The Haskell Playhouse

Yesterday I joined some other plein air painters and art instructor Gene Ursprung, and spent the morning painting the historical Haskell Playhouse in Alton, Illinois.  The playhouse was built for Lucy Jane Haskell, the daughter of Dr.William Haskell by her grandfather, John Hayner, a wealthy financier and philanthropist.  The grandfather commissioned an Alton architect to design and build this beautiful playhouse which is in the style of Queen Anne Stick,  for Lucy's 5th birthday which was July 29, 1985.  Lucy Jane Haskell died at the age of nine of "black dptheria' just four years after the playhouse was built.  Following Lucy's mother's death in 1932 the family home, 6.4 acres of land and the playhouse were bequeathed to the city of Alton to be used as a playground and facility for children.

We all enjoyed painting in the lovely surroundings until it began to get too hot and broke up our painting party and enjoyed lunch and art conversation around the table.  What a great day!