Maybelline Story, supports Instruments 4 Africa.

 Toubab Krewe, is donating between fifty cents and one dollar on every ticket sold to Instruments 4 Africa, 501c-3. These donations will specifically go to build a music school in the Bamako, Mali area. The school will be headed by their teacher, Lamine Soumano.

Tama Walley and Paul Chandler are the founders of Instruments 4 Africa.  After spending the summer in the United States, they are now back in Mali,  expanding their charity to include, filming a documentary on the preservation of Mali's ancient musical instruments.  Stay tuned for updates as they set out to visit local tribes and collect ancient memories.

Maybelline, Bi-Centennial Wedding of the Year, 1976.

Noel and Jean Williams give their daughter Nancy, the Wedding of the Year, at their Maybeck estate in Montecito California.

The Noel A. Williams family:  Anne, Chuck, their Nana, Alberta Kilroy, Paul and Nancy Williams-Clark, Noel A., Jean and Jim. The Bride and Groom were married under this giant Monterey Pine, dripping with hanging baskets filled with yellow roses. 

Here is a picture of my father, Bill Williams with the Mother of the Bride, Jean Williams.

Noel Allen and his cousin Bill were like brothers.

Bill Williams with Bill Box and his girlfriend, standing next to George Huber on the side.

Father of the Bride dancing with his daughter, before she leaves on her honeymoon.

Here I am with my cousin Nancy 35 years later, still as devoted as ever.  Check out Nancy's comment in The Maybelline Story under, What People Are Saying About The Book!!

Nancy's Wedding marked the height of the Bi-Centennial year, that summer in 1976, and was a turning point for the entire family as Tom Lyle grew weaker everyday, with only weeks to live.  It was a bitter sweet time, knowing everything we had or ever hoped to have, came from the most generous, kindest adored man in  our lives.

Eye's on the Stars, while Tom Lyle slips away.

1976 was America's Bi-Centennial year, and to celebrate it's 200th Birthday I decide to produce a multi-media Fashion Show for Lawyer's Wives at the Disneyland Hotel, for 500 people.

My dad bought a designer dress store in posh, Fashion Island, Newport Beach California, called ann Folger, and being the most eligible bachelor on Lido Isle, he had his choice of models.  He chose Gloria Rosan, shown with him in front of the store in 1976.

I too had the benefit of ann Folgers and the model's when I produced a fashion show, using several of the crew from Goodbye Norma Jean to help with sound and lighting.  Here is a picture of the girls getting ready to walk the runway, as Mistress of ceremony, I put on Vogue 76, for a sold out audience. 

Dressed like a model myself I had 5 dress changes and hired over 50 people, including dancers, actors,  male models, hairdressers, a costume designer, stage manager, music and lighting men, a camera man, a script writer and even my husband as personal Attorney.   I called the Maybelline Co. and told them I was Tom Lyle Williams great niece, and was producing an Orange County fashion show

 for 500 people and they were happy to ship me

 cases of “Blooming Colors” products, with Maybelline's new packaging, logo, and pink and purple colors.               

When I called Unk lie and told him what I’d done, he laughed and was flattered the new company knocked themselves out for me just by using his name.  I invited him to the show, but his health was very bad and he was so weak he could hardly get out of bed.  But he said he'd be there in spirit, and I was grateful - not knowing it was  the last time I'd ever hear his voice.

I had been so distracted with my friend, David Van Houten and his connection with Barry Diller of Paramount Studios and Diane von Furstenberg, a young designer with her own line clothes, that  time sped by, as my beloved Unk Ile had only months to live.  All  I thought about was designing my one line of clothes for Ann Folgers, and taking David's advice on how to produce the Fashion Show.  He believed my multi-media production would make a great Broadway production and invited me to New York to meet his friends Paramount Studios where he was a young executive. 

Did I go?  Pick up a copy of The Maybelline Story and the Spirited Family Dynasty Behind it at Barnes and Nobel, Amazon or get a signed copy from me at www.maybellinestory.com.   

Goodbye Norma Jean, filmed at Casa Guillermo in 1975.

Nana moved to Hot Springs Arkansas with her new husband, while my husband, an attorney, put together a deal with the producer of Goodbye Norma Jean, to have the movie filmed at my father's Palm Springs estate, Casa Guillermo in 1975.

The producer said the the estate had the feeling of an old 1940's, director's estate and wanted to shoot most of the film in and outside of the casa.  The papers were signed and a film date was set for March of 1975.

I was an extra in the film while Gene hung out behind the scenes with the family and crew. He had his eye on every detail, making sure the contract was being honored and the property was respected.

My friend Pearl White in a shot taken on the grounds of Casa Guillermo, or House of Williams.

Pearl White, Gene Dorney and Chuck's wife, Ann Williams.

Cousin Chuck, BB1, with his wife Ann, talking to Gene and my dad, as the family sat around watching the movie being filmed. 

A view of the Casa with my sister Donna heading to the guest house where she lived for 5 years.

Noel A. Wiliams,  Linda Beaty, Sharrie, Gene Dorney and Ann Williams between filming.




More fun details of the filming of Goodbye Norma Jean, in The Maybelline Story and the Spirited Family Dynasty Behind It. Get a signed copy from http://www.maybellinebook.com/.

If you want to see more pictures of the Casa, vintage cars, clothes, sets, makeup used in Goodbye Norma Jean, scroll down as I posted many posts about the movie being filmed at my fathers estate. 

Maybelline Heiress Evelyn Williams becomes a Bride in her 70's.

My 73 almost 74 year old grandmother runs off and marries a man 12 years her junior in Nov, 1974.

The Bride and Groom married at the Balboa Bay Club against my father's will.

Bride and Groom, with "The Other Woman," who will lead Nana into a nightmare.

Blushing Bride with her bouquet, as my brother Preston and I wish her well.

Because this part of the story is so unbelievable I'm not posting much about it.  If you want to know all the sordid details, please order a signed copy of The Maybelline Story at http://www.maybellinebook.com/.

Maybelline sisters, Mabel and Eva Williams, 50th Wedding Anniversaries.

 Eva (Williams) and Chester Haines 50th Wedding Anniversary, October of 1974 was a landmark celebration for Tom Lyle's baby sister.

Chester Hewes and Mabel (Williams) Hewes - Chester Haines and his bride Eva (Williams,) Haines celebrating Eva and Chet's 50th Anniversary. 

 Married in Oct of 1924, here is a picture of Eva and Ches Haines soon after their Wedding day.

Mabel (Williams) Hewes and Chester Hewes on their Wedding day in 1925.  Mabel died 6 months after Eva and Ches' 50th Wedding Anniversary - in 1975, almost making it to her 50th Wedding Anniversary as well.  

One more big event happened in 1974 that altered the course of my grandmother, Evelyn Williams and my families lives forever.  Stay tuned tomorrow for a

shocking surprise.

More details on the sisters, Mabel and Eva who moved from Morganfield Kentucky to Chicago and found two Chester's, in The Maybelline Story. 

Maybelline Kissing Sticks, 1977.

When Schering-Plough took over Maybelline in the 1970's, they expanded the Eye Beautifier line to include lip stick, face make up and nail polish, to compete with Revlon, Max Factor etc's, full line of cosmetics.  Compare this video with the one I posted yesterday and see the difference in style, fashion and beat.

Come see a full presentation of Maybelline's fascinating history as I show never before shown Maybelline vintage ad's and family pictures on screne. 

Maybelline Commercial, early 1960's.

Maybelline Commercial in the early 1960's.  It was all about having a pretty face.

Maybelline - Father of the Bride - 1973.

How long after her wedding day is a woman considered a Bride?  I believe it is one year and boy did I love every minute of it. Seriously!!

Here I am with Gene and my best friend from High School, Pearl White,
Christmas 1973, eight months into my Bride year.

My first year as a bride was the happiest year of my marriage and I took full advantage of all the attention showered on me that year.  My dad and Nana really got into it as well - loving being father and grandmother of the Bride - they kept our calender crazy with parties and we were expected to look fabulous, gushing and blushing as Mr. and Mrs. Beautiful.

My dad the artist, Christmas 1973, creating a scene to make us laugh.  Here he is pretending to be a famous artist, dressed in a smoking jacket, painters paints, and painting with a real paint brush.  The whole family, including Tom Lyle loved to create funny little scenes, then laugh until tears came to their eyes.  

 1973, Christmas in Palm Springs.  Nana had a

 special gift for my dad and wanted us all there to see

 the expression on his face when he opened it.                   

  A painting of Father of the Bride,with his daughter,

 the Bride.  It actually looked more like a Bride and Groom, everyone said and I don't think my stepmother appreciated it, because soon after that, she and my dad divorced.                                                                     

 Nana and my dad admiring the new focal point of the living room.  My dad loved that picture and kept it hung in a prominent position at the top of the stairs right outside his bedroom and office in the new home he was remodeling down the street.  It would take two years to finish the project, but on Christmas 1975 were once again invited to see the Father of the Bride painting hung in it's new resting place where it hung until 2004.


Still want more story and fun details?  Pick up a copy of The Maybelline Story and the Spirited Family Dynasty Behind It.  Or order a signed copy from me at http://www.maybellinestory.com/.

Maybelline Girl becomes a Bride!

"A toast to Mr. and Mrs. Beautiful," he said - as Father of the Bride -  kicking off an all night reception, at his Palm Springs estate, before sending his daughter and her new husband off on an Acapulco Honeymoon. 

Married on the steps on my Fathers Spanish Casa, with 250 quests in attendance. 

Gene E. Dorney Attorney at Law, and his Bride,

Sharrie Lynn Williams. 

 Though I was sad letting go of my last name, Williams, I was very happy being Mrs Gene. E. Dorney.  Here we are in Acapulco having fun, before getting sun-stroke, winding up sick in bed and having to come home early.   For the next 6 months, my job was writing out hundreds of thank you notes, finding a place for a room filled with Shower and Wedding gifts and looking for a new home - a Wedding gift from my father.

Want to know more?  Pick you a signed copy of The Maybelline Story and be prepared for a roller coaster ride that will leave you waiting to exhale. 

My great uncle, Tom Lyle,Williams, gives his blessing, as I head to the alter in 1973.

Two engagement parties, three Wedding Showers and a Bridesmaid's luncheon, before becoming a Lawyer's Wife.

Three of my seven Bridesmaids, to my right, my sister Billee, my college roommate Marylin Wendt, and Gene's best man's wife, Debbie Corradini.

50 ladies at each event meant writing 200 thank you notes.  My sister Billee at my side, as I meet my guests, show off my engagement diamond, discuss Wedding plans and our Honeymoon in Acapulco.

Nana looked so happy, playing grandmother of the Bride, since my own mother was emotionally incapable of being with me, after my parents heartbreaking divorce and my father's remarriage to Linda.  Once again Billee stands next to me as I hold one of the three ribbon bouquets I'd have to choose to carry, during the Wedding rehearsal at my father's home in Palm Springs.

400 invitations sent out, 250 guests stay in hotels for  three days as one event after another takes place before Gene and I finally say,  "I do."

Check back tomorrow to see why my father called us,  "Mr. and Mrs. Beautiful.

Want to know the details? Get a signed copy of The Maybelline Story  at http://www.maybellinestory.com/. 

Tom Lyle Williams last pictures with the family.

Last pictures of Maybelline founderTom Lyle Williams in California, taken in 1973.

I was lucky enough to bring my fiance, Gene Dorney up to meet my Unk Ile, a couple months before we were married.  I remember my great uncle saying to me, "Gene is very intelligent, and you are very thoughtful."  Those were the last words spoken to me and I never saw my beloved uncle again.  He began to decline fast and wanted us to remember him as he had always been - strong, vital and handsome.

This picture was taken at the Bel Air estate - uncle Chet, me, Preston, auntie Mabel, Billee, Nana, Unk Ile and Donna, 1973.  It was Mabel and Chet's last visit to California.  I remember a bitter sweet feeling, knowing this was the last time I'd ever see them.  I was 25, about to be married and start a new life with Gene, but there was a sadness about that day I still can feel today.  The end of an era was about to take place.

uncle Chet, Jean and Noel Williams.  Unk Ile always had flowers on the piano and coffee table when the family came to visit.  I think the expression on Noel's face was somber and reflective, because he could see how gaunt and thin Unk Ile looked, a Shadow of the man he had always been.

Nana, auntie Mabel and uncle Chet.  Who would have believed the terrible fate that was facing my grandmother that day in 1973.  She was 72 here and continued to look youthful to her last day.  Sweet auntie Mabel the namesake for Maybelline was so opposite from Nana and many times I wished we could have had a grandmother more like her.  Uncle Chet was a great man, strong and steady and I loved him like a grandfather. 

My sister Donna, Billee and my little brother Preston.  I remember Nana bought us all new clothes for the occasion, insisting we look casual yet elegant.  She was good that way, always wanted us to live up to her standards right to the end.

Now stay tuned as I walk down the isle with Gene, at my father's estate in Palm Springs.  For the whole story please get your signed copy of the Maybelline Story for $14.99 at http://www.maybellinestory.com/ 

Before Maybelline New York the brand was known as Maybelline.

Before Maybelline New York, there was the Maybelline Company.  Before the Maybelline Company, there was Maybell Laboratories.  Before Great Lash Mascara, there was Ultra Lash.  Before Maybelline there was Lash-Brow-Ine.  But no matter what - It all started with Tom Lyle Williams.

Tom Lyle Williams with his nephew Bill Williams, (my dad,)  discussing the good old day's when Maybelline was Maybell Laboratories and Lash-Brow-Ine sold for 50 cents in 1915.  This picture was taken in 1972, five years after Tom Lyle sold the Maybelline Company to Plough Inc.  He was never the same and regretted not preparing the next generation to take over the company.  For the next four years his health declined to the point, he refused to be seen any longer.

Lash-Brow-Ine ad, 1915.

Standing in front of his new Paige automobile, is Tom Lyle, his father TJ and Mable, namesake for the Maybelline Company, 1916.



An original Maybelline tin, that would be filled with a cake of mascara, a little red and black brush and mirror, in the 1940's.


Be sure to read the Maybelline Story for all the wonderful historic details and stunning nostalgic vintage memories.



Beach Boy Dennis Wilson's Iconic Surfboard lives on with Chuck Williams, BB1.

 Dennis Wilson's parent's bought him this surfboard and he learned to surf on it at Santa Cruz and Monterey, California.  Mike Love entrusted the board to Chuck Williams, BB1, in 1972 and Chuck has kept it safe in storage ever since.

BB1 with Dennis Wilson's surf board and an original poster from the Santa Barbara Bowl, from 1975.


After the Maybelline Company sold, BB1's parents moved to Montecito, California and Mike Love stayed with them in the Maybeck estate while looking for a house himself in 1971.  Chuck, BB1, is the Beach Boys most trusted friend and though he is a walking encyclopedia on Beach Boy memorabilia, he's never betrayed their trust or compromised his integrity in anyway.

In the early 1970's Chuck - BB1, produced concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl and because of his close friendship with Mike Love, The Beach Boys played there several times.  Here is a poster of Beach Boys at the Bowl in 1980, with another picture of Brian Wilson with a special fan. 


More about Chuck BB1 and the Beach Boys next weekend, so stay tuned if you love never before told memories of the number one Beach Boy fan.

Tickets for my Maybelline Story presentation at the Beverly Hills Women's Club available.

Tonight Maybelline New York is celebrating 40 year anniversary of Great Lash mascara little sister of the original wand mascara, Ultra Lash.

80 Countries are following the Maybelline Blog,  get a signed copy of The Maybelline Story from me at http://www.maybellinebook.com/