Grey Gardens
Grey Gardens, 1975
Grey Gardens is a 1975 documentary film by Albert and David Maysles, with Susan Froemke, Ellen Hovde, and Muffie Meyer. The film depicts the everyday lives of the two Edith Beales, a reclusive socialite mother and daughter of the same name who lived at Grey Gardens, a decrepit mansion at 3 West End Road in the wealthy Georgica Pond neighborhood of East Hampton, New York. The film was screened at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival, but was not entered into the main competition.
Edith “Big Edie” Ewing Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edith “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale were the aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. The two women lived together at Grey Gardens for decades with limited funds, resulting in squalor and almost total isolation.
In the fall of 1971 and throughout 1972, their living conditions—their house was infested by fleas, inhabited by numerous cats and raccoons, deprived of running water, and filled with garbage and decay—were exposed as the result of an article in the National Enquirer and a cover story in New York Magazine after a series of inspections (which the Beales called “raids”) by the Suffolk County Health Department. With the Beale women facing eviction and the razing of their home, in the summer of 1972 Jacqueline Onassis and her sister Lee Radziwill provided the necessary funds to stabilize and repair the dilapidated house so that it would meet Village codes.
Albert and David Maysles became interested in their story and received permission to film a documentary about the women, which was released in 1976 to wide critical acclaim. Their cinema vérité technique left the women to tell their own stories. (source:wiki)
Jerry Torre appears in the documentary as the young gardner/helper, as well as their close friend. Jerry worked for Gerald Geddes who owned the mansion next to Grey Gardens. After riding his bicycle past the dilapidated house many times he finally decided to ride up the driveway one day and knock on the door,, “Little Edie” met him at the door and upon first seeing him said “Hey, it’s The Marble Faun”, remembering the book by the same name by Nathaniel Hawthorne. He offered his services as a gardener and was welcomed into their world.
~~ Full Moon~~
Hi Jerry, Greetings from Charlotte, North Carolina where you came to visit and see Queen City Theatre’s production of Grey Gardens. Just wanted to let you know that Amanda and I will be up in the Bronx this weekend. Amanda is receiving the National Youth Theatre Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Young Lee Bouvier in Grey Gardens! We knew you, Steve, Ted and Jason would be excited to know. It is Sunday evening August 15th if you are in the neighborhood. Hope you are well. Jackie
Jackie, hi there Jackie~~!!
You have made me so happy, CONGRATULATIONS!!
Ive been invited to speak this weekend unfortunately I can not attend .
Please do take` photos`, send them to me I would be honored to post them if you like here on this site!
The reception at Charlotte will always be a cherished memory for me , please if you see the cast , any of the crew send them all my warmest regards ok,,
Amanda , you have earned a beautiful award ,I bow to your achievments!!
CONGRATULATIONS Amanda!!
Jerry, I am captivated at learning about the Grey Gardens experience, and was curious if the Maysles Brothers did in fact capture a slice of their world as you knew it or if it was edited in any way?
Thank you for offering this site to learn about you and the Beales.
Warmest thoughts,
Hi Melanie Jane
Al & David had the utmost care in capturing the lives led in Grey Gardens. Mrs.Beale was guite comfortable with the camera Edie was so excited.
Yes Al & David were guite professional and did capture on film the brief example one sees in the film.
There was no script, life within the walls of the mansion was simply `one of a kind`.
Ive begun writing a book on my life , it is important to me, it has been a tough life but I am all the better for it.
Please stay near & take very good care of yourself & those whom you hold dear ;ok
yours
Jerry
Jerry,
I hope all is well!
Is there a movie or stage production in the works about your life?
Thanks,
Daniel in Georgia
Jerry,
How did you and the Beales funtion in the house without running water?
Daniel
Hi Daniel
The first few years were very difficult , water had to be brought upstairs in Mrs.Beales bathroom.After the great raid the plumbing was restored to the upstairs bathroom
Jerry
Hello Jerry,
I am currently portraying you in our high school production of Grey Gardens and it would be just unique to talk to the person that I am playing, I wish I would have been able to talk to you earlier considering that opening night is tonight but… if you could still answer some questions that I have wondering after studying you and trying to portray you. Did you know that Edie and Edith were fighting a lot when you went to their house or were you not aware of their fighting? Also did you ever bring the washing machine from the McCallister place to their house? Well I can’t really think of anything else to ask you but if you could answer these questions that would be AWESOME!!! its awesome just knowing that you would read this. Anyway, thank you for your time
-Damian
Hi Damian,
It is an honor to know your playing me in this production.
Grey Gardens was the most magical time for this man,and it meant the world to me to explore and be trusted by Mrs.Beale and Edie.
Yes they did have heated discussions often , it was there very nature. I believe it was the Bouvier mindset to challange each other in most affairs.
I of course was very poilte seeing I was a guest and the first person allowed into the very private lives of Mrs.Beale and Edie.
The washing machine came from an estate just down the road, a Mr.Gerald Geddes had given me this machine after the renovation of his mansion.
It was my hope that installing the washing machine would improve life at Grey Gardens.
Time had stopped inside the mansion at Grey Gardens, it was
simply one of the most fascinating settings Ive yet to experience.
Please know that ours was a friendship based on caring , it was as if I had found a place only I could have lived.
The very first day we were introduced, I knew that my life would change forever,it has been with me since that first summer day in the mansion. That was over 35 years ago,I share the magic of Grey Gardens with you , please enjoy this role.
Im here for you ,
“He always compliments me on the way I do my corn”
your friend
Jerry
The Marble Faun
Jerry,
The story of ‘Grey Gardens’ is one of the most compelling stories ever told. There is something about these two women that not only fascinates me, but us all.
I had heard the legend of these amazing characters and in the age of the Internet was able to view ‘Grey Gardens’ and I was hooked. These two women are pop icons and you’re right alongside them, Jerry.
Somehow, some way, Edith, Edie Beale and yourself have touched my heart in a story like no other. I look forward to hearing more stories of your life and Grey Gardens.
May the wind be always at your back~
Warm regards, Joey
PS: I met Wayland in a Philadelphia nightclub in the early 80’s. He was quite a character!
Dear Jerry when is your documentry coming out,Do know yet ,that will be a must have for me,cant wait,I watched your return to Grey Gardens many years later i was so moved by that,you are truly a wonderful person ,I wish there were more like you on this earth,you are very taLented,so i think you are on journey to even greater things,you have brought so many wonderful things to so many around the world like me,Jerry your site is wonderful,whenever your emaIL popping up I always come back to see whats happening in your world,so much creativity which is just wonderful.Have you heard a track called -They Say -by LAURA DUKSTA,its a tribute to Grey Gardens the video is great and the track is wonderful,look it up on you tube,well jerry thank you for everthing and god bless you ,paul ,london uk
My dearest Paul
It is my joy to share my jouney with you, it certanly has been a colorful life .In ways having known that , I wanted to create a film in which the story of this life would be all in one place.
It touches me Paul that I can call you a friend, after all is said in life friendships are the test of time.
The film is in production and my crew feels very strongly about message of my life.
We are going to show our trailer at Maysles this month , and still have a great deal of material to cover.
My hope Paul is that you are taking good care of your self and I am honored you have taken an interest in my life.
May God Bless you
forever yours
Jerry
From the moment I seen the dilapidated old mansion I was mesmerized, something about about it just reached out and grabbed at my soul, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. The Beales fascinated me and I just could not get enough of the documentary, I watched it over and over. They really intrigued me, their strength, their hope, their courage and their loyalty to each other. What amazing women! How blessed you are to have met them and to have been a part of their lives!
Gina
Hi Gina
The first day I glanced at the peaks of Mrs.Beales mansion my life changed forever.
your friend
Jerry
Hello Jerry. I’ve been watching the documentary of ‘Grey Gardens’ and it struck me what a gift your friendship must have been to Mrs. Beale and her daughter, Edie.
As alone as they were, at times, I can well imagine your presence was a strength in their lives. I’m sure God sent you to them (and vice versa).
You are a dear heart. Many blessings to you.
Kimberly
Hello Kimberly
You comment has brought me to tears,
Jerry
Jerry,
I was so excited to find your website! I am producing/directing a production of the musical in Virginia and have been researching/obsessing over the show for a while now! It’s kind of unbelievable that I have the opportunity to write to one of the characters! Thanks for that!
I just wanted to tell you how deeply this story – one that you are very much apart of – has effected me. I can not wait to introduce a whole group of new people to these wonderful women and to YOU through the musical!
All my best!
dustin
Dustin
Please allow me to congatulate you on your choice.
Grey Gardens was simply the most important tender moment of my life.
It was a time in my life that I am certain God & destiny had quided me.
There once was a mansion and it was a our refuge.We knew it well and we had each other .
If I can be of any help to you, in allowing the lives of Mrs.Beale and her daughter Edie to be known it would be an honor.
I am honored to hear from you and please do send my warmest regards to the entire cast.
most respectably yours
Jerry
The Marble Faun
Wow. I can not tell you how amazing and surreal it is to get a response from you. Thank you so much for writing me back! I’m sitting here working on blocking the song “Jerry Likes My Corn” and took a break and found that you had actually written to me! Pretty amazing!
Thank you so much for your kind words and I can not wait to pass them on to my cast. I’ll save that for opening night!
Thank you again and if I come across any questions I’ll definitely send them your way!
Thanks again so much!!
Best wishes,
dustin
I’m such a huge Grey Garden’s fan and I think that’s a great idea of making a documentry about the ‘Marble Faun’ himself! I look forward to hearing all your tales and about the life that brought you to Grey Gardens and what happened afterwards. Best of luck with the documentry Jerry!
Hi there `Josh`
If my lifes story in film is in the hands of the dearest of artists.
It is a work in progress, one that must me shared.
Let me thank for your support , I do appreciate that!
thanks my friend~
Jerry
This may surprise you Jerry, but this is coming all the way from Singapore, in the Far East! I watched Drew Barrymore/Lange’s Grey Gardens, was fascinated and watched the Maysles documentary, and I found both the Beales fascinating and remarkable, esp Little Edie!
now, i’m gonna try renting the other Beales of GG docu by the Maysles brothers, the one that was released a few years ago!
You seem to have fascinated the Beale ladies too, and i am glad to have found your website!
Amanda
Good Afternoon to you!
If Mrs.Beale & Edie could have predicted that after years of isolation there lives would be seen all over the world,I can see Mrs.Beale smiling.
I was fascinated with the very setting the very first time I glanced at the mansion.
Grey Gardens was magical , it has been part of my life since.
The Beales of Grey Gardens is very special and very sentimental part of my life.
Let me know how your thoughts when you have seen it,& welcome aboard.
Jerry
Hi Jerry.
I am like the others. I recently rented Grey Gardens movie from Netflix and became fascinated by these women. I knew nothing of them prior but when I was able to see the bonus features and knew this story was told in truth, I was captivated. I too immediately then watched the original documentary online and have not stopped thinking of their story and plight. I have been online for the better part of a day trying to find as much information on them that I can. Truly fascinating. Can you tell me when you started visiting them and when it ended? I also saw in the documentary that you has gotten them a washer and little Edie was upset that you might be moving in. Was that ever an option? And can you tell me why she would have thought that? Can you also tell me, outside of the caring you had for these women, why you chose to hang there instead of at your own place? Was it difficult for you during that time? And please do not take offense, but I also get the impression from your current photos that you might be gay. Am I correct?
I have many more questions… But will wait for a response to continue.
TAH from Sacramento, CA
Ron
Hi TAH,
Im in the process of writing a book on my life, before ,during & after Grey Gardens.
My film crew has begun documenting and editing a film as well.
It has been like all our lives `one of a kind`.
I would like to welcome you to this website,thank you.
Jerry
Jerry, I recently saw Grey Gardens for the first time and immediately fell in love with little Edie and her mother. I bought the documentary and watched it with my six year old daughter. Each time I watch it, I notice something different, or pick up on some small detail I may have missed. It’s like you try so very hard to figure them out. To understand their pain and where they get their strength from. The truth is, no one can truly understand them because they only understood eachother. Everyone in the outside world had abandoned them and they only had eachother. I cannot believe Phelan Beale could do such a thing to his wife and daughter. To just abandoned them and leave them with nothing to live on. The Beale boys are no better, they abandoned their mother and sister too. How very strong they were to overcome such adversity. I loved the quote that Big Edie said to little Edie, “France fell, but Edie didn’t.” In watching you in this doucmentary I think you brought great joy to both those ladies. I have wondered if Little Edie perhaps had a crush on you during the filming of the documentary. Her reaction to you seemed to indicate she was attracted to you. Do you think I’m right about this? or were you just friends who deeply cared for one another. I so enjoyed your part in the documentary and it must have changed your life forever to have met such wonderful women. How lucky you are Jerry. God Bless you Marble Faun. Jennifer
Hello Jennifer
The facts that Mrs.Beale & Edie had each other , and held on to the convictions as people,struck me,and taught me alot about life.
The very first day of my discovering the mansion I was fascinated, there were many more fascinating days in store.
Having been excepted into there lives touched me a great deal,knowing that Mrs.Beale & Edie were very private.
I had made a concious decision to assit in everyway possible,to improve the living conditions, and above all to be a friend.
Our friendship was paramount, we had so little yet we had each other.
Let this day find you and everyone whom you care for very well.
God Bless You Jennifer,
yours;
Jerry
Dear Jerry
In so much as the tabloids roasted the Beale’s and thier infamous relitives for not helping them, I found the Eddies
Had an inmeasurable strenght and fortitude to carry on. Through out the movie and doco. I felt the pain and love these girls had in sharing their lives with one another.
You must have many fond memories, and some not so fond
We wish you and your’s the Very Best
Glen and Ron
Hi Glen & Ron,
The lessons I learned at Grey Gardens have been with me all through my life. It was such an important era in my life one that has influenced me all these years.
I reflect on the joys & also the difficulties so often.
May I wish you all the very best this day and everyday.
yours
Jerry
Hi Jerry,
Okay, wow, I’m so glad to have found this site and see I’m not the only one who has been completely captivated by Grey Gardens, Edith & Edie. I saw the HBO movie this past week not knowing anything about it other than who was starring in it. I cried throughout the movie & immediately got back on Netflix to order the documentary. I watched it yesterday and was just blown away…whereas the movie left me sad, the documentary left me hopeful. I felt such compassion & admiration for these two women…how strong they actually were…they were survivors. There was still beauty within those grey walls…little Edie’s girlish, graceful carriage as she walked into the surf and her poetic, symbolic words…Edith’s graciousness for a simple birthday cake & her reaction to Norman Vincent Peale’s positive sermon, their caring for animals. Everything & the body might be deteriorating but the spirit of hope & dreams remains strong.
I’m glad to see that you, Jerry, were a true friend to them, for I wasn’t sure who around them was taking advantage of their vulnerability. Your path must surely have been guided to GG just as Edith & Edie’s path was…this is a testament to what is really valuable in life. To me, these two women are the most beautiful of all in The Hamptons.
Hi Tammy
It was simply the most beautiful experiences Grey Gardens.At first I was struck by the very setting , and yes it was more the interesting.Yet the courage to live life on there own terms, with only the support of a few, during the most difficult of circumstances ,let my love of Mrs.Beale & Edie soar.
There once was a mansion namded Grey Gardens and it was all we had , all we wanted.
True human beings , I ve been in awe of since I first walked onto the front porch.
Dear Mr Torres
I first saw Grey Gardens in the early 1980`s in Liverpool (UK) of course the recent film with Drew Barrymore has reignited interest in Edith and the house and of course you.I have just bought the DVD and saw your interview in the cab and your return to the house.
I just want to say thankyou for doing this, people are watching all over the world and you are the only one left who was there. I will always think of Grey Gardens as a dream with a very important message, millions will agree there is only a thin grey line between the past and the present.Very best wishes Tony Nash (London)
Hi Tony Nash
Grey Gardens for many years had been known to very few, Al Maysles & I had not seen each for over three decades.
In my heart I held the memories of Mrs.Beale & Edie .
During those years as in all our lives we have seen many changes.
When I had the chance to walk past the mansion through those years my fondness of those days was refreshed.
It has been only in the past few years since the musical that I have had the honor to revisit Grey Gardens.
The legacy of a devoted daughter to her mother under the most difficult of circumstance has now touched the lives of so many, it has occupied my soul for years.
Please take very good care of yourself, and those whom you hold dear.
Yours
Jerry
Hi Jerry,
I have been interested in Grey Gardens ever since I first read about it in 1976 in Newsweek magazine. In fact, I still have that copy of the magazine. I kept it mainly because of the obituary of Florence Ballard (of the Supremes) which was published in that issue.
God, what a time. I think you and I must be around the same age; I just turned 51 in January. I remember those days of riding my bike to my French grandmother’s house and drinking Cokes and eating Three Musketeers bars and reading the tabloids. We all have to grow up sometime, though, don’t we?
Never got to see Grey Gardens until a few years ago on TV. Now I have the DVD. What a fantastic story. I don’t really have any questions for you, just a big THANKS for telling your story and letting us respond.
One of my favorite parts of GG is when Little Edie sees you, and she’s up there with her binoculars, and she makes you wait for a few minutes, humming the whole time. What a wonderful person she must have been.
I miss those days sometimes — the ’70s — and I miss the people in my life then who are no longer here. My grandparents, my father, some friends… Well, we’re still here, and that’s the main thing. Keep up the good work!
Robert
Hi there Robert,
That my friend is a very special name I had a younger brother named `Robert.It was a fast time the 70s., as was his life.
I`m a few years older,I am 55 years of age , January 25th 1955.
As you might imagine and perhaps understand reflection is part of all our lives. It was a part of Edies life as we hear Edie mention”The line between the past & the present”
That time in our lives we did little reflecting seeing our lives were just begining.
Yes the most important thing is that we are here and we appreciate our friends, the present is our responsibility.
Robert as the years have passed I simply could not imagine what my life would have been like if Grey Gardens were not part of it.
It is my pleasure to have you on board, please make yourself at home!
yours
Jerry
Thanks for responding, Jerry. I’m glad I was able to remind you of your brother. Another coincidence, my youngest sister’s birthday is January 25th. Mine is January 16th.
You were beautiful in Grey Gardens, in so many ways, not just physically. I’m glad that you’ve persevered and matured into a wise man.
Although many people seem to focus on the eccentricities of the Beales, and Edie’s clothes and behavior, the more I see and think about the film, the more it means to me in different ways. Both of these women stuck with each other and they stuck with their beliefs. Mrs. Beale lived out her wish to stay at Grey Gardens, and Edie was rewarded for her devotion by being able to live out the rest of her life the way she wanted to. And now you’re living out your dreams. The lesson that I learn from all of that is to never give up on your dreams, because they will come true.
Hey there Jerry – what ever did happen to Lois??
Hi Lynne in NZ
It was a once in a lifetime occurance, you know the very setting of Grey Gardens where time had stopped.
You see from the very first glance at the peaks of the mansion I was drawn in and have been for many years .
Lois is still around , she lives out in Eastern Long Island.
She has a public access TV Show , named The Unreal Lois Wright Show.
Welcome aboard Lynne in NZ
yours
Jerry
I’m with Phyllis on this one (even though we’ve never met lol – Hi Phyllis!) – I too love Grey Gardens and the Beales of Grey Gardens and my friends also give me a sideways stare of ‘what the heck?!?’ Isn’t life funny – when we’re living day to day we don’t see just how precious it is – it’s only when we look back years later that we hold onto it with fondness and love. I think that’s how Grey Gardens admirers view the Maysles film – we hold it in high regard. A bygone era never to be repeated….unless that is you come around to my house once a month…boy do I need to get a cleaner! lol Thanks Jerry. ☺♥☺
Jerry, I’ve been a GG fan for a long time. I’ve asked lots of people to watch the documentary, and when they do, I just get this strange stare from them. They say they don’t get it. I love the Edies and in fact I find myself mimicing them on occasion. I think it takes a special kind of person to understand the story.
Phyllis
Ive seen reactions that varied, some just do not see the legacy of Grey Gardens or understand it, there will forvever be mixed feelings bout the film.When in the audience during the musical Ive seen even hostile reactions. Laura Bush was in the audience one evening and during the “The Staunch”song being preformed on stage by Christine Ebersole Mrs.Bush walked out of the Theatre. It as you may remember from the documentry has a quote “Its a mean nasty Republican Town”Edie Beale.
Grey Gardens is a love story, about a devoted daughter to her mother who had been left to fend for themselves.
The courage to stand up to a conservative point of view and insist that being creative(singing & dancing)was not going to be tolerated, drew the line in the sand for the family.
There are millions of views on Grey Gardens Ive sort of become use to them.I too am like you and have been a fan of Grey Gardens for most of my life.
“Your in this world you know”
My husband didn’t even finish watching the film. He said it was political, and didn’t see the true story of the Edies. It was tender and caring. I wish I had someone who would love the film as much as me and let go of the political trash of the Kennedy family. Although I’m sure Little Edie and my husband probably would have had the same view of the Kennedys. The Kennedys were the “Kennedys” The Kennedys were in the Beales “life” not the other way around! I believed Little Edie saw it that way. LOL
Jerry, Jerry, Jerry! what an amazing story you have to tell your family! I have just been facinated by Gray Gardens and all who walked it! The “Edie’s” are 2 wonderful women that you were so lucky to know. By the way you look like my father in the Film!My father is a sculptor and was born and raised in Brooklyn as well! I know that if my path ever crossed these women we would have been like long friends….. tell us all something about your experiance that was not shown on the Film? So glad to connect with you. I know these woman had such an impact on your life.
Hi Lacy!!
Amongst some of the goals I` ve set for myself is to write of my experience at Grey Gardens. It is a work in progress.
The impact of Grey Gardens on my life has been life long.
Your Father is my kind of guy, send him my regards ok..
Dear Jerry,I saw Grey Gardens on a tv channel here in london united kingdom just last december,I became addicted to all things Grey Gardens,What a fascinating story,you have brought so much joy to many peoples lives including mine,I loved all of you in the documentry,I know many fans here in london,I went straight out to buy the documentry on dvd ,I watch it time and time again,It is a incredible story one i shall always cherish,I cant believe im sending you an email,I only found your site today,Im going to enjoy discovering all thats available about you on your site jerry,my question is after big edie passed away ,how did edie cope and where you still there with her ,many many thanks for you jerry and big edie and little edie god bless you all xx
Greetings Paul !
It was predicted by Mrs.Beale that Edie would remain at the mansion for two years and that was exactly that amount of time Edie lived there after Mrs.Beales passing.
Edie had been dedicated to Mrs.Beale and when life had changed & Mrs.Beale passed Edie kept a vigile in the mansion . A single light bulb in a birdcage. This was a devoted daughter and the grieving was obvious.
It is my pleasure to have you here as a guest , I do appreciate you.
“We’re in this world you know ”
fondly yours
Jerry
Thank you so much for your reply jerry,This is such an honour for me to get a message from you,This i will treasure forever – and your work is amazing,all the best jerry,paul xx
it’s wonderful to find someone from grey gardens who is alive and well! your sculptures are looking great. will you be doing more gargoyles, do you think? I “friended” you on facebook, and hope that you will accept.
please take care, and i look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!
~heather xxx.
Hi Jerry,
I really enjoyed watching how comfortable you were with the Beales in their documentaries. I’m so curious. Was the house much larger than it appeared in the movies? What was in the other rooms? Do you ever go back to Grey Gardens today? Were you ever disturbed by the state of the home, the fleas or the smell when you went to visit? Thank you and God Bless you for bringing happiness to the lovely Beale ladies.
Also, what would the Beale ladies say when you or Al or David would comment on the state of their home? Thank you.
Hi Kathryn
Mrs. Beale was guite at ease with the conditions within the mansion. Neithe Al nor David or myself would question the conditions . When the issue had been brought up as you see when Blackie the kitty cat relieveing himself behind Mrs.Beale portrait it was always amusing.
Not every room in the masnion was unkept .
It was my duty as a friend to bring Mrs.Beale & Edie all I could.
Dear Mr. Torre,
I have become a woman obsessed with the story of Grey Gardens and the Beale women who lived there. So, upon exploring the internet for all I could find,regarding the subject,I came upon your wonderful website. What an experience and opportunity you had in getting to know Edith and Edie Beale and to enter their world as you did!
I first came to know of the Grey Gardens House many years ago while visiting an acquaintance,who at the time lived in the Hamptons and drove me by the house. The story I was told at that time was that of the Hampton community was striving to evict the Beales and get rid of the house,which was in its worse state. To learn that the Beale women were relatives of the Kennedy family naturally peaked my interest and curiosity in wondering how their once affluent lives could have deteriorated to such a point.
Having seen the original documentary and the more recent film, I find myself even more involved emotionally with the story of these women and the once elegant house they continued to live in until its decay and their decline.
Have you yourself ever written a book about your time with the Edith and Edie Beale? I can’t think of a better person to relate what thier personalities and philosophies of life were like and I’m sure others would be most interested in reading your thoughts and impressions.
I gather you were aleady an artist when you met them, something which in itself must have made the three of you kindred spirits. Congratulations on your artistic career since. I, too, feel a connection with the Beales since I was in the performing arts myself.
So, I do hope to learn that you may have or will be writing your own memoires of the time you spent at Grey Gardens.
Thank you for being there (past and present) to share with.
Suzanne
Dearest Suzanne
It is without a doubt the corner stone of my life. Grey Gardens was a refuge for me during my youth.It was immediatly apparent to me that Mrs.Beale , her daughter Edie cared for me and I had at first been struck by the very setting. The mansion the grounds , then some time after my infatuation over these facts , I began to bond simply out of concern for there safety.
Presently carving stone sculpture a life long passion , as well as film . I have a very talented film crew working with me on my story. Im also writing a book of my journey through this life. Mrs.Beale had told me years ago that our friendship would live on . It has and I’ m currently writing my book.
My life has been written for me long ago, I had just begun to understand my responsibility to be the best person I have been taught to be.
My love of life had been cemented for me by Mrs.Edith Bouvier Beale.
Ive missed this human being for many years now, I feel the hand of my kindred spirit each day that I am bleesed to be alive.
Please stay near,
I humble myself to you ,
Jerry
i am watching the documentary on netflix…wow!…you were a part of history….it’s so awesome to see you are still out there and doing good!!…do you have a book out or anything?…i will look over your site more as time permits….best to you!..d.
Awesome site Jerry, I’m so proud of you for doing this! Congrats on the beginning of an exciting new chapter!
Love,
Amalia
Dear Jerry,
I just had to leave you a little note. I have been perusing your site and my, what an amazing space you have created. It is lovely to see your work, and gain an insight into such an interesting life as yours. I have very much enjoyed learning from you. Your sculptures are truly beautiful. Many thanks for sharing, from a person who is searching for inspiration with which to face the new year.
With much love, and all the very best wishes of happiness for the coming year and beyond, to you and yours,
Michelle from England xxx
Dear Michelle
May I thank you for visiting my site,it is my pleasure to welcome you!
Inspiration I find is spontanious, my source comes from `God.
If I may suggest that in fidning inspiration one might wander through a museaum.
Past civilisations have left there mark and great painters have expressed there passion on canvas.
I’ve recently taken photos of a wagon in a hay field in the country.
The wagon ,the tall grass ,the old apple tree that shades the surrounding area, have inspired me and I’ve begun a painting using this a reference.
Find a place a thought that is tender to you, paint it as you see it ,write a poem on a thought you have never shared before.
In the gift of giving you may find a your voice.
please press on my friend
yours
Jerry
wow! what a life. I too am fascinated by the 2 docos. AND you hace worked with Wayland Flowers. What did you do for him?
thanks for the site.
Josh
Hi Josh
I ran the spotlight on Waylands show,he was very perticular on who he let near his ~Madame~.
Wayland was a genius.
Every show was riddled with mystery & madness!
Jerry
Hi Jerry, some months ago you wrote some wonderful things on the yahoogroups newsletter, in which you vividly described the mansion and the layout, which was golden, since we only get to see a couple rooms in the film. Maybe you can find those posts, and re-post them here. I’m sure many will find it interesting.
Love you,
Joan
Good idea Joan!
That is a very good idea!
Ive been working in the stone room,have begun several new sculptures,and of course have begun a project based on my life in a film. A film that may connect many ideas and my hope bring light into those lives who have none.
This is a New Years Eve goal , “Im completly organized,I just need more time in each day”
A very Happy New Years Eve to you dear Joan,I appreciate you.
Jerry
Hi Jerry,
My wife and I watch the new Grey Gardens movie. We both loved it. It got me into a short obsession that led me to watch the original documentary this morning. After lots of reading and research, I’m ending my learning experience with this letter to you. If your wondering why I was greatly captured by this story, it’s because I remember it so clearly. I was born and raised in Amagansett from 1963 til I joined the Navy in 1979. My grandfather practically built Amagansett, ran the hardware store with our last name, and my mom owned and ran the Gansett Deli. My whole family moved to and still reside in East Hampton, although I fell in love with the west and get home maybe once a year. My mother still works at the Mainstone Club each summer..shes 82. As a kid I remember the stories about Grey Gardens and had seen it many times.
Once I remember walking a trail up from the beach onto the Beale property. It was before the cleanup and I remember thinking it was abandoned. I remember many, many cats along the porch, windows sills inside and out, the roof,etc. I was very young but I don’t remember feeling frightened, or thought the home was spooky. In fact I remember it as being very peaceful. I thought the vines engulfing the house was beautiful and even today, being a photographer…I find much beauty in that visual. I also remember a marker stone that had an inscription on it. I’m pretty sure it was for a dog. At that point I believe I saw Edie walk out onto the terrace or she was already there. I walked back toward the beach and didn’t look back, though I’m sure she saw me. I think she said something either to me or Mrs. Beale, then I heard them both laugh. They seemed awfully friendly but I was too shy to stop.
I thought I’d share this with you. It was something that got lost in my sub conscious until I watched this movie last night. It brought back great memories of a time in East Hampton, when things were good. An entirely different place today. Nice to speak with you. Best wishes.
Greetings on this New Years Eve, wishing you & yours all the very best!
Hello Dell
The gravestone you walked up upon was that of Spot. He was the family dog I remember Mrs.Beale mentioning to me he was Dalmatian.He was buried there along the border of the garden wall. Mrs.Beale would mention this marker to me , I searched never fining the stone.
You had been there before the many vines had made it impossible to venture into that section of the property.
Yes my friend East Hamptoon for me had historic and Grey Gardens had become my refuge.The trust shown to me by such private dear people had meant the world to me.
That section of Georgica Pond had the most remarkable feel ., the ocean breeze that found its way to gardens , front porches, peoples very being.
I for one was enthralled with the setting as I did once maintain the property for a resident of Lily Pond Lane.
It was a just a bend in the road from Mrs.Beales mansion.
Your memories of Georgica Beach and the area around Grey Gardens are for me also a reminder of a magical place that I revisit in my memory.
There was that feeling of serenity, being a gardener my first impression of the mansion was soft and inviting.
Without question it was so much more intersting that any other property up till this very day.
Yes Im partial seeing my time at Grey Gardens was a home and refuge for three kindrid spirits.
I’ve friends who live in Amagansett , Cranberry Hole Road.
In the night we would walk the very dark and twisted road into town,with just a few bucks we would find ourselves at Stephens Talk House.
I cling to the memories of those summer days and nights the potatoe fields , windmills, and the very mysterious Grey Gardens .All these years later Im still fascinated by experience of East Hampton & Mrs.Beale Grey Gardens.
It just could not have been explained ,just magical. Im really happy to hear from you and feel the connection to a precious past.
May I wish you a very Happy New Year 2010,
Jerry
I’ve been sitting here for several minutes wondering what to type. It’s difficult to type when you’re writing to someone who means so much to you, even if you don’t really know them. I don’t know why I’ve gotten so emotional about this, it’s funny. I guess I really just sat down to try to say Hi, and thank you for being part of something that is so incredible. God this comment is lacking in interesting words.
I hope you are well Jerry.
Cheers,
Anthony
hedwiginchy@hotmail.com
Anthony
My good man, Once I had mentioned to Mrs.Beale that someone beside myself should somehow record or paint or put into a poem the very setting in which I was priveldged and trusted to be part of Grey Gardens.
We had found oursleves kindrid spririts in a mansion where time had stopped.
May I welcome you and thank you for your time!
You know when I set a stone before it tells me what it shall become when I listen . Its voice is faint and grows stronger with each hit with my hammer.
In time what was an effort has a life ;a voice of its own.
Your welcome here and your voice is heard,
forever friends
Jerry
I told you a few days ago Jerry… Mrs. Beale was right… don’t worry… everything will work in your favor…
Dawn
Pardon my lapse in responding ,it has been a very busy Holiday Season.
Know my best wishes for you are with each response.
Wisdom was inherit in Mrs.Beale !
always yours
Jerry
I know that this will be fun and enlightening. I am so happy that you did this Jerry. Keep it going.
Elvia
Thanks Sister Elvia,
regards to all !!
yours
Jerry
Jerry Darling!!!
You did it! I’m so happy.
You’re wonderful.
xoxo
Kristi
Kristi
My dear one, it has been a long time coming,but I know a change is going come,
friends forever
Jerry
Yup, friends forever.
Leaving for Canada right now…..
I hope you & Ted have a wonderful holiday.
Maybe next one we’ll spend together.
Holidays are so fun with you.
Love,
kp
Your web site is fantastic Jerry! I look forward to hearing the stories of your life and the tales of Grey Gardens with the unwavering respect that you always bring to any detail of what we know now as the history of Mrs. Edith Beale and her daughter (Little) Eidie Beale.
Sandush
Sandush
The journey that began so many years ago has now touched the lives of so many.
That means the world to me my dear friend.
“We all march together”
please stay near
yours
Jerry
Rich my Pal in the Netherlands,
If ever there was a devoted friend it is you!
Stay near,, keep yourself the beautiful person you are today.
Richard
It is life on lifes terms my dear friend.
Always in my heart.
Jerry
Greetings from a Grey Gardens-fan in the Netherlands!
Rich*