HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE............
I placed the paintbrushes down yesterday and had a fabulous full day at The George Eastman House. My day started out with a glimpse into his life in 1928 with a house tour guided by "Miss. Molly" Mr. Eastman's Housekeeper.
This was a special event tour that was offered in honor of George Eastman's Birthday, July 12th. It was wonderful to hear even more stories about Mr. Eastman and his beautiful and amazing house.
After the house tour we strolled the elegant gardens which are a remembrance of his life and times.
To continue his Birthday celebration later at night, we returned to enjoy the first of the Garden Vibes Summer Concert series.
We brought a blanket and relaxed on the lawn after enjoying a picnic from the concessions that were available. The music was a lively mix of improvisation blending Brazilian carnivale music with American folk songs by Matuto. Happiness everywhere, we had a great time.
As I sat there I remembered wonderful family memories........I am blessed to have many special memories that surround me everywhere I go in Rochester and surrounding areas. My Dad, was an artist and designer and his family legacy to us is that he touched most every Rochester landmark, industry or company during his lifetime with his creativity and love of art and design. In his later years he started compiling his stories and drawings and had planned to write a book "The Rochester I Know" I hope one day I am able to complete this for him.
As a child my Dad played ball in the yard at the George Eastman House with his childhood friends. Dad said, "It was the best yard in town." Later in years they were nicknamed the "Rochester Boys". After playing ball in the yard they would always visit the cook at the side door for homemade cookies of the day. "The Rochester Boys" all became prominent Rochester businessmen and philanthropists, each with their own Rochester legacies, and at one time or another each called on my Dad, to design logos, campaigns, world exhibits and advertising.
They gave my Dad the name "The Only Rochester Designer"
...........and would always tell everyone "call Dick Williamson". Dad was extremely proud of that title given to him by his close friends although would become extremely humble and shy about it.
Dad did many projects for the Eastman House over the years, I hope when I venture through his archives I find more information about Eastman projects. One I do remember is that he designed the main sign that resides on the front lawn. I smile and say "Dad I love you"...each time I drive by it. My Dad is always around me.......
The Eastman House is a fabulous place to visit .......the activities and events are ever changing. Each time I visit, I find something new to fascinate me and as you now know, the Eastman House has been an important part of my entire life. Maybe someday you will be able to visit it.......
Today I am headed back into the studio....... my mind full of new ideas.........Happy Summer !
I'll be ......in the Studio
~ Jody
