Friday, July 4, 1941
We were politely asked by the second floor maid to join company in the breakfast room. The octagonal room is something else, and even I must admit that jealously got the better of me, as I wished it was my own. The brass fixtures opened panoramic windows that, combined with the homes placement atop Cedar Glen, had vistas of Cleveland that were unparalleled.
My wife was whisked away with the other ladies, as Mrs. Gill insisted on proudly showing her the admittedly impressive growth of peony, wisteria and hydrangea. I later learned that they spent an impressive amount of time gossiping in the property's tea house.
The men and children spread out beside the 25-yard by 25-foot swimming pool, which the grandchildren are understandably fond of. A bathhouse provided a nice bit of refuge from the hooing and hawing coming from the excitement created by a high board and a low board. When the ladies resurfaced, they thought to take a dip, so the men moved to the lower porch, where Kermode offered Zane Grey novels and the waitstaff brought lemonade.
As my wife and I later got dressed for the evening's festivities, I learned that she had seen the Gills' master bedroom, and its private screened-in porch. There were his and her bathrooms, and my wife is now quite insistent that she have a soaking tub and I a needle shower. Mrs. Gill's private office was also immensely appealing, I've learned. The children's bedrooms each had their own bath, and I was lovingly told that I need to make more money. At least we share a sense of humor. [pictured: The view down the stairs from outside the main guest room]
By the time we made our way back downstairs, the house had been transformed. A maid directed us to the ballroom, where we found Chinese lanterns strung about throughout, including the veranda, sunken garden and more formal upper garden that ballroom opened into. A large crowd quickly gathered, and rumors immediately began spreading as to who would make it. Jerome Zerbe, who'd made quite a name for himself as a photographer for Town & Country, was hoping to make the evening's soiree, but was booked to cover an event in New York City. However, a tall blonde by the name of Kay Halle did make a guest appearance, and despite her social fluttering, I was unable to secure a moment with her. Instead, I was left holding sparklers for the children. I won't bore with with too many more details, but the party was suitably festive, and I'd say everybody enjoyed themselves. [pictured: The grand foyer]
Editor's note: This is a fictional account of a weekend at the Gill home. However, details of the home and neighbors are factual, and gathered through research and conversations with the current owner, Jim Herget. To read more about the home today, click here.
