On the Road with ET

June 8, 2014 – On the Road with ET

Elliott and I just completed the first road trip of the “250 Miles or Less from Home” summer series.  Last Tuesday through Friday, along with Marshall and Debbie (who flew in from Texas), we explored a charming bit of territory that stretches from New Castle, Delaware, up through Wilmington, and into the Brandywine Valley in southern Pennsylvania.  While this area is not far from home, it was completely unfamiliar to me.  The highlight of our trip was our visit to Longwood Gardens.  Seemingly endless outdoor displays of flowers, trees and fountains, along with an extensive conservatory, kept us entranced for an entire day.  And since we were able to rent a motorized scooter for Elliott, he was able to enjoy the full Longwood experience.  

Elliott with Debbie and Marshall

The fountain show at Longwood Gardens

Unbelievably beautiful orchids in the conservatory

Topiary, too!

In addition, we visited the Brandywine River Museum in nearby Chadds Ford where we saw portraits, landscapes, still lifes and genre scenes (scenes of everyday life) by several Brandywine artists from the 18^th through 20^th centuries, including William Trost Richards, Daniel Garber, and Edward Redfield, Horace Pippin, Howard Pyle (many extremely detailed historical paintings), and Rose O'Neill.  Not surprisingly, however, the museum focuses on the work of three generations of the Wyeth family.  I found it very interesting to see N.C. Wyeth’s evocative illustrations for Robert Lewis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, since I recently read Nancy Horan’s novel, Under a Wide and Starry Sky, based on the author’s life.  (By the way, it’s an excellent book, and it examines closely the relationship between Lewis and his wife, Fanny Osbourne.)   

An N.C. Wyeth illustration for Treasure Island

 Of course, many of Andrew Wyeth’s well-known paintings were on display – his technical skills using egg tempera were quite impressive.  But I’m also glad I had a chance to see some of his watercolors where the subjects were woods and ponds.  These works, done from the 1950s through the 1990s, had a much freer feel.  Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take photo of Andrew Wyeth's work. Jamie Wyeth, the youngest family member, was represented as well.  His paintings and drawings of the late ballet superstar Rudolf Nureyev were full of color and passion.   

Rudolf Nureyev by Jamie Wyeth

 A temporary exhibit at the museum showed examples of folk art by Wilhelm Schimmel, a somewhat eccentric individual who is best known for his sculptures of angry birds (see below).

The original "angry birds" by Wilhelm Schimmel

 In Wilmington, we toured the Hagley Museum, located on the land where French immigrant E.I. du Pont established his original gunpowder factory in the early 1800s.  Although he was the main supplier of gunpowder during the War of 1812, the company he founded was in debt for much of the 19^th century.  We were able to tour the old stone buildings, mills, barns, and the family’s mansion on the property.  It was fascinating to learn about the history of the du Pont family and about the developments in industrial technology during the 19^th century. 

In New Castle, we walked the cobblestone streets of the colonial-era old town and saw a plaque near the waterfront identifying the spot where William Penn first landed.  (I think Philadelphia would probably dispute this claim.)  We learned another interesting bit of American history in New Castle, thanks to posters advertising festivities for the upcoming Separation Day celebration.  This is a holiday of double independence.  In addition to declaring their independence from Britain in June of 1776, three counties in southern Pennsylvania declared that they were forming the separate state of Delaware.  

On the streets of Old New Castle, Delaware

As soon as we got home from our trip, the final piece of granite countertop was installed in the kitchen.  I’ve already given the kitchen a pretty good workout and I’m very pleased with the look and the functionality of the new space.  Great job, Elliott!