Friday, June 29, 2012

Mrs. Whaley, By Way of Maxminimus

I recently received a gift of a book from my esteemed fellow-blogger Maxminimus.  Titled Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden, the book is ostensibly about the author's justifiably famous garden in Charleston, South Carolina.  But it is more than that.  It is a charming and thought-provoking memoir that delves into Mrs. Whaley's past, her family, her marriage, and her philosophy of life.

Maxminimus' gift, photographed by Boy Fenwick
in the gardening barn at Darlington House

Maxminimus sent it to me, he said, because of the post I wrote awhile back, on Charleston Receipts.  He thought I might like it.  And he was right.

It is always so nice to have a book inscribed by its giver
Photograph by Boy Fenwick

It is not a particularly weighty tome, but it is one that resonates and ripples beyond its covers.  I highly recommend it to you, Dear Reader.

Mrs. Whaley's Charleston garden
Image courtesy of Preservation Nation

Mrs. Emily Whaley, who died in 1998 at the ripe age of eighty-seven, was of a vanishing breed of women that once spread throughout this country, whose population has been sadly depleted by the passage of time, the spiraling cost of living, and the supposed benefits of "progress."  She was of a class of women, largely wives and mothers, who were raised in a culture that valued tradition, continuity, self-discipline, service to others, and positive thinking.  While some, like Mrs. Whaley, were raised in affluence, it was not a prerequisite for belonging to this breed of women.  An appreciation for thrift and economy were also among its hallmarks.  They planned ahead.

Mrs. Emily Whaley with landscape architect Loutrel Briggs
Photographed in the 1970s
Mr. Briggs designed Mrs. Whaley's garden in 1940
Image courtesy of the Cultural Landscape Foundation

I was quite charmed by Mrs. Whaley's book, the stories she tells in its pages, and the nuggets of wisdom she shares.  The book is full of her keen observations and sensible opinions on matters ranging from working with others, marriage, raising a family, faith, getting involved, and being active.  She genuinely liked people, was appreciative of the advantages she had either been given or worked hard for, loved her dog Rosie, and didn't take herself (or others) too seriously.  She was happy to poke fun at herself.  And she was a worker, too—whether it be in her garden, helping out family members or friends, or toiling on behalf of a worthy cause.

Mrs. Emily Whaley with her beloved Rosie
sitting in her Charleston garden in 1997
Photographed by Milton Morris
Image courtesy of Workman Publishing Group

In short, Mrs. Whaley was a lady.  In the very best sense of the word.  She was someone that one would be proud to have as a mother or as a wife.  And she was a person that one would most certainly be honored to count as a treasured friend.

Thank you, Maxie, for introducing me to the delightful Mrs. Whaley.

Reggie is sure that you will enjoy Mrs. Whaley's memoir as much as he did, Dear Reader.  It can be ordered here from its publisher, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.  It is also most likely available in print and on ebooks at your local public library.

34 comments:

  1. It appeared to be a lovely garden, in a city full of such retreats.

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  2. another favorite we share in common (love my Charleston Receipts.) I gave Mrs. Whaley's Charleston Kitchen as hostess gifts years ago

    You may also like the collection of Loutrel Briggs' work (pictured with Mrs. Whaley in your post. ) Another treasured book from my library

    http://www.amazon.com/Charleston-Gardens-Landscape-Legacy-Loutrel/dp/1570038910/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340986899&sr=1-1&keywords=loutrel+briggs

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    1. JCW, I was not aware that there are other Mrs. Whaley books! Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will definitely order them, along with the book on Mr. Briggs, for my library. Reggie

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  3. Better late than never ...... your discovery of Mrs. Emily Whaley. :-) You should also look for a copy of "Mrs. Whaley Entertains" and "Mrs. Whaley's Charleston Kitchen" which includes many great "receipts." Even another great book related to Charleston is "Gardens of Historic Charleston" by James R. Cothran.

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    1. Hello Judy, Thank you for letting me know (along with JCW) that I now have other Mrs. Whaley and Charleston Gardens books to look forward to reading and studying. I was not aware of them. Reggie

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  4. To this day my husband refers to me as Mrs. Whaley when I dispatch him to work in the yard. Well, indeed, and why not. A wonderful book. Best wishes!

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    1. Dear Anon, Your husband sounds as if he has a sense of humor, which is an important component of a happy marriage! And to be considered in the same league as Mrs. W., well that is certainly an honor. Reggie

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  5. Living in the deep South, we often bemoan the passing of these great Southern ladies-eccentric ,stylish, outspoken, determined and what used to be known as "accomplished" - It seems there is no one comming along to replace them- My favorite lady growing up (there were several who stand out) the truly Southern Mrs.Cuthbert Mandell who once told me , in describing a couple who had recently moved to town, "They're the type of people who overdress their children."

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    1. Thomas, That is an hilarious story! Really pinpoints the type, doesn't it? Thank you -- Reggie

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  6. Reggie, your post sent me running to my bookshelf to revisit Mrs. Whaley. I almost had a heart attack because she was not there!
    Finally I remembered moving all my gardening books to the kitchen, where, thanks to Jennifer and Judy, I'll make space for her other books when I find them. In the meantime, I'm settling in for a nice read, because it's too hot and humid here to even go out and pull a weed.

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    1. Hello YT: That sounds like a lovely idea. Perhaps a glass of ice tea with it would help cool your brow? Reggie

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  7. Sounds utterly delightful. I have several on my list who I think would be delighted to receive this!!

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  8. Mrs W looks like a really nice woman doesn't she? I love the oval lawn with pond and statue and the way the plants aren't beaten into submission.

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  9. We love Mrs. Whaley's books! You must make her fried chicken and her chocolate Waldorf cake. Oh my goodness, divine.

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    1. Hello Laura, I am going to order her cookbook as soon as possible. One does so adore fried chicken and chocolate cake! Reggie

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  10. It is one of my favorite books as well and I have her Entertaining book, too. I loved your post about her. She was a charming and gracious lady -- it's not often we can say that about anyone any more.

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  11. Dear Reggie,

    I "discovered" Mrs. Whaley's book several years ago, and managed to get an autographed copy, which I hold dear. The Mister and I visited Charleston earlier this summer for a few days and stayed in a house on Church Street. During one of our morning walks, we found Mrs. Whaley's former house (I believe one of her daughters lives there now), and we were delighted to discover that her garden is open to the public, announced with a tiny sign on the gate. We let ourselves in, and wandered around in perfect solitude for the better part of an hour. Absolute delight! If you are in Charleston, you must visit! I hope to post about our Charleston trip soon; seeing Mrs. Whaley's garden was definitely a highlight.

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    1. Hello T&CM: What a treat is must have been to have Mrs. W's garden to yourself and the Mister that morning. It sounds magical! I look forward to reading your post about your trip to Charleston on your charming blog. Reggie

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  12. I own this book. I started reading this book. I must find this book!

    I adore her and her garden.......need her fried chicken recipe.......and that quote from another southern lady about some "newcomers":

    "They are the type of people who overdress their children>"

    Can you imagine those people seeing what we see today???
    It was a "harbinger"

    Tragic.

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    1. Hello PB: I lament the passing of these ladies and that generation. They had much to teach us, both in the books they wrote (and which we are fortunate to have after they are gone) and the zinger phrases they were known for, such as Thomas' Mrs. Mandell. Thanks for visiting... Reggie

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  13. Reggie, I enjoy reading your blog, especially the entry about how a woman should dress - spot on! I discovered Mrs. Whaley's books while I lived in NC from 1998 until 2004. I also visited her Charleston garden which her daughter, Marty (a self-taught painter/artist whom inherited her mother's home), charges a small fee to visitors. I did ask if I could look at Mrs. Whaley's kitchen and Marty graciously declined. I could have listened to Marty's beautiful accent all day! Do go and visit when you are in Charleston sometime.
    L in Sillycon Valley

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    1. Hello L in Sillycon Valley, Thank you for your comment. I would love to visit Mrs. Whaley's garden should I be so fortunate to be in Charleston again, a city that I love. I would imagine her daughter's accent is lovely, as you describe. Rgds, Reggie

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  14. She sounds like the type of woman my grandmother is, and I would concur - a dying breed. I cannot wait to read more about her and her lovely garden. Thank you for the recommendation.

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  15. I see people have already mentioned "Mrs. Whaley Entertains". These are some of my favorite lines from the book:

    "I am and enormous gadgeteer. Gadgets for me are what liquor is for some people."

    "Toward the end of his life, Ben was not feeling well at all."

    "I love fried flounder. Creighton Frampton, who is ninety-two years old, takes me out to lunch if I jog his memory".

    The ladies and gentlement of that era are rapidly disappearing - and I miss them.

    sarah

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    1. Hello Sarah, Thank you for your comment and sharing these delightful quotes. I look forward to getting my hands on MWE. Reggie

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  16. I have this book, too! It's excellent and I loved reading it.

    My two besties are in Charleston this weekend for his 50th, and since he's a chef, I am giving him Charleston Receipts for his birthday.

    Glad you made it back to Darlington safe & sound. SO happy you weren't here last night. It was a nightmare... a dark & stormy night.

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    1. Hello Meg, I am sure your friend will enjoy Charleston Receipts as much as we do. I have only just learned of the horrifying damage wrought on your fair city since I was there, only one week ago. Astonishing. Be well! Reggie

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  17. Reggie, I adore your blog. I find it humorous, engaging and inspiring. Being a Charleston lover, it was wonderful reading your post and the great comments by your loyal readers. I detect a bit of the southern gentleman in you despite your upbringing in the north. I also love how you can find great celebration in the simplest occasions. I enjoy so much your post on your antique finds and the mini education we get with each of them. Thanks for sharing your life with each of us through blogging. It's been quite an education.

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    1. Dear Anon 8:52, How nice of you to leave such a lovely comment. Thank you very much for your kind words. Such encouragement is just what one appreciates when the zeal to keep posting wanes from time to time. You have inspired me! With appreciation, Reggie

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  18. And thank you for not pointing out my typing errors. Trying to type with one arm in a cast is more difficult than I expected.

    I also agree with the above comments about you. Sometimes you remind me so much of the southern gentlemen I knew growing up in (the rapidly disappearing old) Virginia. Blogging can become something of a chore after a year or two but I hope you never entirely quit writing such interesting, informative, and delightful posts.

    sarah

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  19. It was my pleasure to send the book to recipients who would understand that there are lessons therein for all of us. Wisdom that transcends gardening. I grew up shrouded in Mrs. Whaleys and I regret the passing of the archetype.

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  20. OH MY!I read this book about 11 years ago!From this book I got the idea to go to CHARLESTON on the home & garden tour....that just happened this past April!I traveled with three girlfriends.I had forgotten about the book by now and as we were trotting about asked one of my friends to look up MRS.WHALEY and her address as I would love to walk past her home.We did indeed look her up but found no address...just the book.As we went about our last day of touring and our second to last house the friend who had brought the IPAD who I had requested the "look up" from was our leader and said,"next house is MRs. Whaley's!!".......I replied "GET OUT!"Loved it.Bought the book upon our return home for all three gals so they too could enjoy.And now your post with photos of her!!!!!!!!!THANK YOU!

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  21. How did I miss this post!!!

    Mrs Whaley was certainly of a dying breed. I am so fortunate to have a friend who is the Atlanta equivalent of Mrs Whaley; a gardener and 96 years young. She gave me Mrs. Whaley's books years ago.

    I have visited Mrs Whaley's garden several times but must say it has changed since her daughter took it over. I guess one should expect that. The heart of a garden dies with the gardener.

    The Historic Charleston Foundation sponsors a house and garden tour every year which I am sure you would enjoy.

    I agree with the above comments on your Southern Gentlemanly ways and also appreciate your posts. They are many times an education.

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