Maybelline founder's passion for custom designed automobiles

Key Points

• Tom Lyle Williams, Maybelline’s founder, owned several classic automobiles, including a 1917 Paige and multiple Packards from the 1930s and 1940s.
• Research suggests he had at least four cars, but the exact number is unclear due to limited records.
• His family, including his nephew, shared a passion for classic cars, indicating a personal interest in automobiles.

Background

Tom Lyle Williams, born in 1896, founded Maybelline in 1915, inspired by his sister Mabel’s beauty routine. Beyond cosmetics, he was known for his interest in classic automobiles, owning several during his lifetime.

Automobiles Owned

The evidence leans toward Williams owning a 1917 Paige Model 6-51, a 1934 Packard, a 1939 Packard 120 Convertible Victoria, and a 1940 Packard. These cars reflect his appreciation for beautifully crafted vehicles, a trait also seen in his family.

Family Connection

His nephew, Bill Williams, shared this passion, collecting classic cars like a 1977 Series 1 Clenet, suggesting a family interest in automobiles that may have influenced Williams’ choices.

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Survey Note: Detailed Exploration of Tom Lyle Williams and His Automobiles

Tom Lyle Williams, the visionary behind Maybelline, is celebrated not only for revolutionizing the cosmetics industry but also for his personal affinity for classic automobiles. This note delves into the details of his automobile ownership, family connections, and the broader context, providing a comprehensive overview based on available historical records.

Historical Context and Personal Background

Tom Lyle Williams Sr. was born on January 19, 1896, in Morganfield, Kentucky, and later moved to Chicago, where he founded Maybelline in 1915. Inspired by his sister Mabel’s use of a homemade eyebrow and eyelash enhancer, he created the first mascara, naming it Maybelline. His business acumen led Maybelline to international success, and by the mid-20th century, he had relocated to California, purchasing notable properties like Rudolph Valentino’s Hollywood Hills home, Villa Valentino.

Williams’ life extended beyond business, encompassing a personal interest in automobiles, a passion reflected in his ownership of several classic cars and echoed by his family. This interest is documented through various historical accounts, family narratives, and photographs, offering insights into his lifestyle and preferences.

Detailed List of Automobiles Owned

Research suggests Tom Lyle Williams owned at least four classic automobiles, each notable for its era and craftsmanship:

• 1917 Paige Model 6-51: Described as “the most beautiful car in the world” at the time, this was Williams’ first car, purchased in 1917. The Paige, known for its elegance, likely ignited his passion for custom vehicles (Happy Birthday to My Maybelline Cousin, Chuck Williams - BB1 - A Guy with a Passion for Fashion When It Comes to Classic Cars).
• 1934 Packard: This Packard, a symbol of luxury in the 1930s, was part of Williams’ collection, reflecting his taste for high-end, custom-designed vehicles (Happy Birthday to My Maybelline Cousin, Chuck Williams - BB1 - A Guy with a Passion for Fashion When It Comes to Classic Cars).
• 1939 Packard 120 Convertible Victoria: Owned during his time at Villa Valentino, this car was noted for its nostalgic features, reminiscent of his childhood surrounded by custom Packards (The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams, at his Villa Valentino during the 1940s).
• 1940 Packard: Purchased while at Villa Valentino in Hollywood, this Packard further underscores his preference for Packards during the late 1930s and early 1940s (The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams, at his Villa Valentino during the 1940s).

While these four cars are well-documented, the exact number of automobiles he owned remains uncertain due to limited historical records. Photographs, such as those from his Bel Air property in the 1960s, show an open garage with multiple cars, including those of his partner Emery Shaver and associate Arnold Anderson, but specific details are sparse (A Behind the Gate Look at Jennifer Aniston's Bel Air Property in the 1960's, When It Belonged to Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams).

Family Connection and Shared Passion

Williams’ interest in automobiles was not isolated but shared within his family. His nephew, Bill Williams, developed a passion for beautiful convertibles, collecting and selling classic cars throughout his life. Bill’s favorite was a 1977 Series 1 Clenet, showcased at events like The Santa in West Los Angeles (The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams, at his Villa Valentino during the 1940s). This family tradition is further evidenced by cousin Chuck Williams, who carried on the legacy of collecting eye-catching automobiles, drawing parallels to his great-uncle’s tastes (Happy Birthday to My Maybelline Cousin, Chuck Williams - BB1 - A Guy with a Passion for Fashion When It Comes to Classic Cars).

Additionally, Williams’ brother-in-law, Chester Haines, was put in charge of Maybelline’s transportation department, suggesting a business-related involvement with automobiles, possibly overseeing company vehicles or logistics (The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Family History, Tom Lyle's Charismatic Brother In Law, Chester Haines had a Passion for Automobiles).

Broader Implications and Cultural Context

Williams’ ownership of these automobiles aligns with the cultural shifts of the early 20th century, particularly the 1920s “Roaring Twenties,” when automobiles became symbols of status and individuality, much like the cosmetics he popularized. His choice of Packards and the Paige reflects a preference for luxury and craftsmanship, consistent with his success in the beauty industry. The nostalgic features of his cars, as noted in family accounts, also connect to his childhood and the era’s automotive design, offering a glimpse into his personal values and lifestyle.

Summary Table of Automobiles

Below is a table summarizing the automobiles associated with Tom Lyle Williams, based on available records:

Year	Make and Model	Notes
1917	Paige Model 6-51	First car, considered the most beautiful car of its time.
1934	Packard	Luxury vehicle, part of his collection, reflecting high-end taste.
1939	Packard 120 Convertible Victoria	Owned at Villa Valentino, nostalgic features from childhood.
1940	Packard	Purchased during his time at Villa Valentino, Hollywood.

Conclusion

Tom Lyle Williams’ ownership of classic automobiles, including a 1917 Paige Model 6-51, a 1934 Packard, a 1939 Packard 120 Convertible Victoria, and a 1940 Packard, highlights his personal interest in automotive craftsmanship. This passion was shared by his family, with his nephew Bill and cousin Chuck continuing the tradition. While the exact number of cars remains uncertain, these details paint a picture of a man whose interests extended beyond business, embracing the luxury and nostalgia of his era’s automotive culture.

Key Citations

• Happy Birthday to My Maybelline Cousin, Chuck Williams - BB1 - A Guy with a Passion for Fashion When It Comes to Classic Cars
• The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams, at his Villa Valentino during the 1940s
• A Behind the Gate Look at Jennifer Aniston's Bel Air Property in the 1960's, When It Belonged to Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams
• The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Family History, Tom Lyle's Charismatic Brother In Law, Chester Haines had a Passion for Automobiles

Tom Lyle Williams, the founder of Maybelline, owned the estate at 900 Airole Way in Bel Air, California, from 1950 until his death in 1976.

The 8,231-square-foot property, valued at $250,000 in 1961, was a modern glass and steel home built after his previous residence, Villa Valentino, was taken for the Hollywood Freeway. The estate featured a statue called Aspiration, relocated from the Villa, and hosted family gatherings with relatives like his niece Annette Williams Corbett and siblings Eva and Mabel Williams. After Williams’ death, the property was sold to film director Roman Polanski, then to Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, who remodeled it. It sold for $19.5 million in 2005. The current home, rebuilt in 2002, is a 10,000-square-foot Wallace Neff-style estate with 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and views from downtown Los Angeles to the ocean.

The estate at 900 Airole Way in Bel Air, California, associated with Maybelline founder Tom Lyle Williams, has a rich history and notable features. Below is a detailed look at the property during Williams' ownership and its evolution:

During Tom Lyle Williams' Ownership (1950–1976)

• Acquisition and Context: Tom Lyle Williams purchased the property in 1950 after his previous home, Villa Valentino, was acquired by the state for the Hollywood Freeway. The new estate was a modern architectural departure, featuring a glass and steel design, which was innovative for the time.
• Size and Value: In 1961, the home was recorded as an 8,231-square-foot residence valued at $250,000, reflecting its status as a luxury property in one of Los Angeles' most exclusive neighborhoods.
• Key Features:
  • Statue of Aspiration: A prominent statue, originally from Villa Valentino, was relocated to the Airole Way estate. It became a centerpiece of the property, symbolizing Williams’ personal and professional ambitions.
  • Gardens and Views: The estate boasted expansive grounds with meticulously maintained gardens, offering sweeping views from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, a hallmark of prime Bel Air real estate.
  • Interior: While specific interior details from Williams’ era are sparse, the glass and steel design suggests an open, light-filled space with modern furnishings, likely tailored to entertain family and industry guests.
• Role in Family Life: The home served as a gathering place for the Williams family. Tom Lyle hosted relatives, including his niece Annette Williams Corbett, sister-in-law Eva Williams, and sister Mabel Williams. Family events, such as holiday gatherings, were held here, cementing its role as a personal and social hub.
• Cultural Significance: As the residence of Maybelline’s founder, the home was a backdrop to Williams’ later years, during which he oversaw the growth of his cosmetics empire before selling Maybelline to Plough Inc. in 1967.

Post-Williams Era

• Subsequent Owners:
  • After Tom Lyle Williams’ death in 1976, the estate was sold to film director Roman Polanski.
  • It later passed to Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, who undertook significant renovations, altering the original glass and steel structure.
• Modern Transformation:
  • The original home was demolished, and in 2002, a new 10,000-square-foot residence was built on the site, designed in the style of renowned architect Wallace Neff.
  • The current estate features:
    • 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, blending classic elegance with modern amenities.
    • Luxury amenities: A pool, spa, and outdoor entertaining areas with panoramic views from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean.
    • Architectural details: High ceilings, grand living spaces, and meticulous craftsmanship, typical of Neff-inspired designs.
  • The property sold for $19.5 million in 2005, reflecting its prime location and upgraded features. Recent estimates suggest its value has appreciated significantly, aligning with Bel Air’s high-end real estate market.

Historical and Cultural Notes

• Bel Air Prestige: The 900 Airole Way address places the estate in one of Los Angeles’ most coveted enclaves, known for its privacy, exclusivity, and proximity to Hollywood’s elite. Neighbors historically included celebrities and industry titans.
• Maybelline Legacy: The home’s connection to Tom Lyle Williams ties it to the Maybelline story, which began with his creation of mascara in 1915. The estate reflects his success and influence in the cosmetics industry.
• X Post Insights: Recent posts on X mention the property in the context of Sharrie Williams’ book, The Maybelline Story, noting its significance as Tom Lyle’s residence and its later ownership by Polanski and Buckingham. These posts highlight the estate’s enduring place in Maybelline’s narrative.

Limitations

• Specific architectural plans or detailed interior descriptions from Williams’ era are not widely documented in public records or recent sources. Most information focuses on the estate’s size, value, and role in family life.
• The current home, rebuilt in 2002, bears little resemblance to the original structure, making it challenging to reconstruct exact details of the 1950s–1970s design.