A KC Find!

Check out what Huey found in Kansas City! I didn't know this existed.

https://jwhueyblog.blogspot.com/2018/08/another-gingery-find-whilst-in-kansas.html

Star on a sidewalk in Kansas City - photo by Huey

Ginger Rogers Festival a Success

The first Ginger Rogers festival hosted by The Ginger House Museum July 13-15, 2018 was a big success.

We were thrilled to be able to have several amazing speakers at the event including Audrey Elder of Past to Present Research who has done extensive research on the property and wrote the book "100 W Moore Street"; Tom Talbert with Tom Talbert Video, who shared his amazing story about video taping Ginger Rogers in 1994; Gene Padgitt, with HearthMasters, Inc. who is the general contractor responsible for the restoration of the property; Linda Lee Sutton, with Linda Lee Sutton Original Dolls who created the Fancy Feet Doll approved by Ginger Rogers; and your's truly, who discussed Ginger's unique history and family tree.

We were especially pleased with the keynote presentation by Roberta Olden, who was Ginger Rogers' assistant for the last 18 years of her life. Roberta shared many of her interesting stories about the time she spent with Ginger and answered many questions from the audience. Roberta donated some very unique items to the museum that were owned and worn by Ginger Rogers. Some items were sold at the fundraising auction, but most are going on display in the museum.

Among the items on display are two stunning ball gowns (one is the blue dress Ginger wore to the 1967 Academy Awards ceremony), one red and yellow polka dot dress that Ginger is shown wearing in a photo on the back of a book, a negligee set that Ginger designed for JC Penney, the key to the City and proclamation from the 1964 "Ginger Rogers Day" event in Independence, and gloves and purses. A pair of shoes and pair of boots that Ginger wore were among several items that sold at the auction.

Christine McDonald donated a beautiful pink gown with feathered sleeves to the museum, which will be on display soon.

Joann Carlson donated many items to the museum which are now on display. Vivian Miner also donated many clippings and other items, and we have books, magazines, an collectibles that were donated by multiple individuals.

An "everyday" skirt, blouse, and jacket are on loan from Mrs. Marilyn Stewart. This item was purchased at the estate sale in California.

We hosted a Ginger Rogers Fan Club meeting at the museum on Sunday morning so attendees could take the first tour of the house. Even though all of the displays are not yet up, the crowd seemed to enjoy seeing all of our hard work. It was so nice to be able to see people face-to-face that we've been communicating with via social media, and to be able to speak with other die-hard Ginger Rogers fans!

The museum security system and camera system are installed and we are currently working on anti-UV light display cases for the gowns.

We are gearing up for our grand opening on August 16 at 4:00 pm  with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Independence Chamber of Commerce. The museum will be open to the public on August 17. For more information and tickets visit www.thegingerhouse.org.
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Marge Padgitt is the Director and owner of The Ginger House Museum, and the President and Director of the Local History Preservation Society which is a not-for-profit organization who handles donations to the museum. mp@thegingerhouse.org.

Ginger Rogers home tour

Registration is Open for the Ginger Rogers Day Festival!

Registration is open for the Ginger Rogers Day Festival July 14-15, 2018 in Independence, Missouri. The birthplace of Ginger Rogers will open at that time, and many of activities are planned, including presentations at the Truman Library and Museum, a tour of the Ginger House, a fan club meeting, a banquet and silent auction.

The keynote speaker is Roberta Olden, Ginger Rogers' longtime assistant. Limited tickets are available for the event. See more about the event at www.thegingerhouse.org.

The Ginger House Update

I wanted to let everyone know about the progress at the Ginger House- The interior is 99% completed. The only thing left to do is the white subway tile with gray grout in the kitchen and finish the displays of Ginger Rogers memorabilia and some of the items she owned.

The next step is the exterior, and that won't be as easy a task since we must get approval from the City of Independence Heritage Commission for any repairs or improvements since this is an Historic Landmark Property.

The steps involved include getting a site survey, having a plan drawn up by a landscape architect, removal of trees that are a danger to the house, approval by the city arborist, and getting approval from the Heritage Commission.

Our plans include replacing the sidewalks around the house and to the front porch with paver bricks; new landscaping and grass; a lighted sign; uplighting of the house; a new old style fence around the property for added security; repair of the porch, columns, siding, and soffits, and roof replacement. Last March hail severely damaged the roof. We are planning to restore the exterior color to the original white, and keep everything on the exterior of the house original except the roof, which will be a period look roof. We are also planning to add a paver brick driveway and patio in the back of the property.  The expected remaining costs are between $30,000 - $40,000.

People who donate $50 or more to the project will have their name engraved on a paver brick which will be placed in a permanent location on the property.

The grand opening of the museum will be July 14-15, 2018 at the Ginger Rogers Day Festival.

Donations can be made at www.thegingerhouse.org.
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Marge Padgitt is the Director of The Ginger House Museum. Contact her at mp@thegingerhouse.org.

Down to the Wire

Update on the GR House:

The wiring and plumbing are completed and passed inspection by the building inspector - yea! Next, Gene is getting ready to put the insulation in the walls and put up drywall in the kitchen - the next to the last thing to do inside the house. The cabinets are sitting in the house and ready for installation. The alarm system has been repaired and is now working.

We are going to add a small half bath off of the kitchen so visitors will have a place to use the restroom without disturbing the tours through the full bath. After the interior is finished we need to apply to the city for the exterior improvements and landscaping. Don't worry- the look of the exterior will be kept the same as it was originally.

Must read article about Ginger Rogers' Mother

Lela Rogers

Check out this fantastic article about Ginger Rogers' Mother, Lela Rogers who served in the Marine Corps during WWI as one of the first 10 women to join the military. Lela also and wrote Hollywood scripts and was Ginger Rogers manager. Ginger and her mother and grandmother were pioneers in their day and amazing women! They should be an inspiration for us all.

https://womenmarines.wordpress.com/2013/07/26/lela-leibrand/