 |
|
|
A Virtual Visit |
 |
Welcome to the Judy Garland Museum and the Judy Garland House! I'm John Kelsch, director of Judy Garland Museum, and I'm standing in the parlour of the Garland House. The Judy Garland House is the actual home in which Judy (or Frances Gumm, as she was known then) lived for the first 4-1/2 years of her life. Judy and her sisters would perform on the first landing of the stairway in the parlour while their mother -- Ethel Gumm -- played the piano. (Photograph by Van Vogel.) Through the restoration of the Garland House and the ever-growing collection of the Museum, we are giving visitors an up-close-and-personal look at the life and legacy of "America's Treasure" -- Judy Garland! |
|
 |
The Garland House was built by Andrew and Mary
Shook in 1892. It served as the Gumms' home for a total of seven years
-- from 1919 to 1926. The structure was moved from its original site in
the summer of 1938.
In 1994, a two acre parcel of land on the south side of Grand Rapids was donated to the Judy Garland Museum and the house was moved to its new location in November of that year. Completed in June of 1996, the restoration of the house cost $225,000.00. The restoration of the house was based on family photos, oral histories, and a 150 page structure report by the "house detective," Jim Sazevich. The adjacent Memorial Garden was completed in June 1997 at a cost of $35,000.00. The house has 1,700 square feet on two levels. |
| In March 1938, 15-year-old Judy Garland returned to Grand
Rapids as a Hollywood star. Following the Garland House restoration, several
members of Judy's family and Hollywood friends have also had the opportunity
to visit her childhood home....
Teen-age star Judy Garland
|
 |
|
Judy Garland's son Visited in 1997, 2002, 03, 04, 05 Pictured here with his sister, Lorna. |
 |
 |
Judy Garland's daughter Visited in 1992, 94, 97 and 98 With JGM board vice-president, Jon Miner. "My mother would have been so proud of the endeavors of all the people in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to make the Judy Garland Museum a place where everyone can feel like they are 'over the rainbow.'" Visit Lorna's website at www.lornaluftonline.com. |
|
Judy Garland's third husband Visited in 1992 and 97 |
 |
 |
Hollywood star and close friend of Judy Garland Visited in 1998 "Thank you so much for inviting us for another visit to the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids. We would truly enjoy coming to see you lovely people again and again and again!!" |
|
Judy Garland's friend and co-star Visited in 1999 and 2000 with his wife, Jan Chamberlin. (Jan's father was from International Falls, MN.) Mickey and Jan are pictured here, along with Miss Minnesota, Natalie Lund, in the parlour of the Judy Garland House. "I have many fond memories of Judy and I working together on so many movies. The Judy Garland Museum is a fitting tribute to her great talent." |
 |
Some more of Judy's friends and co-workers....
Take a peek at our museum collection....
|
|
Museum members Tony and Ruth Landini announced their generous $5,000 donation at the 2000 Judy Garland Festival. This "restricted" contribution is earmarked for the design and fabrication of the new Judy Garland Museum Gallery. Tony and Ruth have supported our programs with a gift each year since 1995. Some of you may have heard Tony's wonderful talk about the ruby slippers at the Festival a few years back. He was the proud owner of a pair of original slippers for 12 years (1988-2000). |
|
Do Come True A very critical series of gifts has been made to the Judy Garland Museum® by well-known New York City interior designer Marc Charbonnet. In light of the horrific events in the City, Marc’s example is another glowing tribute to the helping, charitable spirit of all New Yorkers! Using his rare talent and valuable time, Mr. Charbonnet has collected, and donated nearly 100 period 1920 artifacts for the Judy Garland House. Museum Vice President Jon Miner announced that "As the Judy Garland Museum is often unable to budget adequate funds for on-going acquisitions, these in-kind contributions fill a real need identified since the restoration was completed in 1996." With his knowledge of authenticity, Mr. Charbonnet has located exemplary pieces - all the way from a mint-condition oak ice chest and fine china cabinet - to two wooden scooters much like the ones most certainly used by the Gumm sisters! Museum goers also have a chance to see Marc’s personal Judy Garland collection now on loan and on exhibit in the Gallery at the Judy Garland Museum. The intimate personal effects include:
Marc Charbonnet founded his own New York interior design firm, MECA (Marc Edward Charbonnet Associates), in 1991. He is the designer of the Sharon, Connecticut, estate of Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan featured in the June 2000 Architectural Digest, as well as their Manhattan apartment which appeared on the cover of the October 1997 issue of the magazine. The artist has designed many residences on New York’s Fifth and Park Avenues, as well as in his hometown of New Orleans and around the country. He has been quoted: "All decorators, interior designers, and architects have to be talented to be successful. Some claim a certain style, others a gimmick. I’ve been blessed with good taste... my gimmick is that I’m honest."
|
|
Click on the ruby slippers to email John
Kelsch
(Executive Director, Judy Garland Museum®)
Judy Garland Museum® & House
2727 US Highway 169 South
PO Box 724
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Local phone: 218-327-9276
Toll free: 1-800-664-JUDY (5839)
Fax: (218) 326-1934
Web Site: www.judygarlandmuseum.com
| Judy Garland Museum® is a non-profit, educational organization. All contributions are fully tax deductible to the extent provided by law. |
