The Guest Book - A Tweedt "Mountain Home" Tradition
The guest book at the house was an early tradition.
As soon as the house was completed on July 4, 1926, the guest book has it's first entry. It lists the names of the 30+ attendees of the "first celebreation" of a "steak dinner" at the "Tweedt Mountain Home."
Entries continued thoughout the years, with some being extremely simple by listing the names and dates of when people visited. Other entries include drawings, poems, and occasional silliness.
Many entries thank the Tweedt's for their hospitality, and many comment on the excellent cooking (often pancakes) of May Tweedt.
Later, the guest books became more of a diary of what happened on each trip. Though not always a poetic as the earlier entries, they often give a complete picture of time spent at the "Mountain Home."
Whatever the type of entry, they are all unique and fun to read, and give insights as to what what happening at the cabin, in the world, or sometimes -- just in someone's mind.
Original Guest Book
1926-1946, plus entries in 1958, 1966, and a few others
This is the first Guest Book, started in 1926.
The first book was made of what looks to be a cut sheet of plywood that has hand-drawn skier, a snowman with a sleddeer, and the words "Guests." The plywood was laquered, and drilled with holes to tie in 8 1/2 x 11" sheets of paper. The whole book is held together by a colorful piece of twine, and opens with two leather hinges that are riveted on to the cover.
This book contains a list of dates and names of those who visited, but it also contains some drawings, a bit of poetry, and even the checklist of when the cabin had to be closed down for the "Duration" (which was the unknown length of what we now call World War II).
Click on the link to view the original pages with a description and occasional historical notes to help put the entries in context.
-
Let each man for a little while go up
Away from men and man-made worlds and supOn the plain food of hill and tree and skyHook with his soul forget the measuring eye
-
Some people like the city with
music, dance and glare
But as for us it's pine trees
with nice fresh mountain air
-
Here's to the cabin upon the hill
Where one relaxes to his fill
And close to nature, so sublime
Forgets all care and strife and time
-
Four very weary, footsore people and
One exhausted Pooch left here for
Home, Sweet Home after firmly
Resolving to return soon
-
If heavens' like this,
I'm for it
Guest Book 2
January 1983 - August 1992
After having only one guest book for so many years, this guest book really got things going. There are lots of entries and the descriptions become more detailed as to what happened on each trip.
Though generally not as poetically written as the first Guest Book, this book, and the following books, give great descriptions of life at ELJAMAR.
Click on the link to view the original pages with a description and occasional historical notes to help put the entries in context.
-
Wow, Wow! Lots of Fun.
-
I give this trip two thumbs up!!!
-
I made lots of biffs on the camera.
-
I don't want to go home to appointments, bills, and schedules!
-
Too much monkeying around up here!!
Guest Book 3
August 1992 - April 2002
"Our Guests"
This book picks up after some time spent at ISOMATA and continues up to the point of the new mountain home construction.
There are quite a few trips with Brian & Heidi's freinds visiting. Near the end of this book, you can read about the reasearch that was being done to look at building a new cabin.
In fact, this is the final book recording experiences at ELJAMAR.
Click on the link to view the original pages with a description and occasional historical notes to help put the entries in context.
-
I had to "rough it" here in the wilderness. I must say, I'm a city girl though, but it's nice to get away from it all - especially the traffic.
-
Buns are sore, but hey. It's all in the name.
-
So much is familiar, yet changes can be seen. Still all is well, quiet, restful and wonderful.
-
On my second run, I became intimate friends with a tree.
-
This place cured my "fever" from Friday morning.
-
Definitely good to go night sledding = can't see how much danger you're in.
-
Sledding on pine needles is the best. I'm a little scarred, but I'll survive.
-
We fed a friendly pack of blue jays which quickly became bolder. Brian and I decided we should continue to monitor their behavior, I mean, c'mon. We've seen "The Birds." It could happen.
-
Idyllwild is still the charming, lovely, quiet place - one constant in a world that has changed so much since 1943.
-
Just like old times with hours of cards by the fire.
Guest Book 4
2004 - July 2010
The first Guest Book for the new house, the fourth book overall.
There is a bit of a gap between Books 3 & 4 as the original house (ELJAMAR) was torn down September 20, 2002, and the new home wasn't ready until it passed inspection on July 14, 2004.
So we pick up with a new book and a new home.
Click on the link to view the original pages with a description and occasional historical notes to help put the entries in context.
-
We had such a wonderful, memorable stay in your fabulous new home!
-
Congratulations on the beautiful new Idyllwild home in the sky.
-
Words cannot express what a wonderful experience we had. Thank you for everything!
Guest Book 5
July 2010 - Present
This is the 2nd book for the new Glowing Lantern house.
This book has not been published online as it is still actively being used. Check back in the future and it will be placed online.
-
So Much Joy! This is the time to remember, because it will not last forever. - Billy Joel
-
I liked building the Lego Death Star and the Candy Store.
-
Had a great time with friends - lots of laughs, good memories!
-
Dad loves to fatten them up for winter.
-
If we can only stay longer 🙁 We shall return!
-
What a treat to come to Idyllwild. Thanks for inviting us!