Step into Ruthmere’s House of History for new stories, experiences, and information from Elkhart’s historical district. Our team delves into the three pillars of our mission (history, art, and architecture) to provide a new realm of online education that goes beyond museum walls.
As everybody knows, music has always been an integral part of Ruthmere. Elizabeth Beardsley, a pianist in her own right, loved music. The Elkhart Truth frequently reported on her entertaining in its society column, going all the way back to their grand opening party in 1910.
In many cases, the settlers who would lay the literal foundations of the Indiana cities we live in today were not yet in this area 250 years ago. Elkhart’s founding family, the Beardsleys, would not arrive in the land that would become Elkhart until 1829 when Dr. Havilah Beardsley stopped to admire the beauty of the St. Joseph River Valley on his travels.
But how did he get here? Where did he come from? He wasn’t alive yet in 1776 to experience the war, so who was?
If you have taken a tour at Ruthmere, you probably remember some of the Italian scenes found within the house. It’s also commonly known that Italy was Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley’s favorite place to travel and they did so many times. In this article, we are going to explore where we find Italy inside Ruthmere as well as talk about other more subtle Italian influences found in the mansion.
We are back to traveling through Ruthmere’s Steinway piano and exploring different parts of the world through Rubinstein. If you are an art lover or adore movie stars from old Hollywood, you want to keep reading.
Often we talk about Ruthmere’s Steinway piano and how it has been played by Arthur Rubinstein, one of the most notable pianists of the 20th century. What we don’t typically know is how this piano connects us to many different musical scenes and notable people around the world going back to the early 1900s.
Stormy skies had been threatening Elkhart all day, making long-range plans dicey. But, in true Beardsley family tradition, Ruthmere decided to press on. Until…. About 4:30 in the afternoon, an enormous thunderclap resounded over the city, bringing with it a darkness unanticipated. Much of central Elkhart was bathed in darkness as the power went out, including Ruthmere.
Undaunted, Executive Director Bill Firstenberger made the decision to proceed with the evening’s events…
For centuries, we have been enchanted by the concept of a flower that only blooms at night – especially when it takes a lot of patience to get it there. But the night-blooming cereus is worth the wait.
The list of potential artists continues to grow. It is my job to bring these fine musicians to the attention of the Concert Committee for us to make a group decision on who gets to perform at Ruthmere. It’s not always an easy decision. It’s quite safe to say that the level of musicianship coming our way is, for the most part, of the highest quality. And, just as with any other meeting of the minds, the Concert Committee is not always unanimous in its likes. We have jazz fans, classical fans, eclectic music fans, and those who embrace it all, as I try to do.
Miles’ primary product in the 1890s was DR. MILES RESTORATIVE NERVINE, a groundbreaking tonic that ultimately paved the way for several other medicines of its type. What exactly was Dr. Miles medical cure-all, Nervine, and why can’t I run to CVS and buy some today?
Have you ever been to France? Do you have fond memories of the exquisite buildings, sophisticated decor, and elaborate gardens, or did you just fall in love with French culture? Do you have an interest in Versaille? What does a fondness for France have to do with Ruthmere? To say, “a lot,” is an understatement. French influence can be found everywhere at the Ruthmere mansion. This northern Indiana mansion is a great example of the Beaux Arts architecture style which includes decorative influences by French Kings such as Louis XV. There are also many examples of French decor and French art including sculptures by the French artist Auguste Rodin. Prepare to overwhelm your eyes as we take a French tour through Ruthmere!