A babylon at Barbizon

I just read the most intriguing article in Vanity Fair about the Barbizon Hotel located in Manhattan NYC.

This hotel was built in 1927, and was in its prime from the 1940's to the 60's.  It acted as a charm school / housing unit to the most talented and beautiful women of its time.  Women who would go on to be famous actresses, writers, models, designers, etc.  Joan Crawford, Grace Kelly, Liza Minelli, Cloris Leachman, Betsy Johnson, even the "unsinkable" Molly Brown walked the marble floors of the Barbizon.  And of course NO men were allowed above the first floor lobby.  Not to say they didn't try.  What respectable gal ever had a fella up to her room anyway?

This picture (including Rita Hayworth in black) shows some the women "working out" at the Barbizon.

Who works out in such fabulous heels?  Well the Barbizon girls of course.

The Barbizon had a renovation in 2002, and yet another renovation more recently to turn it into condos.  I'm sure the interior of the building is quite different from what it once was.  The rooms were originally extrememely small and were not allowed any electrical appliances.  At least the exterior kept it's Romanesque / Gothic / Moorish style integrity.

It is so wonderful that we can continue to use beautiful historic buildings that bring such a richness to our American culture.  There are folks out there working hard to save these old buildings because beleive it or not there are people who would rather tear them down only to construct a brand new one on top of it, or even (gasp!) a parking lot.  Why waste new resources when we can work with the beautiful ones we already have?  If this inspires you, you should check out your local historic preservation group (like Memphis Heritage) and find a way to get involved!