Old Hollywood's Heyday was born in Whitley Heights during the Silent Film Era

                 Off of Camrose south of the Hollywood Bowl.

Before there was Beverly Hills, during the silent film days, Whitley Heights was where the famous stars of Hollywood lived. Francis X. Bushman had a large, opulent house, with the first swimming pool built in the area and Rudolph Valentino lived off Wedgwood Place. 
  
  

  
Villa Valentino, 6776 Wedgewood Place, Whitley Heights, built in 1922, this was the site of the home Valentino shared with Natacha Rambova in upscale Whitley Heights just north of Hollywood. In 1951 the state of California paid Tom Lyle Williams, $90,000, intending to demolish it to make way for the Hollywood Freeway. The foundation of the home survives and can still be seen from the freeway.The foundation to the home is still visible from the freeway.

 During the Jazz Age, life was a party, and Whitley Heights was Party Central for the Hollywood set.

 Issue: Issue Spring 2010 Whitley Heights click here.

By: DH 
Traveling along Franklin Avenue, the east/west thoroughfare north of Hollywood Blvd., you might not notice the most historic enclave of 1920s residences from the Golden Era of silent films and speakeasies, aka The Roaring Twenties, rising above Franklin Avenue. And roar they did in those days of high living, laughter and a new industry that seemed to have no bounds. Ethel Barrymore, Charlie Chaplin, Marion Davies, W.C. Fields, Harold Lloyd, Carole Lombard, Rudolph Valentino and many others lived and held legendary parties that marked an era and the early Hollywood film industry. 

Today the Hollywood Freeway runs through what was once the toast of the Hollywood, in it's Heyday. 

 Before the Hollywood Freeway took Whitley Heights, it was an oasis,of gorgeous landscaping and Italian architecture.

 The arrow points to Tom Lyle Williams, Villa Valentino, in 1935.

 Tom Lyle remodeled the Villa Valentino in 1937.

Tom Lyle Williams on the left, followed by his sister Mabel, her husband Chet Hewes, and his sister Eva and her husband Ches Haines.  Notice the statue, Aspiration in the background.

Read more about Tom Lyle Williams and his love affair with the Villa Valentino, in The Maybelline Story, buy a signed copy today atwww.maybelliestory.com.  

Maybelline cousins leave Chicago bound for California to visit the Villa Valentino in Hollywood in 1940

Excerpt from Maybelline founder, Tom Lyle Williams niece,Jane Allen's, diary during her trip to the Villa Valentino, in Hollywood California with her cousin Annette Williams

On Wednesday June 5, 1940, Annette and I left Chicago on the Grand Canyon Limited bound for California to visit with our uncle, Tom Lyle Williams. Amid much excitement we boarded the train at 11:30 am. Unkie (TL's brother,) and aunt Frances and several of Annette's friends were at the station to see us off and wish us joy.

We had lunch on the train and settled for a long ride. There were very few people in our car, but it wasn't long before a young gentleman invited us to play bridge. Annette didn't care to play, so I made the fourth. I didn't learn the names of but one, Bill Munro from Boston Mass. He was very nice and was with Annette and me most of the train trip.

Our train was scheduled for La Junta, Colorado at 8:30 am. Thursday June 6, so I wired aunt Frank and she and uncle Weldon, Ruth, Little Phillip and Betty all met the train. We enjoyed seeing all the folks.

The train stopped in Albuquerque for about twenty minutes. Uncle Weldon had wired ahead to Anita from Las Vegas to meet the train. We had a nice visit with Anita too.

Friday June 7, 1940, was spent at the Grand Canyon.

 Our tour included breakfast, lunch and dinner at the El Tovar Hotel and two bus rides around the rim of the Canyon. The Grand Canyon is 17 miles long, has an average width of 10 miles and is one mile in depth. We didn't take the ride on mule back down the Canyon to Phantom Ranch, because of lack of time. The two trips by bus gave us an idea of what the Canyon is like. A word picture of this magnificent spectacle would be inadequate. The guide spoke of the Canyon as “The big hole in the ground,” but, it is so large it almost takes your breath away. The day was bright and the colors of the Canyon were lovely. The air was so clear we could get a glimpse of the Painted Desert in the distance.

While riding into Williams, Arizona from the Canyon, I checked the train schedule and discovered the train we were taking arrived in Los Angeles around eleven in the morning, instead of 7:40 pm, as shown on the time table. We wired Tom Lyle and he met us at the Union Station in Los Angeles.

Tom Lyle had workmen busy at the house and the place was upset, so he wouldn't take us home until later. We had lunch at the Pig 'n Whistle, a real cute place and delicious lunch, after which we proceeded to 6776 Wedgewood Place, Hollywood.

First looked over the gardens, saw the Valentino fountain overlooking the swimming pool, badminton court and all the flowers before seeing the Villa Valentino. Then came the house. Everything is lovely. After seeing his movie pictures, we had some idea of the layout of the gardens and the house, but not one part in the pictures were as lovely as the actual gardens and home. The white house is a beautiful contrast to the various vivid colors all around the house.

The swimming pool is grand! And has all colors in lounge chairs, pillows, tile with lots of colors and varieties of colors in flowers.

Have you seen my new website at Sharrie Williams Author, come by and check it out  ...

Drop by and see me at my 1964 High School Diary Blog, called Saffrons Rule...saffronsrule.com

Starting off with a $500 loan, today Maybelline thrives as a billion-dollar Icon, the world’s largest cosmetic brand.

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I am so sorry I bought this book before knowing you would sign a copy. I LOVED the book! Excellent writing and fantastic descriptions of your family's personalities. I sure wish I had met your grandma before her tragic death... Thanks so much for writing this! Anastasia Rose

The Maybelline Story starts almost a century ago and takes you though the interesting life of founder Tom Lyle Williams and his fascinating family as he climbs his way to achieving the all American dream. Cross country it will take you from Chicago to Hollywood, mingling with the who's who in each era and location. Read how a fluke turned into a simple product, and how it turned into an international sensation and empire. Follow their lives and families lives for almost 80 years.        

The Maybelline Story is one that has left a lasting impression upon America, yet not many realize just how vital a role the cosmetic brand has played in shaping idealism today.  The obsession with perfection is widely seen throughout Hollywood, as it was nearly 100 years ago.  However, the obsession at that time did not reach the rest of society as it has today.  Early cosmetic developers, such as founder Tom Lyle Williams of the Maybelline Co. brought cosmetics to the everyday woman, pushing the idea that every woman, young and old, regardless of class, can obtain glamour and beauty with a simple swish of the eyes.  That’s where Maybelline got its start.  Developed in a time where women were breaking away from being modest and obedient housewives, and starting to seek their right as legal voters and equals in society.

The story captivates all audiences by its incredible survival through economic, social, and personal turmoil.  The Maybelline Story takes you on a journey through 20^th century America, and
into the 21^st century where Maybelline thrives as a billion-dollar Icon, the world’s largest cosmetic brand.  

Review From a Guy's Point Of View

It's one thing for women to love The Maybelline Story, but check out this great review from a James Pringle.

I just wanted to let you know that your book captivated my attention, from beginning to end. The Maybelline Story, your family history, is a mixture of joy and sadness, complete with a full array of emotions, as well as plenty of adventure and drama to stimulate the imagination.

Throughout your book, I drew mental pictures of locations and events which you eloquently described.  The photos in your book helped to complete my mental images of your family.  While reading your book it was as if I were watching a movie of "The Maybelline Story" in my mind.

In fact, I would be very surprised if "The Maybelline Story" is not someday showing in theaters as a full-length movie or as a  mini-series on TV.  Indeed.  

Be sure to visit my Hilarious Saffrons Rule Blog,  http://saffronsrule.com/

Geometry of the Heart ...My Grandmother was in love with both brothers. One was the founder of the Maybelline Co. and one became my Grandfather.

Evelyn and Preston

An odd understanding had developed—a virtual trinomial equation with no solution. Preston had no doubt that Evelyn reserved her passion for him alone, and that Tom Lyle was no threat sexually. If Preston understood why, he kept it to himself.  Evelyn adored them both, but accepted the fact that Tom Lyle had no romantic interest in her. Tom Lyle couldn’t stand for her to know the truth. Perhaps Evelyn convinced herself that Tom Lyle refused to move in on his brother’s turf.  Still, his lack of interest was painful to her. Again, she put on her mask and acted perfectly delighted with things as they were.

Top picture, my Grandfather, William Preston Williams.
 Bottom picture, my Great uncle, Tom Lyle Williams with
 my Grandmother, Evelyn Williams

Why was it that Evelyn was crazy over Preston and wound up being taken care of the rest of her life by her brother in law, Tom Lyle?  You will have to read The Maybelline Story and find out for yourself!

A Stunning American Treasure Filled with Nostalgia, History and Marketing Expertise

1933 Maybelline Ad.

Maybelline founder, (1915,) Tom Lyle Williams, believed a woman’s greatest asset was her ability to capture a man’s imagination through her expressive eyes.

By the 1920's women were expressing their creativity through fashion, music, dance, modern art and writing. The film industry was exploding with new found glamour and Super Stars were born. The launch of radio in 1922 as well as newspapers, fashion and movie magazines.  Maybelline, advertised with full page glossy ads, using Hollywood Movie Queens.  the 1930's Maybelline was a household name. Women wanted beauty and Maybelline gave them beautiful eyes and the allure and confidence that went with them.

Empowered for the first time since the Victorian era, women discovered a passion for imitating stars who exuded sex appeal on the screen.

Maybelline provided an inexpensive eye beautifier that enhanced a woman's sex-appeal while movies mirrored  celluloid forgeries professing  nonconformity with old world standards.  As Movie stars became models for America's changing values, Tom Lyle threw Maybelline in the dime stores in 1933 and as little cosmetic companies fell by the wayside or were bought out by Maybelline, The Maybelline Company went on to be the undisputed giant in its field during the Great Depression.

Maybelline's Founder, Tom Lyle Williams... Pioneer and King of the Cosmetic Industry

Tom Lyle Williams, the founder of the Maybelline Company in 1915, was also known as the King of advertising, in the Cosmetic industry.

BEAUTIFUL  EYES  MAKE A  BEAUTIFUL WOMAN 

AND WITH MAYBELLINE,  ALL WOMEN CAN HAVE BEAUTIFUL EYES."

       Tom Lyle Williams, my great uncle,  propounded this universally appealing theme in mass media:  movie magazines, radio, and even the comics section of newspapers during the  1920's, 30's, and 40's.  But it wasn't until the advent of television in the 50's that the single most important selling tool was perfected.  Through Television, Tom Lyle was able to show, as well as tell and sell, exactly what the customers  could do. 

       The  consumer could now observe the fine performance of Maybelline eye beauty aids and learn just how easy it was to apply them through the technology of special effects.  With this new medium,  Maybelline was the first cosmetic company to offer real application and demonstration scenes through the magic of  instant beauty transformation magnificently communicated through  “before and after" sequences."

Buy my book and read more about Maybelline "The Wonder Company''

Phoenix Art Museum...100 years of Maybelline...Sharrie Williams

I was delighted to be invited to speak at the beautiful, Phoenix Art Museum, hosted by the Arizona Costume Institute on September 11, 2013.  After several months working with Ronna Beeson, ACI Program Chair  2013 -2014, The Maybelline Story kicked of the Fall Season

 with a colorful, entertaining  successful event.

https://www.facebook.com/sharrie.dorney/videos/674811279196300/

100 Years of Maybelline

 Maybelline descendant and author of The Maybelline Story, Sharrie Williams will reveal through vintage ads and family photos why women love their cosmetics. Book signing to follow; book available in the Museum store. Tickets for optional lunch available.

Close to 100 people attended an elegant buffet luncheon.

Ronna Beeson and Sharrie Williams finally meet, after months of emailing and detailing the engagement.

My beautiful daughter Georgia, on the left, took pictures

 and video taped some of my presentation.

A packed Lecture Hall, included journalist, students of fashion as well as interested Art Museum members and non-members who read about it in the paper.

My 45 minute presentation was filled with interesting facts, funny anecdotes and priceless vintage Maybelline ads and family photos.  As an Award Winning Toastmaster and professional speaker, I believe my audience enjoyed it all.  

After the presentation, I signed books. 

It was wonderful hearing how people have used Maybellilne since they were kids and now want to know more about the history of the company, as well as Tom Lyle Williams.

My collection of Vintage Maybelline products from 1915 to 1970, were displayed in a covered Lucite case.   

Sharrie Williams in a vintage Ralph Lauren, pale pink double breasted Silk-Linen pantsuit, with Jan Herwick, President of Arizona Costume Institute.

                                    

1930s Makeup – The Jean Harlow Look..... by Glamour Daze @glamourdaze

Those very long lashes are black, her mascara of choice being cake Maybelline, which she applies with a fine set of brushes given to her by Max Factor himself.

You can bet that Jean Harlow is using a Maybelline

 Eyebrow Pencil to draw on her pincel thin eyebrows. 

15 cents, in the 1930's... today would be more like 2 dollars. Maybelline still maintains the same quality and is still sensibly priced.

Jean Harlow featured in a Maybelline Ad during the 1930's.

Maybelline was the first Make-up to introduce carded merchandise displayed on a rack, usually at the front of the Dime Store, to encourage impulse buying in the 1930's.

Please visit Glamour Daze Fabulous Vintage Blog if you love Vintage Fashion and Make-Up and check the beautiful article she did on my book, The Maybelline Story.....
http://glamourdaze.com/2013/08/1930s-makeup-the-jean-harlow-look.html

Visit my new Blog, SAFFRONS RULE, taken directly from my 1964 High School Diary at 
http://saffronsrule.com/2013/08/29/making-out-at-the-drive-in-and-my-hair-didnt-even-get-messed-up/

HOT BEAUTY REVIEWS (@HotBeautyReview) THE MAYBELLINE STORY

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THE FABULOUS MAYBELLINE STORY

I love reading books. Some books are good, some great, but ONLY a couple of them are exceptional like the book "The Maybelline Story". This is really a MUST to read. You will be smitten by this book, it is fabulous! You will be instantly transferred to the last century of Hollywood glamour and beauty, but also you will be witnessing the hard work of the founder of iconic Maybelline - Tom Lyle and his family.

      When I started to read this book, I forgot about the world around me. I was just reading and reading. I couldn't put the book down. Tom Lyle, founder of Maybelline was a remarkable person, businessman from the very early age.He saw opportunities everywhere. He wasn't afraid of any challenges. He had a driving force and strong belief that hard work would lead to success.    And his finely tuned instincts paid off.

      In the book I learned about "harem secret". What is it? The core business of the Maybelline brand. You will found out, when you will read the book.

      I like the company philosophy that every woman deserves to look her best. Every marketing guru should "learn" about newspaper headline "Miss Maybelline Stops Traffic", where a coincidence is more than years of planned marketing. This book can easily be valuable marketing textbook. Who is Miss Maybelline? It is Evelyn B. Williams. Independent, strong and confident woman with style, muse of Tom Lyle.

      WHAT I LEARNED FROM THE BOOK:

1. 1)Never say never
2. 2)Glamour is just civilized sex.
3. 3)Eating canned spaghetti, can be act of patriotism. 
4. 4)The most important, that "Feelings have to be hidden and a smile should be your umbrella" by Evelyn Williams aka Miss Maybelline

What an exciting family saga, full of hard work, pain, intrigues, disappointments but also joy, glamour and fortune with shocking and unexpected end. I already can see a great movie in the future about it! And Sharrie you are a very talented writer. If you are interested to buy the book, you can do it at:

http://www.maybellinebook.com/p/buy-my-book.html. Book is sold out at most bookstores, I had hard time  buying it!

         By Marietta Spiska

If you have any questions, inquiries, please contact us at blog@hotbeautyreviews.com