Life moves at a slower pace in Upstate New York.

Lake Skaneateles, New York

It is August and the days are long, the nights are cool and bright. During the days, one gets out in the sunshine and sits by the lake or takes an excursion on a boat. At night, that is a different.


What better time than to picnic by the lake under the stars and enjoy the world class music of the Skaneateles Festival? It is going on now, four weeks of glorious music through the end of the month from Wednesday through Saturday. Bring a chair or a blanket and sit on the lawn before an historic three story colonial revival home located on Lake Skaneateles, one of the beautiful Finger Lakes in Upstate New York. Have a great time. 

See the schedule.

Lake side at Skaneateles

In nearby Manlius, New York, Nichols & Stone dining room tables and chairs continue to be manufactured by Stickley, keeping a tradition of fine craftsmanship that began in 1852 with the formation of Nichols & Stone, the oldest furniture making company in America. 

Nichols & Stone

The company's products reflect generations of New England craftsmen working to perfect their techniques of construction. The patina of the solid birch and maple woods are unmistakably Nichols & Stone. You need only look for the Nichols & Stone shield burned into each piece to know that you have chosen the very best, made by the oldest furniture name in America.

Welcome to Las Vegas

We are off to Las Vegas next week, destination - the World Market Center and the Venetian. The goal - finding time to relax and finding something new.

Venetian Hotel

The five-million-square-foot World Market Center in Las Vegas is located on Grand Central Parkway between the Las Vegas Strip and the historic downtown. The Venetian is on the Las Vegas Strip on the old location of the Sands Hotel where the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin would get together for fun in the sun.

World Market Center, Las Vegas

To paraphrase Hunter S. Thompson, it is Las Vegas, where the lights never go out.  People wandering the streets, some looking for action and some just looking. And in the casinos, at the tables and slots, gamblers test their luck. At any time of day or night, there is madness in any direction.

There is a universal sense that you can’t lose. No matter what one is doing, tonight you are going home a winner. 

Stressless Vegas recliner

The Stressless Vegas recliner is designed for comfort. You don’t need to gamble here. With soft contours and plush cushioning, the Vegas recliner is a winner any way you sit. Using the Stressless patented Glide® and Plus® systems, the Vegas responds to the slightest movement of your back, neck or legs. With a full 360° swivel feature and adjustable headrest, the Vegas Stressless recliner delivers unparalleled comfort.

Stressless Vegas recliner

 

From Benjamin Brester to John D. Rockefeller to Gustav Stickley

It might be a stretch, you say, but let us reach out and connect Gustav Stickley with Benjamin Brewster, who made his mark in life as a trustee of Standard Oil Company, the brain child of John D. Rockefeller.

Brewster Inn, Lake Cazenovia

Benjamin Brewster was one of the original trustees of Standard Oil. He was born in 1828 in Norwich, Connecticut to Patrick Brewster (fourth great-grandson of Mayflower Pilgrim William Brewster) and Catharine Fanny Roath. In 1849 he went west with the California Gold Rush, establishing a general mercantile store in San Francisco. His partner was Oliver Burr Jennings. They were wildly successful. Jennings would later married the sister of William Rockefeller’s wife and as we all know, it is not what you know but who you know. William was younger brother and partner to John D. Rockefeller who began Standard Oil. Money begets money. Brewster, now rich became richer. 

In 1890 Brewster built a summer home in Cazenovia, New York, which he named "Scrooby" after the English manor house in Nottinghamshire, England where his ancestor William Brewster lived before departing on the Mayflower. 

Lake Cazenovia

Brewster's home on the shores of Lake Cazenovia now houses the Brewster Inn. 

Brewster Inn Restaurant

Benjamin Brewster died at his home in Cazenovia in 1897 at the age of 69. His pallbearers included John D. Rockefeller. Benjamin and his wife Fanny had six children, one of whom, Mary Dows Brewster Jennings, lived until 1964.

What does this have to do with Gustav Stickley? 

Little, for Gustav Stickley was just then, in 1897, returning from a trip to Europe where he became acquainted with English humanist, designer, and social critic and founder of the British Arts and Crafts Movement. William Morris. Stickley would go on to found American Arts and Crafts Movement and develop designs that would later be known as Mission Furniture. Gustav would go on to build a furniture factory in nearby Syracuse which today continues to make the hallmark Mission furniture in Manlius, New York, a short drive from the Brewster Inn. 

Lake Cazenovia, New York

Dog Days of Summer

Only "Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun." wrote Noel Coward. "Because," Noel continued, "the sun is far too sultry and one must avoid its ultry-violet rays." Don't fret, instead, come to Traditions' air-conditioned Annual Art & Accessory Sale and save 20% off all art and accessories (sorry, Sid Dickens memory tiles and a few other items excluded.)

There is a hug selection of artwork, including man's favorite friend.

You don't need to dress up. But wear a straw hat and long sleeves to protect yourself from the sun's rays.

Everyone who is anybody comes to the Art Sale. It is a chance to find that inspiring piece of art.

It is not hard to find us.

In Overland Park, we are located in the historic  Strang Carbarn, just 2 blocks wet of Metcalf on 79th street.

In Wichita, at Douglas and Hillside in College Hill.

We will be waiting for you.

Summertime in Skaneateles

Welcome to Skaneateles, upstate New York, and part of the Finger Lakes. The winter snows are gone. Spring has brought forth an abundance of flowers and colors. Summer has arrived! 

If you are coming from nearby Manlius, home of Stickley Furniture, be sure to visit Skaneateles (pronounced "skiny-at-a-lis"), book a room at one of the many cozy inns or just visit for the day and dine on the lake. 

Experience the beauty of Skaneateles from a park bench. Or be brave like the locals and dip your toes in the cool clear blue water.

Averaging less than a mile wide and stretching 16 miles in length, Skaneateles (from the Iroquois for "long lake") reaches across three counties: Onandaga, Cayuga and Cortland.

At home on lake Skaneateles with the Marina sofa by Stickley.

Marina sofa by Stickley

How to skip work and watch the USA Germany soccer match.

Things you should know about the Chrysler Building

[Listen to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue as you read the blog.]

Loved by all New Yorkers and considered by contemporary architects to be one of the finest buildings in New York City - the Chrysler Building.

1. The Chrysler Building was never owned by the Chrysler Corporation.

Chrysler Building, NYC

Instead, it was owned by Walter Chrysler who leased it to the Chrysler Corporation as its headquarters from 1930 until 1950.

2. For eleven months it was the world's tallest building at 1,046 feet. Construction workers pushed the 185 foot spire through the roof in 90 minutes to create the record. In 1931, the Chrysler Building's height was surpassed by the Empire State Building at 1,250 feet.

3. The metal clad spire tops 77 brick floors on a steel frame. It is still the world's tallest brick building.

4. Despite a torrid pace of four floors a week, no workers died during its construction, unlike the Empire State Building, where five workers died.

5. The iconic eagle gargoyles were modeled after Chrysler Plymouth hood ornaments.

Eagle gargoyle Chrysler Building

6.  The Chrysler Building is located at 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, which accesses Grand Central Station.

7. The building was built at a cost of 15 million dollars.

8. It was sold in 1953 and has gone through a series of ownership and management changes.

9. A private college, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, owns the land and the building. In case you wondered, the college, better known as Cooper Union, is located in Cooper Square in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City,

Top of the Chrysler Building

10.  The building's Art Deco style, unique in New York City, is one reason why the building was place on the National Historic Register in 1976. The spire which lights NYC at night is a shining beacon for all New Yorkers to see.