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FLORENCE GRISWOLD MUSEUM
JANICE MANN |
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Old Lyme
The Activity
In the late nineteenth century, when Florence Griswold was having a difficult time keeping up her family home, she turned it into a boarding house. Soon after, a prominent landscape artist named Henry Ward Ranger visited and thought the location was ideal. This was the beginning of “America’s first and most famous summer art colony.” From the start, Miss Florence endeared herself to her guests with her kindness and generosity. Perhaps because of the environment she created for the artists, American Impressionism soon became synonymous with Florence Griswold and the Lyme Art Colony.
During a tour of the Greek Revival home built in 1817, we find the stories of this particular place in time and the artists who memorialized Old Lyme captivating. Particularly interesting are the paintings that decorate some of the doors and walls. Many of the artists, unknown at the time, painted in return for room and board or as a thank you to Miss Florence. I also envision, however, the close-knit group of artists simply having fun with these unusual canvases. My favorite is The Fox Hunt, Henry R. Poore’s wall mural over the dining room fireplace. Twenty-four fellow artists are pictured in unique and amusing poses, suggesting a warm camaraderie among the members of the Art Colony.
Just a few of the noteworthy paintings hanging in the house are Childe Hassam’s Church at Old Lyme, William Howe’s Florence Griswold Houseby Moonlight, and William Chadwick’s wellknown portrait of Florence Griswold, On The Porch.
Unfortunately, the house, which has been open to the public since 1949, is closed until the summer of 2006 for refurbishing. The Museum, however, erected in the summer of 2002, invites visitors to view changing exhibitions of American art dating from the eighteenth through the early twentieth centuries. This museum has the distinction of owning one of America’s leading collections of Impressionism, with major works by many artists who are featured in the house and the largest collection of Willard L. Metcalf paintings in the world.
One of my favorite Metcalf paintings is May Night. The story is that he first offered this painting to Miss Florence as a gift, but she refused it, sensing that one day it would be recognized as a great painting. It turned out that May Night was indeed instrumental to Metcalf’s career as an artist.
After being exposed to all the fine paintings in the museum, many of which were created right outside its doors, you may be inspired to start painting yourself. Don’t wait until you get home and the daily routine brushes the thought away before you can even get to the art store for fresh paints. If it happens to be a summer Sunday, you can start immediately.
First, take a quick look at William Chadwick’s original studio building for another
dose of inspiration. Then stop by the Hartman Education Center, which offers seminars and workshops. Here, you will be given a complimentary canvas, and paints and brushes to borrow. You don’t even have to worry about your Sunday best, as old shirts are on loan as well. The landscape for your future masterpiece is just steps away!
Florence Griswold Museum Address: 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371.
Telephone: (860) 434-5542.
Website: www.flogris.org.
Hours: Tue-Sat 10-5; Sun 1-5. Closed major holidays. Admission: Adults $7; Seniors & Students $6; Children (6-12) $3; Under 6 free.
Directions: Interstate 95 to exit 70; follow signs.
The Picnic
Outside, the Lieutenant River draws us to its banks while the willows and
sycamores motion to us to sit and be fanned by the gentle breeze. We are curious about a Split Leaf European Beech tree near the Garden Terrace, first examining what looks like a mysterious figure outlined in its trunk, then standing under the expansive canopy of foliage for another interesting view. Eventually, we determine the best spot on the lawn and spread our cloth to enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch. It just might be the exact spot where George H. Bogert painted September Evening – Lieutenant River.
What’s In Our Picnic Basket?
Cold Leftover Meat Loaf
Blue Broccoli
Pumpernickel Party Rounds
Fresh Berries with
Vanilla Yogurt
Blue Broccoli
I enjoyed a similar salad sold by a market near my home for years. When they went out of business, I missed it so much there was nothing left to do but attempt to re-create it. My version has the same great flavor but a slightly looser sauce, which seems to enhance the broccoli.
Rinse broccoli and cut off stems leaving only the florets. Cook in microwave on high for 2-4 minutes, or in saucepan with a little water just until fork tender. Don’t overcook. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to halt cooking and retain the bright green color. Drain well.
Add onion. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice together and add to broccoli. Fold in bleu cheese and walnuts. Chill. Serves 4-6 Refrigerate salad overnight, or at least two hours before packing
in cooler.
1-1/2 lbs. broccoli
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced rings
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup bleu cheese
1/4 cup f inely chopped walnuts, if desired
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Jan Mann, a Connecticut native, has spent more than twenty years search for the state’s best recreational activities. Add facilities for picnicking and eclectic new recipes, and Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket has all the ingredients for a made-to-order day trip.
Janice Mann
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