| JWBear |
05-18-2007 05:12 PM |
We got there about 9:30ish. We knew we were in the right place when we saw the miniature train tracks cutting accross the front lawn and driveway. There was a line to get in (they were only letting a few people at a time in). While we were standing there, I remarked that the house reminded me of Cliff May's early work. It's a gorgeous, low-slung ranch house.
Once we got inside, we found most of the really good stuff had gone early. But there still was tons of stuff. Lots of books (which they were asking far too much for), artwork, Disney stuff, train related stuff, and knick-knacks. I bought a few things. Lisa & DP made some interesting finds (which I will let them tell you about).
In the back yard were more miniature train tracks... and to one side of the house: the holy of holies... his workshop/studio. A spur line of the tracks ran through the wall and under the workbench.
While I was standing out on the back patio, I struck up a conversation with a man who knows the Johnston family. We were talking about the house, and he confirmed that it was indeed designed by Cliff May! Ollie and Cliff were friends. That was icing on the cake for me, as I'm a huge fan of his architecture. We lamented that, in all likelihood, whoever buys the property will tear the house down to build some god-awful McMansion. The house, though large for its day (1947), is too small and unfashionable for the neighborhood it's in. If it happens, it will be a sad day. |
