LIFE INTERRUPTS LIFE

Signed Oil O/C American Painting Magnolia Tree  (<<<please click here to see new frame)

Just when you think that Spring is taking you on to a fine Summer.  Smack!  Snap! Crack!  Those are the sounds of breaking bones. 

In the Spring you can't miss it.  The magnificent magnolia in Methuen's Memorial Park, is just glorious as its blossoms burst out beckoning to be noticed, warning the passerby that the blossoms will soon be gone - just as in life - and that one may wait a long year to enjoy its majesty once again.  Alas, no painting could "do it justice."

This magnolia is in The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument Park in Methuen MA, an 1888 gift of Charles H. Tenney, who along with Nevins and Searles, "the three fathers of Methuen", built multitudes of monuments, "castles" and stone buildings during the turn of the last century that give this town its flavor.  Nearby stood the George Washington Monument by sculptor Thomas Ball commissioned by the eccentric Edward Francis Searles.  

In later years, with the Hopkins millions, he built for himself one heavily walled "castle" here and another one up the street in Salem, NH named for his family name.  

After his humble beginnings, the story goes that he did not relish living his life as a mill worker in any of the many mills that were built in town.  So, as a young man in the 1800s off went Searles to New York City to be an antiques dealer and designer.  During the course of his job, he met and later married the very rich much older widow Mary Frances Sherwood Hopkins of railroad fame.  She hired him to interior design her "Barrington cottage" in Western MA.  

Mrs Hopkins had the railroad money and he had the penchant for interesting decor, the perfect combination to fill the little mansions with some fine furnishings.  She proposed and he accepted.  How could he not?   

Together with her money they built and built.  At one time their property extended from here in Methuen MA across the state line up to North Salem, NH.  After a short four year marriage without issue, her death was fraught with whodunnits.  The widower later left the Hopkins millions to his unmarried "secretary", Arthur Walker.  Those grey stone walls can still be seen about on both sides of the state line.  

The George Washington statue was sold to make room for a building, a decision this town must still surely regret, and now stands far away in Forest Lawn Cemetery in CA.  How Searles turns in his nearby grave!   Seen in the background is the First Congregational Church which boasts a fine expansive stain glass window by John LaFarge.  It was rebuilt in the 19th century, still  with a cornerstone dated 1689.  There, across the street,  you will find the magnificent magnolia which for some may possibly remain a beacon to a better day.

Creative license was taken by not including telephone poles, sidewalks, crosswalks, parking signs, a fire hydrant, a cannon, headstone, etc. allowing more nature and stonework.

EXHIBIT HISTORY:   This original oil titled: Magnolia was shown at RAA - Reading MA - Spring Show and Sale - 15

All images design concept content text are original and solely owned by Mimi Dee and may not be reproduced in any form.  September 2013