$10,000 David Evans Memorial Grant Awarded to Scripps Estate!
May 2008—The Michigan Architectural Foundation/Clannad Foundation awarded the annual David Evans Memorial Award in Historic Preservation to the Scripps Estate for the restoration of an important outdoor “room” designed by famous landscape architect, Bryant Fleming. The room, which highlights Fleming’s outstanding ability to create building-like architectural features in his gardens, had suffered damage to the sandstone walls and two-stage fountain bowl from weather and falling trees. The restored room will lend itself to multiple uses, including public performances, poetry readings, wedding ceremonies, outdoor field site workshops, and the like.
First Friends Newsletter
July 2008—The first Friends Newsletter was issued in July. To download a copy of the newsletter, click here>
Concours Motor Tour Visits Mansion & Grounds
August 2008—The 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d”Elegance Motor Tour visited the Scripps Estate, bringing classic cars (and one or two curiosities!) from all over the U.S. and the world. The motorcade-led caravan wove through the roads of north Oakland County, through Orion Township, and then to the estate for a private tour of the house, lounging under the trees with refreshments, and taking in the wonderful grounds before continuing with their day. Harley Ellis Devereaux Corporation was on hand to greet the Concours group and continue HED’s 100th anniversary celebration here at the site of one of the most historically significant designs by firm co-founder, Clarence E. Day. Day was William E. Scripps’ brother-in-law and designed the mansion in 1926.
HEAVY METAL
September 2008--Scripps Days (September 13-14) Will Feature Metalwork Tours, Reinstalled Samuel Yellin Gate, Live Demonstration of Wrought Iron & Premiere of Documentary film about Scripps Wrought Iron & Samuel Yellin (among other things!). The theme this year is the exceptional metal art at the estate—both inside and outside the house. To celebrate the re-installation of the restored Samuel Yellin gate, special metalwork tours will be offered by reservation only on Saturday, September 13 2008. The tour will focus on the interior metal art by the famous Oscar Bach, and the wrought iron pieces on the grounds, some of which are attributed to the other famous metalworker in pre-Depression America—Samuel Yellin. But that’s not all…the public will be treated to the world premiere of a documentary film by local filmmaker Scot Orser, “Restoring a Legacy: The Samuel Yellin Gate at the William E. Scripps Estate.” Orser’s film features the restoration process, carried out by local wrought iron worker Bob Becker of White Horse Forge in Metamora, Michigan, and documents the artistic skill and difficulties of restoring historic wrought iron. But that’s not all…Sunday’s crowds will be treated to the opportunity to watch Owen Creteau, Jr., as he shapes and creates delicate wrought iron before their eyes. Creteau will make small wrought iron items to order while you watch! For more information on the Scripps Days programs, click here>
