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“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”
Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
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From the Black House desk... | | |
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Oh my goodness!
Who would have guessed there were SO MANY amazing women connected with Woodlawn? Desert Harvest has sponsored our research efforts so that we can share with you every day this month a different Woman of Woodlawn on our social media and then we will create a printed document and these stories will live on our website.
We are diving deep - more than just the wives and daughters. There are extended family, dear friends, and caretakers. So many in fact, that our vision of bringing this full circle to current staff and Trustees will have to wait. And because of that, this is my chance to thank those who are involved in the management and care for Woodlawn today including: Trustees Roz Rea, Chelsea Sawyer, and Barbara Beyer; Melinda Workman (Accountant) and Missi Potter (Bookkeeper) who have been critical to our success over the last 18 months, and Kelly Lunt who is bringing real creativity to our education and outreach. I also want to acknowledge the following Woodlawn Women who were particularly helpful to me as I settled into this role: Phyllis Young, Lynette Woods, Terry Carlisle, and Teri Sargent Smith.
Recently, I was out at the Grand and someone said they felt they knew me through this newsletter. That was heartwarming since, like so many things, it is easy to go about doing your job and feel as if you are in an echo chamber. I see the statistics and am in awe that so many read the news and follow our social media. But gaining trust and leading change is difficult. Woodlawn is beloved. I know that and I appreciate that. And I am asking you all to understand that Woodlawn is about to change. The barn is going to attract people. There will be an impact. The use of the grounds is already changing - I see many people enjoying the walking trails around the hay fields. Soon, we will begin cutting down the overgrown trees in the area beside the formal garden and replanting a hedge, similar to what would have been there in 1933, as well as fruit trees to replicate in a small way the former orchard. We want to ensure that the campus retains its heritage feel but is also a safe place for people to wander, to explore, to feel comfortable. When construction is complete, we will recreate a garden between the sleigh and the carriage barns, which is not on the 1933 diagram but has been there probably since the 1920s in some fashion. And as we begin implementing the recommendations from the energy audit, you will notice some changes to the museum. It is all necessary as Woodlawn approaches its 200 year anniversay if we expect to celebrate in another 100 years.
Soon, I will be promoting the opportunity to purchase a granite brick with your name or to honor someone you love. I will be buying two - one for each set of grandparents because they would have loved Woodlawn. We also need sponsors for benches, trees (we want to plant apple and pear trees), outdoor classrooms, and a viewing platform near the croquet field that will be available for tai chi and evening yoga, and book club meetings while also being used as an outdoor classroom when school is in session. I am letting you know that Woodlawn is adapting to current demands while striving to honor its history. Please know that if you see something change, it is the result of considerable thought and planning. Thanks for caring about Woodlawn.
Kathy Young
director@woodlawnmuseum.org
PS - when I was a runner of marathons, my mantra was always: pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. The same holds true for change!
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Looking for event sponsors!
We have some exciting things planned this year and we could use some sponsorship support. The Forestry Festival is our biggest event and there are different opportunities, email director@woodlawmuseum.org
Here are a few other exciting things to watch for and that need help:
- Amazing LEGO design of Woodlawn (see image - working on barn now!) I would love this epic display to move around Ellsworth this summer! - $2,500 meets the cost of the LEGO, the designer is donating his time. This will be 4' x 6' - with the garden in between!
- Fairy Garden Children's Tea, July 22 - $500
- Science Saturdays, May - Oct - $1,000
- Family Field Day, Sept 23 - $500
- Forestry Festival, Oct 13-14 - $1,000 - $5,000
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Barn Manager Position
Full time, needs to start SOON!
We are building something special - are you the one to help us keep it operating safetly and at full capacity? This role will report to the Executive Director and work closely will all the staff team. It will be important to accept a flexible schedule in support of events in the evenings and on weekends.
The Barn Manager will be responsible for scheduling, marketing, financial controls, and managing all Barn activities and events. The role is responsible for the gift store, museum and event ticketing, the commercial kitchen, vendor relations, and coordination of private and WL events to ensure smooth and efficient operations. Check the website for the full description or email info@woodlawnmuseum.org
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Boston, Badger and Black
On February 26, 1841, at the age of 59, John Black visited the Boston studios of two highly respected portrait painters, Thomas Badger (1792-1868) and Francis Alexander (1800-1880) and noted in his travel diary, “…saw some very fine pictures in both of their rooms.” The next morning he returned to Mr. Badger’s studio and began the process of sitting for a formal portrait. As a detailed diarist, his notes continue...
February 27th “..went to Mr. Badger’s, portrait painter, and sat for my portrait until 1p.m.. After dinner at 3p.m., went again and sat until after sunset. He made considerable progress.”
The next month, John returned to Boston and spent over nine hours in Badger’s studio over three days from March 18-20. One day, a Boston relative, Mrs. Ann Wilde, visited to see the work in progress. Black wrote, “She thinks my likeness will be excellent.” After finishing other business in Boston, John returned home to Ellsworth with plans to return in April.
The rest of the story is best told by John Black, from his diary notes:
April 12th “Spent about 4 hours at Mr. Badger’s.”
April 13th “Spent several hours in Mr. Badger’s room.”
April 14th “Went to Mr. Badger’s room - portrait finished - paid him $40.00. Bought portrait frame from Doggett - $9.00, and box $1.50”
April 15th “After dinner called at Mr. Badger’s room - he returned with me and brought the portrait to put into the frame.”
The portrait was shipped to Woodlawn where it hangs today along with a matching portrait of his wife, Mary Cobb Black. Regrettably, no record about Mary’s portrait have been found. Since neither portrait is signed, it is only thanks to the survival of John Black’s travel journals that we know who, where, when, and for how much his portrait ainting was made. And a fine painting it is.
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Ground Control: Things to be aware of around the Woodlawn campus
- Watch for the sign at the gate regarding the skating pond Open/Closed status.
- Parking for sledding, skating and trail use is still the South 'croquet' lot which means driving in front of the Black House Museum. Go slow and watch for families sledding and walking the fields.
- Remember that the driveway in front of the museum is SINGLE lane. Be aware of who is coming and going - wait if you need to since there isn't room to pass.
- The driveway is two lane and quite tight so again, drive slowly. Where it is in the shade, it is often icy.
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On weekends ONLY, we have limited additional parking up behind the new barn construction, on the lawn in front of the cottage and beside the carriage barn. Also only single lane, so please drive carefully.
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Barn Update
Nothing short of amazing to watch the barn come together at this point in the process. The exterior cladding is coming along, all the windows are in, the colors have been selected for the interior, fixtures and fittings are being delivered, miles of wires have been run and we passed the city plumbing and electric inspections on Thursday! Thankfully, there is plenty to do inside when it gets super cold outside! Well done team E.L. Shea!
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Wish List
Game camera (or set up your camera on our trail!)
Binoculors & Telescopes
Large (11x14) laminator
Volunteer grant writer
Wood chipper
Microfiche machine
Sleds for the Sled Library
Wood tea trolly
Old wooden trunks, crates & boxes
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Support of Woodlawn maintains a unique historic house museum, trails, and programs.
Please support us: Click here
Thank you!
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Woodlawn Museum, Gardens & Park
Black House Drive, P.O. Box 1478
Ellsworth, Maine 04605
(207) 667-8671
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