tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170852285107502075.post1014234198236817241..comments2024-03-28T09:54:05.932-07:00Comments on BIG OLD HOUSES: My Father's ClubJohn Foremanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05062464473900774511noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170852285107502075.post-65720225249850609992014-04-30T07:10:54.285-07:002014-04-30T07:10:54.285-07:00I re-migrated to Palm Beach after living in Tuscan...I re-migrated to Palm Beach after living in Tuscany for five years; I naturally missed the scenery of the Tuscan Hills, the picturesque beauty and old world feel. My sister recommended Authentic Provence and mentioned their European garden antiques and unique French and Italian Décor that added that touch of elegance to her estate. I hastily visited their showroom and The Secret Garden, an outdoor showroom and was in awe of all the authentic garden antiques, European planters, Antique Garden Fountains, Outdoor Furniture, Wellheads and Gazebos that Authentic Provence had to offer, it was definitely life changing for me, as these finds are so rare in the US. Now when I have that longing for my Tuscan life I simply venture into my garden and I’m immediately transported to Tuscany. Visit them at www.authenticprovence.com and be inspired by a world that is exquisitely divine.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17785981111178918174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170852285107502075.post-56733131567851418822013-10-31T19:04:43.753-07:002013-10-31T19:04:43.753-07:00I have spent the past few hours enjoying your post...I have spent the past few hours enjoying your posts. One leads to another and another...oh, where has the time gone to. <br /><br />As a New Yorker interested in history, adventure and challenge, The Explorers Club offers all. Having attended public lectures offered by the club, I have had the pleasure of enjoying the library, drawing room and terrace. On a few occasions, I was led the back way (through the kitchen area) to the reception hall. <br /><br />Thank you for allowing me to view the private parts of a wonderful house. The Explorers have kept it true.paulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01665344851235337288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170852285107502075.post-39002310141319223022013-08-06T16:31:03.398-07:002013-08-06T16:31:03.398-07:00You make a very good point, and I think you're...You make a very good point, and I think you're right. The Clarks used the ground floor dining room, according to what I hear, pretty much from the beginning. But that doesn't mean the architect intended it so. Perhaps the sink and cabinets in the barroom today were moved from an original upstairs pantry. Opposite the second floor dumbwaiter is a 1960s institutional bathroom, clearly installed by the Explorers, on a footprint that makes perfect sense as a serving pantry. That was a good spot; thank you.John Foremanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05062464473900774511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170852285107502075.post-54275202773757982132013-08-03T20:52:49.617-07:002013-08-03T20:52:49.617-07:00As a new follower of your blog, thank you for this...As a new follower of your blog, thank you for this wonderful tour! Just a thought regarding the location of the dining room....might the architects have originally intended to swap the locations of the library and dining room? The terminus of the dumb waiter put the idea into my head. Just seem a bit odd to find the dining room right inside the front door where guests would have to pass it on their way to the drawing room only to return there for dinner and then return upstairs for after dinner what evers......Carrowmachttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01394274776753994971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170852285107502075.post-6600057217626962682013-08-01T14:14:30.959-07:002013-08-01T14:14:30.959-07:00Wonderful post. Ages ago a biologist/explorer acq...Wonderful post. Ages ago a biologist/explorer acquaintance of mine was inducted into the club; he described the interiors to me, knowing my interest. I must say your photos and old-house-wisdom give a better understanding.<br /><br />Kudos about your Dad; how proud you must be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170852285107502075.post-87085955687949464232013-08-01T13:09:18.250-07:002013-08-01T13:09:18.250-07:00John, this is a great tour! It is such a regal str...John, this is a great tour! It is such a regal structure that I had only seen tiny photos of the exterior before. Thankfully you've illustrated how lovely the interior is even in a more utilitarian state. <br /><br />Your late father looks like he's right out of central casting for that classic global explorer! I'm sure there were plenty of good tales told and a wealth of experiences from all that travel.<br /><br />The Clark family outside of their NYC residences - including The Dakota - are far more understated in their decor and architecture. Sterling's home in Cooperstown NY and Upperville VA both are very modest despite the wealth. <br /><br />I assume you've seen the often told story connecting The Beatles to Sterling Clark by way of his Never Say Die horse. The Wall Street Journal did a quick summary of the recent release book of the story - <br /><br />http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323744604578474872518503546.html<br /><br />Having known the family most of my life I have to bristle at Shawn's remark about 'juice family scandal'. Weber's book makes often a tempest out of a teapot. <br /><br />The collective Clark's could not be any more exceedingly down to Earth despite the fortune. Scandal tends to be more in keeping with a family who carries an air about them as if they're defacto Royalty. Instead from the beginning to today, they are and have always been very reserved which honestly is a quality I wish more people aspire to being.Kellsboro Jackhttp://www.flickr.com/search/?q=clarkestates&w=27332539@N07&adv=1&mt=all&ct=6&m=tagsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170852285107502075.post-22215633206727201652013-08-01T05:44:24.168-07:002013-08-01T05:44:24.168-07:00Fascinating as always. And it's great to see ...Fascinating as always. And it's great to see your handsome Father looking like some character out of a 1930's adventure film! <br /><br />There is a wonderful and exhaustive book about the Clark family, "The Clarks of Cooperstown" by Nicholas Fox Weber. It goes into the odd roots of the Singer fortune, the feud between the Clark brothers, their amazing art collections and various homes the family built, and many a juicy family scandal. I read it a few years back and highly recommend it.Shawn Cullenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18270423231633162242noreply@blogger.com