I had a magical day with my sister in New York City. We ate at a delicious Greek restaurant, Village Taverna, and I had something I love and can't always find--grilled haloumi cheese. It was a beautiful summer's day with an actual breeze. We were two ladies, sisters in hats. Mine was green and hers was red. We were perfectly in sync in a way that was most special. She asked if I had any idea of what I'd like to do after lunch. I said, "Are there any galleries around here? " (University Place near Fifth Ave.) My sister is an expert on all things New York City. She used to own a store that sold vintage New York City maps and graphics. I new she'd pull a rabbit out of a hat, and she did. She said, "How about the Salmagundi Club?"
I had never heard of it. It has been a center for American Art since 1871. A charming old brownstone, the only one remaining on lower Fifth Ave. I am a fan of the cozy mysteries of Victoria Thompson, about Sarah Brandt a mid-wife at the turn of the century. Sarah is a Knickerbocker and grew up in a mansion very much like the one we were in. So I imagined myself entering such a parlor as the one my sister and I entered. We would have left our calling cards on the tray in the elegant hall and admired the art of the artists of the day, including one of my favorites, F. Childe Hassam. There was a very good exhibit in the main hall, and some fabulous paintings in the parlor, including my favorite, a woman at her mirror by Ulysses A. Ricci. So much fun to step back into time like that. A serene and quiet New York, under a sparkling chandelier. What a lovely day. Price of admission=0. Price of contentment=priceless. A real gem in the city, and a special moment for two sisters in hats to bond.
I had never heard of it. It has been a center for American Art since 1871. A charming old brownstone, the only one remaining on lower Fifth Ave. I am a fan of the cozy mysteries of Victoria Thompson, about Sarah Brandt a mid-wife at the turn of the century. Sarah is a Knickerbocker and grew up in a mansion very much like the one we were in. So I imagined myself entering such a parlor as the one my sister and I entered. We would have left our calling cards on the tray in the elegant hall and admired the art of the artists of the day, including one of my favorites, F. Childe Hassam. There was a very good exhibit in the main hall, and some fabulous paintings in the parlor, including my favorite, a woman at her mirror by Ulysses A. Ricci. So much fun to step back into time like that. A serene and quiet New York, under a sparkling chandelier. What a lovely day. Price of admission=0. Price of contentment=priceless. A real gem in the city, and a special moment for two sisters in hats to bond.
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