Happy New Year! January 2018
There's quite a bit of news already this year and for those who have visited Grand Rapids, we know some of this news will touch you in a special way.
We apologize that we've had trouble downloading some of our selected photos. Meanwhile, as the year goes on, we hope we will have better and better news to report. Meanwhile, keep warm!
We apologize that we've had trouble downloading some of our selected photos. Meanwhile, as the year goes on, we hope we will have better and better news to report. Meanwhile, keep warm!
FAMED
SAWMILL INN TO CLOSE
For more than twenty years now, Judy Garland fans from
far and near have chosen the Sawmill Inn as their hotel of choice when
attending the Judy Garland Festival. The Sawmill Inn was well-located, being
only two doors away from the Judy Garland Birthplace. It also included a fine
restaurant, bar, pool, sauna and hot tub, along with plenty of rooms and
parking. Until a few years ago, the Sawmill had the largest event rooms in the
area, and annually the Judy Garland Festival held parties, dinners and talks in
these rooms.
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| How many old friends greeted one another at this lovely carved reception desk. |
Munchkin Jerry Maren often surprised guest as he strolled out, arm in arm with his wife, Liz, smoking a cigar. The ever friendly Margaret Pellegrini stopped to chat with visits while passers-by did double takes saying, “Oh there’s a Munchkin!” Yes, the days at the Sawmill Inn were indeed an enchanting and special place. One year, before the Museum was built, the carriage from “The Wizard of Oz” sat in the front lobby!
Judy friends and fans have cherished memories of these
times, along with the evenings afterwards when groups would sit in the lobby
and sing, or in the bar. Also remembered fondly were parties given in rooms
around the pool, including parties given by Gordon Stevens, longtime fan of
Miss Garland’s who had seen the star in concert probably more times than anyone
else we know.
In recent years,
The Sawmill Inn has seen a decline in traffic and at the same time has been in
need of updating and repairs. Although everyone knew that this event would take
place at some point, it was not expected quite this soon.
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| Museum director, John Kelsch, and wife, Michelle Russell enjoying a final meal at the Sawmill. |
For those who planned or hoped to stay at the Sawmill
Inn this coming year, we will check into alternate sites for you and report on
them in our next newsletter.
TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES AND JUDY GARLAND
This December was certainly a busy time for Judy
Garland on Turner Classic Movies. As many as ten of her films were shown in one
week, “Meet Me In St. Louis” being the crowning point just before Christmas. A
fresh look at the film certainly made us concur with Judy’s daughter, Liza Minnelli who has often
declared – Judy never looked lovelier, particularly during her rendition of
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
HOLLYWOOD VISITS GRAND RAPIDS
As revealed previously, Grand Rapids and the Judy
Garland Museum had some film/television visitors earlier this month. While we
have been asked not to reveal the full story as of yet (nor do we know it), the
crew was here one week scouting and complete crew of 16 persons was here
another week. One thing we do know is that they got into the old Rialto Theatre
and scouted out some information on the New Grand. We also know that some new
discoveries were made regarding the Ruby Slippers.
Incidentally, all the buildings on the block where the
old Pokegama Hotel and the former New Grand Theatre stand remain. The project
previously reported on fell through and so, at this point no demolition or
building is set to take place.
Again, we ask if you are visiting Grand Rapids and
want to see the site of the former New Grand, please do not go into the
building or disturb the residents. Nothing inside remains as it was, you can
simply see the outer frame of the building and the site
NEW JUDY GARLAND EXHIBIT OPENS
DURING CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
DURING CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
There is a new exhibit in the main gallery of the
Museum – Judy Garland: America’s Treasure. The exhibit brings to light some
things that have been packed away and is an overview of Judy’s expansive
career, from her childhood to her film and concert work. It is a sleek and elegant exhibit that will be fine-tuned over the next months.
The exhibit opened unofficially on the night of the
annual Ho Ho Hoedown Christmas party. That night we had over 519 visitors at the party, where Santa visited children in front of The Wizard of Oz carriage. Last
year our visitors was 300, which was an increase from around 200 the previous year.
In addition to the “America’s Treasure” exhibit, there
is a new Wizard of Oz exhibit in the hall. A more official announcement on this exhibit will
take place soon.
2018
FESTIVAL TAKING SHAPE
Of course things can change but as of now we are
planning a showing of one of Judy’s top TV shows on a big screen, a major
motion picture of hers also on a big screen. In addition, there will be a talk
about the making of this film with clips. A showing of hidden archival items is
also planned – to be presented by John Kelsch, as well as a living history in
the house such as was done back in 1997. The Judy Garland Talent Contest for
youth at the Reif will take place on Saturday, June 16th. Per fan's requests, there will be some short but interesting programs – enough to keep everyone busy and happy during the Festival.
Some persons have contacted us regarding program
ideas. We do welcome all ideas, but some ideas may have to wait until 2019 at
this point because with the Festival being only 2 ½ days long, it is difficult
to fit everything in!
WINTER HOURS
OF OPERATION
During the winter months, we are only open Fridays and
Saturdays from 10-5. The new exceptions to this are school holidays. Also
please note, we are CLOSED on Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving.
NEW
ADMISSION PRICES FOR 2018
As of January 1, admission and membership prices will
be raised. This is in keeping with costs and prices around the country. Buying
a Membership to the Judy Garland Museum and Children’s Discovery Center is a
really great value at any time!
General
Admission tickets - $10 per person (ages 2 and above)
AAA Membership Discount - $ 9.00
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| View from the Judy Garland Birthplace Front Parlor |
* please note, website may not be updated yet.
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New information is coming in daily, but we will close for now
A Happy, Healthy New Year to all!
