When I first started writing Pigtown*Design, one of the people whose writing influenced me was Dee Hardie. She had written for House & Garden, House Beautiful and the local Style magazine. 
As recently as Sunday, I saw a copy of her book at The Book Thing, and as recently as May, I had someone asking me about her on the blog.
News came today that she has died at age 89. She had an interesting life, and was admired by many. You can read about her here.
Sounds like she was a Martha Stewart before Martha Stewart. I wonder if their paths ever crossed? Both wrote for House Beautiful or did MS write for House and Garden back then. Anyway she was not a Martha Bill Gates Stewart LOL
ReplyDeleteMiss her back page in House Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the linked story Ms Hardie won a writing contest Vogue's Prix Paris or something like that. If one searches the internet, one discovers this is the same contest Mrs Onassis( nee Bouvier)( nee-- is that the word??) won a few years later. It is fascinating to see what opportunities existed back then to those in the know, which ones have dried up and now if one considers the internet as a platform to promote oneself --and a visible somewhat credible portfolio for a publishing concern to consider---then one must admit the world is one's oyster.
ReplyDeleteI loved her column in House Beautiful, it was one of my favorite things. Her writing style was lovely, and seemed even more special because she was local. It was always fun to read about familiar things and surroundings from her personal perspective. I wonder if HB would ever consider publishing a complete collection of her columns as a book?
ReplyDeleteI remember her from House Beautiful. Her writing was informative and clever.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know she had such a long and full life!
I remember her from House Beautiful. Her writing was informative and clever.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know she had such a long and full life!
Dee Hardie was a wonderful human being. I only knew her through her writing in much the same way that I "know" you, Meg. I cannot remember which magazine she wrote for first (House & Garden or House Beautiful) but I followed her faithfully for years. I believe a new editor came on (or someone was promoted) and she lost her column at House Beautiful. I recall there was an outcry and I remember signing a petition to bring Dee Hardie back. I think she wrote two books based on her columns. I am holding my copy of "Hollyhocks, Lambs and Other Passions" which I purchased directly from her. Placed on the title page is her return address cut from the envelope the book arrived in -- a little stamp with a sheep on it and her address in Hunt Valley, Maryland. She let her readers into her life with all of its heartbreak and joy. SUSAN ADLER SOBOL
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite writers, and a treasured book. Love your blog, Meg!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the link to the obit.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading her column in House Beautiful, a little bit of home during my Boston years. She had a life well lived. I'm going to keep an eye out for her book.
ReplyDeleteLoved her House Beautiful pieces - also loved driving to Butler Maryland - that part of the countryside back in the 70's and 80's was so unspoiled - I hope it still is - I lie far away - I want to try to get those two books of hers.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne on St. Simons
Oh, I hate hearing this beautiful writer is gone. I used to adore her column for House Beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing this, Meg. And Merry Christmas!
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