Judy P's Tickle Trunk

……or Dining with the Rich and Famous.

  Earlier this month we took the time to visit the Hillwood Estate in Washington DC. Marjorie Merriweather Post purchased this mansion in the fifties and had extensive renovations done. As the old Geneva Kitchens advertisement said, she must have been itchin’ for a kitchen, because she had the whole kit and kaboodle updated to the standard of the day. Not only was her kitchen all stainless; her pantry was as well. And not only was it a trendy minty green pastel colour, it was vermin proof and featured “hush-hush” drawers. I don’t suppose that Marjorie ever put the kettle on or buttered a piece of toast in there but her staff must have been pretty happy with the set-up. It was on the main floor of the house, not buried in the basement, and they were provided with their own dining area right off the kitchen.

Marjorie’s kitchen featured all of the most modern utensils and appliances.

Polly put the kettle on, kettle on, kettle on…..

I was delighted with the pantry. Miles, it seemed, of cupboards to store every type of serving dish immaginable. there was even a walk-in safe for the silverware.

Marjorie’s pantry.

I had a lot of fun photographing the details. The pantry was a hub for the butler. This was the control panel for the outside lights.

I am not sure if this was the doorbell or the fire alarm but am impressed that it was painted minty green to match the cabinets.

“Oranges and lemons” sang the bells of St. Clement’s

The steel cabinets were made by Geneva. The huge pantry sinks were a thing of beauty. Just love that vintage style.

Sadly we were not invited to breakfast in the breakfast room;

or to dine in the dining room,

where she got to show off her collections of French and Russian porcelain and crystal, her Belgian lace, and her gold plated cutlery.

Just as well, I suppose. I would have looked mighty shabby in my thrift store dress and craft fair earrings.

I didn’t leave Hillwood Estate envying the lifestyle of the wealthy – I am contented with my lot and Lao Tzu says “He who is contented is rich.”

© Judy Parsons 2016

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