WISCONSIN & MINNESOTA
WISCONSIN & MINNESOTA
ONE WEEK OF SIGHTSEEING & FAMILY
Was looking forward to this year’s Theatre Historical Society of America’s (THSOA) Conclave in Wisconsin. Decided to go to Wisconsin a week before the Conclave with Merrill & Eric Svenson from New York City.
A WEEK IN WISCONSIN
Monday, June 11, 2007
We took off on NorthWest Airlines at 6:30 a.m. from San Francisco to Minneapolis and then on to Milwaukee. We were a half hour late arriving in Milwaukee. Eric Svenson was there waiting for us from New York City. Arrived about 3:30 p.m. Rented a car and drove up to Dianne & George Streeck’s home in Plymouth, WI.
Got organized and unpacked. Things ready for our trip around Wisconsin beginning tomorrow. Weather lovely: no humidity. Even felt chilled and the evening progressed. Cocktails on the deck; lasagna and Caesar salad for supper. Chatted and got caught up with things. Off to sleep rather early since we had gotten up so early in California.
Tuesday, June 12
Had a big breakfast and got ready for our ride to the Wisconsin Dells. Finally left at 10:30 p.m. Midwesterners are difficult to get moving at a set time; life is a bit slower there and they are not as worried about “time” as we city folk! It was such a lovely ride: field after field of corn, farms with dairy cows, lovely green trees and fields. Reminded Eric and I of Connecticut; however the terrain is much flatter. Not much traffic so it was difficult to be a “backseat driver.”
Arrived in the Dells at 12:30 p.m. Went directly to Monk’s for their delicious hamburgers with Wisconsin cheese and grilled onions! Had one and a half burgers with their crispy fries. Beer is the drink in these parts and the Leinenkugel beer was delicious; they had a special “honey weiss bier” for the summer and they squeeze a slice of fresh lemon into it! Refreshing!! Merrill and his sister Dianne met a few people they knew in the restaurant/bar. That happened everywhere we went.
Off to the motel, Fields. Members of this family were friends of the Meltz family since childhood. Everyone know everyone else!! Unpacked and organized in room. Then on to the Calvary Cemetery to visit Merrill and Dianne’s parents’ grave. Bought baskets of flowers to leave; saw other relatives’ tombstones. Saw the Volunteer Fire Department Memorial with Merrill’s father’s name on it. He was very active in that group. Drove down to see some of the theme exhibits: “White House—Top Secret”—a wild outside with the White House turned upside down! Took some photos. The Loony Bin looked like a fun exhibit to go in; no one wanted to go inside! Walked along the new River Walk along the Wisconsin River. A gorgeous day to do this!!
Back to the motel for a nap and a swim in their little pool. Quite refreshing and relaxing. A cocktail and then off to see their cousin, Pat Ryan & Tom. We then all journeyed to Fields Restaurant for what one hoped would be an early dinner. We walked into the place and Eric and I headed for the reserved table; the Meltz’s and the Ryan’s walked directly to the bar. A few people at the bar announced: “There are the Meltz kids!” and we had two cocktails. Then the bartender hands out the menus. One orders the food at the bar; when the first course is ready, then one goes to the table!! Different strokes for different folks! More drinks and more wine helped wash down an iceberg salad; that followed by shrimp gratin over fettucini in a cream sauce (quite good!). Too late for dessert. It was back to the hotel way after 10 p.m.
Wednesday, June 13
This was Day #2 in the Wisconsin Dells. Another gorgeous sunny day with very little humidity. We are staying lucky! Pat & Tom drove over to the motel to present us with an Irish Flag apron with a shamrock sewed on it!!! Then we were off across from the motel parking lot to Fields Coffee Shop (don’t you get the idea they own a lot of things in town?). Had a big breakfast: might as well eat while the eatin’ is good!!!!
We were off for a ride on the Wisconsin Ducks. Noisy but fun!! We traveled on land and on water just as they did in WWII; quite a unique contraption. Then we all had a snack: I had a milkshake at the Dairy Queen across the street from where Merrill and Dianne lived when they were small, before the family grew! Then it was a 2.5 hour ride on the Upper Dells Boat Ride. A perfect day for it; we sat on the upper deck of the boat in the glorious sunshine. We made two stops along the way. One was where the Meltz grandfather trained a German shepherd to jump between two high rocks. They performed this for the boat group! The river is gentle and the jagged cliffs / rocks on the sides of the river make interesting formations and are given names.
Back to the motel for a short rest and time to change. Then we were off to New Monk’s at the Fields new resort, The Wilderness. Met up with Merrill’s second oldest sister, Agnes Rose & husband Tom. Also there was Merrill’s youngest sister, Angie & husband Ron. Had lots of conversation and lots of drinks!! Nice to see them all again. I had been to the Meltz Family Reunion in 2006. The Monk burgers were not truly as tasty as the ones from the original Monk’s downtown We then sat outside for another drink as the sun set in the West!! It gets light earlier in the Dells and dark later since they are a bit more north. A great day!!
Thursday, June 14 Flag Day
Up early once more and organized for the day. Day #3 in the Wisconsin Dells & environs. We were off to Fields Coffee Shop for another big breakfast. Then Merrill’s sister, Lauri, arrived to see us from way up in northern Wisconsin, Cumberland. We then drove over to their niece, Shanna’s farm in nearby Baraboo, where all the Meltz’s were born!! Shanna’s husband, Tim, was away on a fishing trip in Canada. We got to see her new calves; only one month old and they could hardly stand up. One licked Eric’s hand and scared the daylights out of him!! We city slickers are not used to the farm!! The smell of cow dung was beginning to get to me so we were on our way to the Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac. A cute winery that we visited last year; their niece Sheri works there but it was her day off! Bought some wine and stayed to look around. Again, we were lucky with a gloriously sunny day, very little humidity, and gentle breezes. Then we were off to lunch at The Blue Spoon Creamery: a very good chicken, wild rice and vegetable soup with half a tuna sandwich on very tasty bread. We ate outdoors—the weather called for it! After lunch, Dianne and Lauri returned to the Dells. Eric, Merrill and myself were off for the afternoon.
We arrived at the State Capital, Madison, home of the University of Wisconsin. Stopped on the campus which is on the shores of Lake Mandota. Had a soda and watched the sailboats on the blue lake. A perfect weather day. Then off to the State Capitol for an extensive tour. It was probably the most impressive and prettiest State Capitol I have ever visited. Visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s Terrace Convention Center. Very art deco with sweeping circular lines and stunning views of the Lake Minona, the smaller of the two lakes. We then returned to the Dells and a short rest at the motel. Said our goodbyes to Lauri.
We were then ready for dinner at the 1940s restaurant, Del-Bar, right on the main road. We had to have a couple of drinks at the bar and then to the table. Tried not to eat too much at such a late hour, but the food at other tables looked so good. Began with a marvelous onion soup gratin; then finally had pan fried walleye with delicious fingerling potatoes and asparagus!
When we returned to the motel, received phone call from Oakland that James Lee was in the hospital with an attack of diverticulitus. The colon burst and was infected; they could not operate right away and were giving him antibiotics to clear up the infection. He probably would need a temporary colostomy. I would find out more in a few days.
Friday, June 15
Slept in a bit later today until 7:30 a.m. Made more phone calls concerning James. Not much had changed and they were waiting for the infection to clear up. The earliest he would be operated on would be Monday. Nothing much gets done in the hospital on weekends. James had houseguests when he went into the hospital; they all took off asap once he was in the hospital!!! Called James’ neighbors, Jim and Danny, and they are in control of the situation and looking after the house. Decided not to have a big breakfast today: just eating too much and too late!
On the way to Genesee Depot, WI we spoke to Ed Lamoureaux in San Diego on Eric’s cell phone. He suggested a pottery shop nearby so we stopped there: Ephraim Falence Art Pottery Shop; Merrill bought me a small greenish-blue vase for my birthday present. I shall definitely use it when I get home. Someone recommended the CrossStone Restaurant for lunch: we shared Dianne’s Friday Fish Fry and I had a very unusual grilled cheese & black olive sandwich with tomatoes. Very good! Had fresh deep-fried chips. Had a piece of the homemade strawberry-rhubarb pie; the crust was not quite as tasty as it looked!!
We then proceeded to TEN CHIMNEYS the summer home and farm of the famous acting couple of the 30s thru early 60s, Alfred Lunt & Lynn Fontanne. While we were waiting for our tour to begin, the visitors center had a great exhibit called Noel Coward in Ten, which consisted of ten overblown photographs with information about his life and career and his time at Ten Chimneys. There was also a small exhibit about the Lunts and a gift shop to keep us occupied.
The 2.5 hour tour began promptly at 2 p.m. One takes a bus to the Main House which is quite grand and is done in a “movie star” type décor. Walls were specially painted by muralists from the Broadway theatre; furnishings are authentic as are drapes, bedspreads, etc. Walking through the house is just as if you are a guest and are visiting the Lunts. One thing I noticed: they had a lot of small rooms where they could get away from each other. Lynn especially loved chaise lounges—she played the diva in real life too until she died at age 95. I was fortunate enough to see them in their last play on Broadway, The Visit, in 1959. When the play closed in 1960, they retired to Ten Chimneys (actually there are Eleven Chimneys, but they did not like the way the word “eleven” sounded, so they changed it to “ten”!
Alfred’s mother and sister lived at Ten Chimneys all year round. The Lunt’s were there mostly when the theatre season ended the beginning of June until after Labor Day in September. In 1915 Alfred purchased the first parcel of land for the Farm. From the Main House we proceeded along the grounds to the Chicken Coop & Garage, the small Pig Barn (Lynn did not like the smell of the pigs so they had very few—I don’t blame her!!). Then on to the Corn Crib and Creamery & Greenhouse. They also had a Stable & Barn for the horses and cows. Then on to the Studio which was a getaway in the evenings to read plays and put some on for guests. Then came the Pool House with the first in the ground pool in Wisconsin—quite huge for its time. Noel Coward caused quite a stir as a guest on the farm when he decided to go to the pool with only a towel on his shoulder and his cigarette holder! The Lunts’ cook quit when Coward strolled through her kitchen nude on his way to the pool. The last building of some size on the Farm is the Cottage, done up like a Swedish Cottage with all types of sayings in Swedish. This is where Alfred’s mother and sister lived until their deaths. Helen Hayes was a guest almost every summer. Besides Noel Coward, Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh were frequent guests as were other performers on Broadway at the time. Alfred loved to cook and even wrote a cookbook which is going to be republished this Fall.
What a wonderful tour this was. If you are ever in the area, you MUST stop and take time for this unique Farm. I am so glad I read about Ten Chimneys and we took the tour!
We then were on our way to Milwaukee, WI to go to Dianne & George’s son, Perry & his lovely wife, Laurie. Sons Sam & Jake were there too! Summer vacation had begun for them! They have a lovely home in the suburbs of Milwaukee. We sat outdoors for drinks and then we celebrated the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbos) (Laurie is raising the boys Jewish; Perry converted). A wonderful evening with a wonderful family! We had wonderfully grilled steak and chicken; tortellini salad; etc. Then came a chocolate fudge cake that was rich and delicious topped off with ice cream! There goes the waistline! Perry presented his father, George, a new barbeque grill for Father’s Day! Kids were great and Sam loaned me a book, CAR TROUBLE, which I have just started.
We then were on our way back to Plymouth, WI from whence we came several days ago. Unpacked and more than ready for bed after a long, but enjoyable day!!
Saturday, June 16
Slept in until nearly 8:30 a.m. Dianne made eggs, bacon with fruit and raspberry coffee cake for breakfast. Finally got on the computer and caught up with 158 e-mails: mostly jokes which I immediately deleted. Wish people would not send all those jokes—they are NEVER read!! Spoke to James in the hospital; he is bored to death waiting for his operation to occur.
With Dianne and George, we ventured to see Lake Michigan. It is so huge that it looks like the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean! Partly cloudy day but pleasant and not too hot! On to the Kohler Andre State Park to visit the small Nature Preserve & Observatory there in the city of Kohler. Then we drove around the Sheboygan outskirts and stopped at a restaurant on the Lake for some Wisconsin brats and beer to go with it! On to the Kohler Art Center: too much modern art for me, but the “Rhinestone Cowboy” house was still on exhibit from last year. A house decorated inside and out with all colored rhinestones inspired by the Glen Campbell song, “I’m A Rhinestone Cowboy.”
Back to the house; napped a bit and then ready for dinner at about 7:15 p.m. Off to Bruce’s Supper Club. Why is it called a Supper Club?? It’s a restaurant with a big bar area; we would call it a restaurant in CT or CA. A supper club would be a place with an orchestra and dancing as well as facilities for eating. Anyway, once we had a couple of drinks at the bar (Wisconsin style!), we sat at our table and had a most delicious meal: began with a tomato-basil pureed soup followed by walleye which was pan fried in butter with twice-baked potato and vegs. No dessert as the time was almost 10 when we finished out entrees. We were the last to leave the supper club: not all Wisconsinites are into late dining!!
Back to the house and we watched my completed video of my life: Gennaro A. DeVito: A Life in Five Acts. There are still a few things that need tending to on the video before I can say it is completed and ready for viewing by anyone who wants to see it. This is the video that will be in my cemetery in case anyone wants to view it then if and when they visit my gravesite. It was well after midnight and time for bed.
Sunday, June 17 Father’s Day My 67th Birthday
After a restless night—too much food too late in the evening—slept in until 8:30 a.m. Could not believe that it was my 67th birthday and I was heading toward the big 7 0 !?!?! Got laundry going so I would have enough clothes for the coming week. They all left for church and Eric and I just relaxed around the house. When they returned, Perry arrived to play golf with George for Father’s Day. We had brats and beer for lunch.
Headed to the city of Kohler to the Kohler Design Center where all the famous bathroom faucets, sinks, tubs, and toilets are displayed and for sale. Interesting displays for some of the items: a wall of toilet bowls piled one upon the other from floor to ceiling was very dramatic! Took a photo of that—possible Christmas card?
Then over to The American Club. The Kohler Family sent for immigrants and housed them and educated them and had them work in their factories. Within five years, they had to become American citizens. The facility where they lived is now turned into a luxury hotel in the style of the Ritz Carlton Hotels. A very successful program in its day—the early 20th Century. Why not try it again?? No new taxes, I suppose!! We had tea and cookies in one of the lovely rooms in the hotel that was free.
Back home for a short nap. Merrill was preparing my Birthday Dinner. Friends of Dianne and George were invited also: Linda & Tom Phillips. They have worked all over the world as teachers and counselors in a similar program to the one I was in with the Department of Defense Overseas Schools. They had interesting stories to tell. Had a few battered cheese curds I bought at the American Club coffee shop with cocktails; then the first course for dinner was a Caprese dish: “shwi shwi”—pasta with a fresh, quickly cooked tomato sauce with olive oil and then chopped fresh basil on top—very tasty! This was followed by pork loin with fennel sauce, roasted potatoes, carrots, and fresh asparagus. My birthday cake was a chocolate peanut butter cake with cream cheese frosting with Butterfinger candy bar pieces on top! Rich and delicious!!
After they left, everyone sat around and played cribbage. I got on the computer to correspond about James Lee’s illness and condition. He would be ready for his operation tomorrow.
Monday, June 18 Off to Milwaukee
Up early so we could be in Milwaukee by 10. Packed everything. Dianne not back to work until tomorrow and coming with us today. George was off to a doctor’s appointment at the VA Hospital and then on to school to clean out his office—he’s now an officially retired principal. On computer again to clear up e-mails: would not be bothered with them once our Theatre Conclave began!! Once we got Dianne going, we were off at 9:30+ a.m. for Milwaukee!
A nice drive down from Plymouth. Not much traffic on their highways. What a pleasant change from the Bay Area traffic! Got to see some of the big mansions along Lake Michigan once we reached Milwaukee. Parked the car and we were on time for the “opening of the sails” of Santiago Calatrava’s Wing for the Milwaukee Fine Arts Museum. The only word that comes to mind for the outside of the wing, the opening of the sails, and the inside lobby is B R E A T H T A K I N G !!! We did get to see the exhibit, “Creating the Impressionist Landscape: Pissarro” which was lovely! Pissarro was at the beginning of the impressionist movement. Wonderful and colorful paintings! At noon, watched the opening of the sails from the inside lobby: not as dramatic as watching it happen from outside.
Off to Mader’s German Restaurant for lunch. This restaurant was established in 1902 and is owned by the same family today. Began with a stein of Pilsner ale. Then ordered sour bratten with some spetzel (also ordered an extra portion) and red cabbage. Eric and I then shared a delicious homemade apple strudel with cream.
Then we were off to the nearby Intercontinental Hotel to check into our room for the next four days (Room 912). Lovely hotel lobby and room was quite nice and spacious. Unpacked and ready to go sightseeing with Merrill and Dianne.
Off to the Pabst Mansion. I had been last year during the Meltz Family Reunion, but was glad I did this 2.5 hour tour again. Very informative and house is so 19th Century—very lovely. After the tour, Merrill and Dianne were off to Plymouth. She had to return to work tomorrow. Merrill would stay in Plymouth and then drive to Cumberland to see Laurie again and then meet us in Minneapolis on Friday evening (he would get there a day or two earlier). He did not want to join us for our Theatre Conclave—what a shame!
Eric and I rested at the hotel and got ourselves organized. We were not very hungry so just found a restaurant across from our hotel, China Gourmet for some shrimp with cashews and vegetable lo mein. Washed it down with Chinese beer. Just enough to eat and drink. Time for bed early since we had quite a hectic week traveling around the lovely state of Wisconsin!!
Theatre Conclave Newsletter
This is a separate newsletter. I type it mostly for my own record. Some of you may not be interested in it at all. You can just delete the document if it does not appeal to you. This theatre trip also turns into a wonderful sightseeing trip.
Stay well, enjoy the rest of the summer, and keep in touch…..
Gerry
ONE WEEK OF SIGHTSEEING & FAMILY
Was looking forward to this year’s Theatre Historical Society of America’s (THSOA) Conclave in Wisconsin. Decided to go to Wisconsin a week before the Conclave with Merrill & Eric Svenson from New York City.
A WEEK IN WISCONSIN
Monday, June 11, 2007
We took off on NorthWest Airlines at 6:30 a.m. from San Francisco to Minneapolis and then on to Milwaukee. We were a half hour late arriving in Milwaukee. Eric Svenson was there waiting for us from New York City. Arrived about 3:30 p.m. Rented a car and drove up to Dianne & George Streeck’s home in Plymouth, WI.
Got organized and unpacked. Things ready for our trip around Wisconsin beginning tomorrow. Weather lovely: no humidity. Even felt chilled and the evening progressed. Cocktails on the deck; lasagna and Caesar salad for supper. Chatted and got caught up with things. Off to sleep rather early since we had gotten up so early in California.
Tuesday, June 12
Had a big breakfast and got ready for our ride to the Wisconsin Dells. Finally left at 10:30 p.m. Midwesterners are difficult to get moving at a set time; life is a bit slower there and they are not as worried about “time” as we city folk! It was such a lovely ride: field after field of corn, farms with dairy cows, lovely green trees and fields. Reminded Eric and I of Connecticut; however the terrain is much flatter. Not much traffic so it was difficult to be a “backseat driver.”
Arrived in the Dells at 12:30 p.m. Went directly to Monk’s for their delicious hamburgers with Wisconsin cheese and grilled onions! Had one and a half burgers with their crispy fries. Beer is the drink in these parts and the Leinenkugel beer was delicious; they had a special “honey weiss bier” for the summer and they squeeze a slice of fresh lemon into it! Refreshing!! Merrill and his sister Dianne met a few people they knew in the restaurant/bar. That happened everywhere we went.
Off to the motel, Fields. Members of this family were friends of the Meltz family since childhood. Everyone know everyone else!! Unpacked and organized in room. Then on to the Calvary Cemetery to visit Merrill and Dianne’s parents’ grave. Bought baskets of flowers to leave; saw other relatives’ tombstones. Saw the Volunteer Fire Department Memorial with Merrill’s father’s name on it. He was very active in that group. Drove down to see some of the theme exhibits: “White House—Top Secret”—a wild outside with the White House turned upside down! Took some photos. The Loony Bin looked like a fun exhibit to go in; no one wanted to go inside! Walked along the new River Walk along the Wisconsin River. A gorgeous day to do this!!
Back to the motel for a nap and a swim in their little pool. Quite refreshing and relaxing. A cocktail and then off to see their cousin, Pat Ryan & Tom. We then all journeyed to Fields Restaurant for what one hoped would be an early dinner. We walked into the place and Eric and I headed for the reserved table; the Meltz’s and the Ryan’s walked directly to the bar. A few people at the bar announced: “There are the Meltz kids!” and we had two cocktails. Then the bartender hands out the menus. One orders the food at the bar; when the first course is ready, then one goes to the table!! Different strokes for different folks! More drinks and more wine helped wash down an iceberg salad; that followed by shrimp gratin over fettucini in a cream sauce (quite good!). Too late for dessert. It was back to the hotel way after 10 p.m.
Wednesday, June 13
This was Day #2 in the Wisconsin Dells. Another gorgeous sunny day with very little humidity. We are staying lucky! Pat & Tom drove over to the motel to present us with an Irish Flag apron with a shamrock sewed on it!!! Then we were off across from the motel parking lot to Fields Coffee Shop (don’t you get the idea they own a lot of things in town?). Had a big breakfast: might as well eat while the eatin’ is good!!!!
We were off for a ride on the Wisconsin Ducks. Noisy but fun!! We traveled on land and on water just as they did in WWII; quite a unique contraption. Then we all had a snack: I had a milkshake at the Dairy Queen across the street from where Merrill and Dianne lived when they were small, before the family grew! Then it was a 2.5 hour ride on the Upper Dells Boat Ride. A perfect day for it; we sat on the upper deck of the boat in the glorious sunshine. We made two stops along the way. One was where the Meltz grandfather trained a German shepherd to jump between two high rocks. They performed this for the boat group! The river is gentle and the jagged cliffs / rocks on the sides of the river make interesting formations and are given names.
Back to the motel for a short rest and time to change. Then we were off to New Monk’s at the Fields new resort, The Wilderness. Met up with Merrill’s second oldest sister, Agnes Rose & husband Tom. Also there was Merrill’s youngest sister, Angie & husband Ron. Had lots of conversation and lots of drinks!! Nice to see them all again. I had been to the Meltz Family Reunion in 2006. The Monk burgers were not truly as tasty as the ones from the original Monk’s downtown We then sat outside for another drink as the sun set in the West!! It gets light earlier in the Dells and dark later since they are a bit more north. A great day!!
Thursday, June 14 Flag Day
Up early once more and organized for the day. Day #3 in the Wisconsin Dells & environs. We were off to Fields Coffee Shop for another big breakfast. Then Merrill’s sister, Lauri, arrived to see us from way up in northern Wisconsin, Cumberland. We then drove over to their niece, Shanna’s farm in nearby Baraboo, where all the Meltz’s were born!! Shanna’s husband, Tim, was away on a fishing trip in Canada. We got to see her new calves; only one month old and they could hardly stand up. One licked Eric’s hand and scared the daylights out of him!! We city slickers are not used to the farm!! The smell of cow dung was beginning to get to me so we were on our way to the Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac. A cute winery that we visited last year; their niece Sheri works there but it was her day off! Bought some wine and stayed to look around. Again, we were lucky with a gloriously sunny day, very little humidity, and gentle breezes. Then we were off to lunch at The Blue Spoon Creamery: a very good chicken, wild rice and vegetable soup with half a tuna sandwich on very tasty bread. We ate outdoors—the weather called for it! After lunch, Dianne and Lauri returned to the Dells. Eric, Merrill and myself were off for the afternoon.
We arrived at the State Capital, Madison, home of the University of Wisconsin. Stopped on the campus which is on the shores of Lake Mandota. Had a soda and watched the sailboats on the blue lake. A perfect weather day. Then off to the State Capitol for an extensive tour. It was probably the most impressive and prettiest State Capitol I have ever visited. Visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s Terrace Convention Center. Very art deco with sweeping circular lines and stunning views of the Lake Minona, the smaller of the two lakes. We then returned to the Dells and a short rest at the motel. Said our goodbyes to Lauri.
We were then ready for dinner at the 1940s restaurant, Del-Bar, right on the main road. We had to have a couple of drinks at the bar and then to the table. Tried not to eat too much at such a late hour, but the food at other tables looked so good. Began with a marvelous onion soup gratin; then finally had pan fried walleye with delicious fingerling potatoes and asparagus!
When we returned to the motel, received phone call from Oakland that James Lee was in the hospital with an attack of diverticulitus. The colon burst and was infected; they could not operate right away and were giving him antibiotics to clear up the infection. He probably would need a temporary colostomy. I would find out more in a few days.
Friday, June 15
Slept in a bit later today until 7:30 a.m. Made more phone calls concerning James. Not much had changed and they were waiting for the infection to clear up. The earliest he would be operated on would be Monday. Nothing much gets done in the hospital on weekends. James had houseguests when he went into the hospital; they all took off asap once he was in the hospital!!! Called James’ neighbors, Jim and Danny, and they are in control of the situation and looking after the house. Decided not to have a big breakfast today: just eating too much and too late!
On the way to Genesee Depot, WI we spoke to Ed Lamoureaux in San Diego on Eric’s cell phone. He suggested a pottery shop nearby so we stopped there: Ephraim Falence Art Pottery Shop; Merrill bought me a small greenish-blue vase for my birthday present. I shall definitely use it when I get home. Someone recommended the CrossStone Restaurant for lunch: we shared Dianne’s Friday Fish Fry and I had a very unusual grilled cheese & black olive sandwich with tomatoes. Very good! Had fresh deep-fried chips. Had a piece of the homemade strawberry-rhubarb pie; the crust was not quite as tasty as it looked!!
We then proceeded to TEN CHIMNEYS the summer home and farm of the famous acting couple of the 30s thru early 60s, Alfred Lunt & Lynn Fontanne. While we were waiting for our tour to begin, the visitors center had a great exhibit called Noel Coward in Ten, which consisted of ten overblown photographs with information about his life and career and his time at Ten Chimneys. There was also a small exhibit about the Lunts and a gift shop to keep us occupied.
The 2.5 hour tour began promptly at 2 p.m. One takes a bus to the Main House which is quite grand and is done in a “movie star” type décor. Walls were specially painted by muralists from the Broadway theatre; furnishings are authentic as are drapes, bedspreads, etc. Walking through the house is just as if you are a guest and are visiting the Lunts. One thing I noticed: they had a lot of small rooms where they could get away from each other. Lynn especially loved chaise lounges—she played the diva in real life too until she died at age 95. I was fortunate enough to see them in their last play on Broadway, The Visit, in 1959. When the play closed in 1960, they retired to Ten Chimneys (actually there are Eleven Chimneys, but they did not like the way the word “eleven” sounded, so they changed it to “ten”!
Alfred’s mother and sister lived at Ten Chimneys all year round. The Lunt’s were there mostly when the theatre season ended the beginning of June until after Labor Day in September. In 1915 Alfred purchased the first parcel of land for the Farm. From the Main House we proceeded along the grounds to the Chicken Coop & Garage, the small Pig Barn (Lynn did not like the smell of the pigs so they had very few—I don’t blame her!!). Then on to the Corn Crib and Creamery & Greenhouse. They also had a Stable & Barn for the horses and cows. Then on to the Studio which was a getaway in the evenings to read plays and put some on for guests. Then came the Pool House with the first in the ground pool in Wisconsin—quite huge for its time. Noel Coward caused quite a stir as a guest on the farm when he decided to go to the pool with only a towel on his shoulder and his cigarette holder! The Lunts’ cook quit when Coward strolled through her kitchen nude on his way to the pool. The last building of some size on the Farm is the Cottage, done up like a Swedish Cottage with all types of sayings in Swedish. This is where Alfred’s mother and sister lived until their deaths. Helen Hayes was a guest almost every summer. Besides Noel Coward, Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh were frequent guests as were other performers on Broadway at the time. Alfred loved to cook and even wrote a cookbook which is going to be republished this Fall.
What a wonderful tour this was. If you are ever in the area, you MUST stop and take time for this unique Farm. I am so glad I read about Ten Chimneys and we took the tour!
We then were on our way to Milwaukee, WI to go to Dianne & George’s son, Perry & his lovely wife, Laurie. Sons Sam & Jake were there too! Summer vacation had begun for them! They have a lovely home in the suburbs of Milwaukee. We sat outdoors for drinks and then we celebrated the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbos) (Laurie is raising the boys Jewish; Perry converted). A wonderful evening with a wonderful family! We had wonderfully grilled steak and chicken; tortellini salad; etc. Then came a chocolate fudge cake that was rich and delicious topped off with ice cream! There goes the waistline! Perry presented his father, George, a new barbeque grill for Father’s Day! Kids were great and Sam loaned me a book, CAR TROUBLE, which I have just started.
We then were on our way back to Plymouth, WI from whence we came several days ago. Unpacked and more than ready for bed after a long, but enjoyable day!!
Saturday, June 16
Slept in until nearly 8:30 a.m. Dianne made eggs, bacon with fruit and raspberry coffee cake for breakfast. Finally got on the computer and caught up with 158 e-mails: mostly jokes which I immediately deleted. Wish people would not send all those jokes—they are NEVER read!! Spoke to James in the hospital; he is bored to death waiting for his operation to occur.
With Dianne and George, we ventured to see Lake Michigan. It is so huge that it looks like the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean! Partly cloudy day but pleasant and not too hot! On to the Kohler Andre State Park to visit the small Nature Preserve & Observatory there in the city of Kohler. Then we drove around the Sheboygan outskirts and stopped at a restaurant on the Lake for some Wisconsin brats and beer to go with it! On to the Kohler Art Center: too much modern art for me, but the “Rhinestone Cowboy” house was still on exhibit from last year. A house decorated inside and out with all colored rhinestones inspired by the Glen Campbell song, “I’m A Rhinestone Cowboy.”
Back to the house; napped a bit and then ready for dinner at about 7:15 p.m. Off to Bruce’s Supper Club. Why is it called a Supper Club?? It’s a restaurant with a big bar area; we would call it a restaurant in CT or CA. A supper club would be a place with an orchestra and dancing as well as facilities for eating. Anyway, once we had a couple of drinks at the bar (Wisconsin style!), we sat at our table and had a most delicious meal: began with a tomato-basil pureed soup followed by walleye which was pan fried in butter with twice-baked potato and vegs. No dessert as the time was almost 10 when we finished out entrees. We were the last to leave the supper club: not all Wisconsinites are into late dining!!
Back to the house and we watched my completed video of my life: Gennaro A. DeVito: A Life in Five Acts. There are still a few things that need tending to on the video before I can say it is completed and ready for viewing by anyone who wants to see it. This is the video that will be in my cemetery in case anyone wants to view it then if and when they visit my gravesite. It was well after midnight and time for bed.
Sunday, June 17 Father’s Day My 67th Birthday
After a restless night—too much food too late in the evening—slept in until 8:30 a.m. Could not believe that it was my 67th birthday and I was heading toward the big 7 0 !?!?! Got laundry going so I would have enough clothes for the coming week. They all left for church and Eric and I just relaxed around the house. When they returned, Perry arrived to play golf with George for Father’s Day. We had brats and beer for lunch.
Headed to the city of Kohler to the Kohler Design Center where all the famous bathroom faucets, sinks, tubs, and toilets are displayed and for sale. Interesting displays for some of the items: a wall of toilet bowls piled one upon the other from floor to ceiling was very dramatic! Took a photo of that—possible Christmas card?
Then over to The American Club. The Kohler Family sent for immigrants and housed them and educated them and had them work in their factories. Within five years, they had to become American citizens. The facility where they lived is now turned into a luxury hotel in the style of the Ritz Carlton Hotels. A very successful program in its day—the early 20th Century. Why not try it again?? No new taxes, I suppose!! We had tea and cookies in one of the lovely rooms in the hotel that was free.
Back home for a short nap. Merrill was preparing my Birthday Dinner. Friends of Dianne and George were invited also: Linda & Tom Phillips. They have worked all over the world as teachers and counselors in a similar program to the one I was in with the Department of Defense Overseas Schools. They had interesting stories to tell. Had a few battered cheese curds I bought at the American Club coffee shop with cocktails; then the first course for dinner was a Caprese dish: “shwi shwi”—pasta with a fresh, quickly cooked tomato sauce with olive oil and then chopped fresh basil on top—very tasty! This was followed by pork loin with fennel sauce, roasted potatoes, carrots, and fresh asparagus. My birthday cake was a chocolate peanut butter cake with cream cheese frosting with Butterfinger candy bar pieces on top! Rich and delicious!!
After they left, everyone sat around and played cribbage. I got on the computer to correspond about James Lee’s illness and condition. He would be ready for his operation tomorrow.
Monday, June 18 Off to Milwaukee
Up early so we could be in Milwaukee by 10. Packed everything. Dianne not back to work until tomorrow and coming with us today. George was off to a doctor’s appointment at the VA Hospital and then on to school to clean out his office—he’s now an officially retired principal. On computer again to clear up e-mails: would not be bothered with them once our Theatre Conclave began!! Once we got Dianne going, we were off at 9:30+ a.m. for Milwaukee!
A nice drive down from Plymouth. Not much traffic on their highways. What a pleasant change from the Bay Area traffic! Got to see some of the big mansions along Lake Michigan once we reached Milwaukee. Parked the car and we were on time for the “opening of the sails” of Santiago Calatrava’s Wing for the Milwaukee Fine Arts Museum. The only word that comes to mind for the outside of the wing, the opening of the sails, and the inside lobby is B R E A T H T A K I N G !!! We did get to see the exhibit, “Creating the Impressionist Landscape: Pissarro” which was lovely! Pissarro was at the beginning of the impressionist movement. Wonderful and colorful paintings! At noon, watched the opening of the sails from the inside lobby: not as dramatic as watching it happen from outside.
Off to Mader’s German Restaurant for lunch. This restaurant was established in 1902 and is owned by the same family today. Began with a stein of Pilsner ale. Then ordered sour bratten with some spetzel (also ordered an extra portion) and red cabbage. Eric and I then shared a delicious homemade apple strudel with cream.
Then we were off to the nearby Intercontinental Hotel to check into our room for the next four days (Room 912). Lovely hotel lobby and room was quite nice and spacious. Unpacked and ready to go sightseeing with Merrill and Dianne.
Off to the Pabst Mansion. I had been last year during the Meltz Family Reunion, but was glad I did this 2.5 hour tour again. Very informative and house is so 19th Century—very lovely. After the tour, Merrill and Dianne were off to Plymouth. She had to return to work tomorrow. Merrill would stay in Plymouth and then drive to Cumberland to see Laurie again and then meet us in Minneapolis on Friday evening (he would get there a day or two earlier). He did not want to join us for our Theatre Conclave—what a shame!
Eric and I rested at the hotel and got ourselves organized. We were not very hungry so just found a restaurant across from our hotel, China Gourmet for some shrimp with cashews and vegetable lo mein. Washed it down with Chinese beer. Just enough to eat and drink. Time for bed early since we had quite a hectic week traveling around the lovely state of Wisconsin!!
Theatre Conclave Newsletter
This is a separate newsletter. I type it mostly for my own record. Some of you may not be interested in it at all. You can just delete the document if it does not appeal to you. This theatre trip also turns into a wonderful sightseeing trip.
Stay well, enjoy the rest of the summer, and keep in touch…..
Gerry
posted by Gennaro (Gerry) DeVito | 8:05 PM
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