Category Archives: Stockbridge

Hanna-Barbera Exhibit (Stockbridge, MA)

Date Of Visit: May 28, 2017

Location: Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Rd, Stockbridge, MA

Dates Of Exhibit: Unfortunately, the exhibit is no longer at the museum.  It was such a big attraction, I wouldn’t be surprised if it did come back at another time, though.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, the Norman Rockwell Museum is one of the more handicapped accessible places I have been to

Highlights: animations, drawings and collectibles from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon collection

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Yogi, Fred, Richie and even Jabber.  They were all there at the Norman Rockwell Museum last month. as the Norman Rockwell Museum showed off some of the works of the Hanna-Barbera cartoon franchise.  Just as a warning, some of the photos may not look top notch because we weren’t allowed to use a flash in the museum.

As I walked along the various drawings of my childhood, it was like walking down memory lane.  I could envision the shows I loved so dearly.  All I needed was a bowl of Cap ‘N Crunch and a glass of O.J.  and my footie pajamas and it would have been just like my childhood.  OK, I still might have a pair of footie pj’s.

The popular shows were represented of course.

But, what was great about the exhibit is how they showed some of the more obscure shows in the exhibit.  At least they were obscure to me.  In fact, I didn’t even remember some of the shows they featured until I saw them at the museum.

There was also a television playing a short documentary about Hanna-Barbera playing on a loop for visitors to watch as they checked out the comics and there was a scavenger-like game kids could play with their parents to find certain characters in the drawings at the exhibit.  Also, an employee gave an informative tour of the drawings and collectibles.

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Another cool thing about the exhibit was that some people offered to lend their collectibles to the exhibit for display.  Some people have quite a few collectibles!

Here’s a fun fact.  Well, it;s a fact.  Not sure if it is “fun” our tour guide told us how Jackie Gleason almost stopped the Flintstones from happening.  Apparently, Gleason watched an episode and he noticed how the story lines, the shows basic setup and characters were essentially the same as his show, The Honeymooners.  But, even though he would have had a case in court, he stopped short of stopping the show because he didn’t want to be known as the guy who stopped the Flintstones show.  Nowadays, every show seems to mirror The Honeymooners.

The exhibit was organized so neatly.  It encompassed three spacious rooms and each inch of the walls seemed to be covered with a drawing or card with information on it.  Yet, the art work didn’t seem cramped.

I would have to say seeing some of the drawings from the more obscure shows like “Jabber Jaws” and “The Ed Grimley Show” brought back some of broadest smiles if “I must say” (I actually liked the Joe Flaherty segment of the show when he played the “Count Floyd” character best).

I hope I was able to make you smile on this Tuesday!

What were some of your favorite shows from the drawings above?


Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge, MA)

Date of Visit: October 15, 2016

Location: 9 Glendale Rd, Stockbridge, MA

Hours:

May – October and holidays:
open daily: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

November – April: open daily:
Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Weekends and holidays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Parking:  There is a  large parking area for 100 or more cars across from the museum.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, and they even have a separate parking lot for handicapped parking beside the museum

Dog Friendly: No

Highlights: original art work by Norman Rockwell, other works of art by various artists, sculptures behind the museum

Web Site: Normal Rockwell Museum

Nothing may say Americana like the work of Norman Rockwell.    And, in a small town in the Berkshires you can still view this idyllic vision of America from so long ago.

But, even before you enter the museum, there is art abound.  Along the walk way to the museum there are these unique sculptures and works of art.

Since it was the middle of October during our visit, the grounds of the museum were bursting with colors.

Rockwell was a prolific artist and his work is widely regarded as being some of the finest art in modern American history.  Virtually every home, office or school has at one point hung a Rockwell painting, or more accurately somewhere in their building.  In fact, I remember seeing this one in my doctor’s office.

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The museum allows photograpy, just not flash photography.  So, make sure to grab your DSLR or make sure your camera phone is fully charged before you go.

It’s so hard to choose the best Rockwell painting, especially since everyone has different tastes.  But, here are a few of the paintings at the museum.

Throughout the day, a curator or other staff member gives a brief lecture on the life and works of Norman Rockwell.

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There are also works of art by other artists at the museum.  They range from more traditional works of art to modern works of art.  There wa also a special tribute to cartoonist and satirist Thomas Nast during our visit.

Behind the museum is an open area with sculptures, some of who were sculpted by Norman Rockwell’s son, Peter Rockwell.  The art work is very creative.

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“Monster” made from fiberglass resin by Peter Rockwell, 2014

Sculpture by Peter Rockwell

“Junkyard Baby Buggie” made of license plates, tools, hubcaps, antique bottle and miscellaneous articles by Thomas Fiorini listed at $11,000.

Sculpture by Peter Rockwell

“Birdy Buggy” by Erika Crofut.  Made of steel, vines and trash treasures.  Listed at $2,200.

“Nuclear Family Totem” by Angelo J Sinisi, made of steel and bronze.  For the low low price of $4,000.

“Christmas Buggy On Main” by Dee Moretto, made from wood, bondo, metal, fabric and paint.

“Bedrock Carriage” made of gypsum cement, copper and mocha moss, made by Thomas Mesquita.  It’s all yours for $3,000.

“Bachelor” by Nicole Peskin made of found objects and welded steel.  Listed at $9,000. Maybe I need one of these for my bachelor pad.

Sculpture by Peter Rockwell

 

There is also a tour of Norman Rockwell’s studio.


Children’s Chimes Tower (Stockbridge, MA)

Date Of Visit: October 15, 2016

Location: Village Green West Main Street at the itersection of Rt. 102 and Rt. 103, Village Green next to town hall, Stockbridge, MA (next to the First Congregational Church)

Hours: The tower chimes with music at 5:30 p.m. EST from May 1 until Sep. 1

Cost: Free

Parking:  There is limited parking available in a lot next to the tower

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: daily playing of children’s songs (from May 1 until Sep. 1)

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Built at the former site of the first church in Stockbridge, MA, which stood from 1739 until 1785, the Children’s Chimes Tower (also known as the Dudley Field Memorial Tower) has been ringing seasonally since 1787.

The tower used to ring everyday at 5:30 between the first apple blossom and the first frost on the pumpkins.  This has been changed to June 1 until September 1.  The frost seems to come sooner each year so it’s probably still pretty much the same dates as it used to be.

As luck would have it, the operators of the chimes and people who care for the tower were moving in a piece of furniture during our visit.  They agreed to give us have a tour.

Bruce is one of the chimes players.  He says he plays a variety of different tunes for the children.  “Three Blind Mice” is one of his favorites.

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The three story tower stands over 7 meters off the ground from the console  (roughly 23 feet).  But, it seemed taller.  The height of the highest bell is 20 meters (over 65 feet) bove ground.  The wooden portion at the top of the tower represents the Stick style of architecture. Clocks are mounted in the central gables on all four sides of the roof.  There are also 11 bells and the heaviest pitch is in E.

David Dudley Field, a wealthy New York lawyer and son of the prominent D.D. Field, gave it to the city of Stockbridge in memory of his grandchildren.  His one condition was the chimes were to be rung everyday at 5:30 p.m. between, “apple blossom time and the first frost on the pumpkin.”

The tower has gone through some minor changes through the years.  In 1973, the instrument was made larger with bells made by an unknown maker.  It also began with 10 bells but has since added another bell for the current 11 bells.  They have also added war memorials along the front and side of the towers, honoring those lost in war from the Stockbridge area. The names of the fallen are engraved on the memorials around the tower. Older photos of the tower show ivy growing on the sides.  But, it has basically remained the same.

I wonder if this is the original bench that was stationed next to the tower.

Even this bird likes the chimes tower.

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There’s something about seeing a tower like this and knowing they cater to a younger audience, playing nursery rhymes and other children’s themed music that brings out the kid in you, even in this hardened New Englander.

Below are some videos of the tower.