When I visited, we had the chance to check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum and the Guinness World Records Museum. In Pigeon Forge, visitors will find more museums and family fun, as well as Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s amusement park. We spent a day at Dollywood and it was a blast.

In this area of Tennessee there is truly something for everyone: outdoor, indoor, shopping, restaurants, museums, theme parks, and shows. It has changed a lot over Cole Whaley’s lifetime, but Gatlinburg and its neighbors are still open for visitors.