Episode 35: The “White Christmas” Museum in the Rosemary Clooney House, Augusta, KY @CRF-ds7ie

The Rosemary Clooney House in Augusta, Kentucky, was not only the home in which she spent the twilight years of her life, it is now a museum in which you can see her personal and career memorabilia, as well as a large section of memorabilia pertaining to the greatest holiday movie ever made, White Christmas (1954). This first video will focus on the White Christmas section, which was spectacular to say the least, especially if you are a major Vera-Ellen fan like I am! Stay tuned for a future video which focuses just on Rosemary Clooney, and another White Christmas video pertaining just to Vera-Ellen! Thank you for watching! @CRF-ds7ie
#whitechristmas
#rosemaryclooney
#veraellen
#bingcrosby

[@keithmerscheim1924]

NO 1 CHRISTMAS MOVIE. I WATCH IT EVERY YEAR.

[@mchapman1928]

Hollywood costumes were things dreams were made of. My mom was a professional dress maker. She made wedding dresses for Bergdorf’s in NYC. She’d look at these old films and study the gowns, dresses, suits. She could sew without a paper pattern. She taught me to sew, the trouble was we could rarely find those fabulous fabrics. Occasionally in the city we’d stumble across a magnificent remnant and make something grand. I love the old films.

[@CJG1419]

How lucky you are to have a mother that was so talented and passed that talent on to you.

[@mchapman1928]

@@CJG1419 - Yes I was lucky. She’s been gone 4 years, she’d be 100 now. I have her dressmaking shears. I treasure them.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Oh, that’s so fascinating - I would love to have that talent! It’s wonderful that she passed that down to you! Thanks so much for watching!

[@1Kent]

Edith Head was *_the_* best. That was fun to watch, thank you!

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@RaspberryLemonade101]

White Christmas is my favorite holiday movie.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Mine, too! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Kat-cg9hr]

Mine also!

[@jillvalentine6182]

I would be in awe❤my favorite Christmas movie since I was 6 and I’m now 66

[@cheryl_the_horsechick]

I love that movie. Watch each Christmas. Costumes even prettier in person

[@Unentitled54]

My ABSOLUTE favorite Christmas Movie. The RED gowms at the end are simply GORGEOUS! I always thought if I was younger and getting married, I would dress exactly like Vera did at the end of the movie. I have watched White Christmas every year since I was little. Ironically, I was born in 1954, so this movie holds a special place in my head. Thanks for posting all the costumes Vera and Rosemary wore. A very special movie indeed!!

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching! I agree with you that the red gowns are stunning!!

[@Peaceful_Rayne]

Mine too1!

[@Tatortot318]

I'm always surprised where these clothes end up. So glad they made it back to KY.

[@lollypopdrop3961]

I JUST now fell upon this video !!!! I Can NOT believe that these costumes are still preserved and so beautifully !!! I am 66 yrs old,, I have been watching this film every year during the holidays from the time I was roughly 5 !!!! my 2 sisters and I used to try to figure out that "pretzel twist" during the scene "the best things happen while you're dancing" we would drag my older brother into the family room and make him try to figure out that "twist" where everyone would change partners............ what wonderful memories. !!!!!!!!!!!!! The Best Things,, happen while you're dancing,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Great memories! Thanks so much for watching!

[@dianeorsino6570]

Cannot go past the Christmas season without this movie watch. Thank you for posting this video, this was great.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@noreenp.9858]

Omg my favorite movie I watch every Christmas. I have some information on that incredible black dress Rosemary Clooney wore in that Love Didn’t Do Right By Me number. I had the privilege of talking to Debby Boone after a concert (She’s married to one of Rosemary’s sons) and I asked her where is the black dress from the movie? She said there was another daughter in law that got it but she is no longer part of their family so no one knows where it is now.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Oh that’s crazy! That’s so interesting. I hope the woman takes care of it!! Thanks so much for watching my video!

[@brendapaws7933]

White Christmas is my favorite movie. I also think that Edith Head was the best designer. Another of Edith’s designs that is my favorite is the black and white dress that you see Grace Kelly wear in Rear Window. Thank you for the video.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Yes, that is a stunning dress! Thanks so much for watching!

[@patriciafleming8402]

My favorite costume was the black sparkle dress Rosemary wore

[@cholman4248]

That black gown, Love You Didn't Do Right By Me, is my all time favorite. It was spectacular

[@CRF-ds7ie]

I love that gown, too - I wish I knew where it was! Thank you so much for watching!

[@Tssc559]

My favorite Christmas movie!!!

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@MarieHatfieldretired]

I love watching the old movies for the acting and the clothes. Just beautiful…❤

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Yes, me too! I always love the wardrobe! Thanks so much for watching!

[@dianewilliams1125]

I adore these costumes, by far one of my favorite movies for costumes! ❤❤❤

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Me, too! Thank you for watching!

[@mariechristensen8390]

Very nice Thank you so much

[@laurab8450]

This was wonderful, thank you!

[@ThEhObBiT1959]

Always been my top favourite Christmas film, that you can watch anytime and as many times as possible.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

It’s the best! Thank you so much for watching!

[@sandraflowers2547]

Love, love, love, Vera Ellen, and White Christmas is my all time favorite movie, love to watch her dance, I really loved Danny Kaye with her in the movie.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

She is the best! Thanks so much for watching!

[@cheshirescarf2065]

Really beautiful outfits…just stunning design and quality.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

I agree! Thank you so much for watching!

[@lizziewalker9374]

Oh my goodness! My top all time favorite Christmas movie. I can't go a Christmas season without it. The outfits are even more exquisite up close. Thank you so much for filming this and I quite agree that Vera-Ellen had the snazziest outfits. ♥

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@jamiesimon2048]

What city and state is this museum in??

[@501rivet]

THANK YOU for your interest and preserving this glorious movie that captures the essence of vintage Hollywood and...spirit of Christmas !

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching! I really appreciate it!

[@Pgresham3]

I was wondering about the best things happen when you're dancing dress. Has it ever surfaced? Also Danny Kayes beautiful blue gray suit and matching shoes.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

I have never seen it up for auction anywhere, unfortunately. But I bet it’s out there somewhere! Thank you so much for watching!

[@pattysims7236]

Thank you so much for doing this for us ❤I would love to see this in person but you made it beautifully and gifted us a Great Christmas 🎄 gift we can re-watch💝❣️💖💗💜 God bless you for your kindness and love of our treasured old movies ❤😇💞🏆

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Oh, what a beautiful message and heartfelt comment. That means a lot to me! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching!

[@pw529]

LOVE THE FASHION BEST OF ALL, THE DAY CLOTHES I WOULD WEAR THEM TODAY MUCH THANKS

[@eveb446]

This is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@sharonpolikoff7282]

Beautiful costumes from a movie that I love. So glad I happened on this video!

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@jpendowski7503]

Nicely filmed and narrated tour.

[@springstud]

i enjoyed this video i am big fan of Rosemary Clooney

[@CRF-ds7ie]

I appreciate you watching it! Thank you so much!

[@CRF-ds7ie]

You might also want to look at episode 37 which deals just with the Rosemary Clooney part of the museum. Thanks again!

[@Lynn-r8h]

Thank you for this video. It’s great these costumes have been preserved.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

I agree with you - I’m thrilled that someone had the foresight to save these costumes! Thank you so much for watching!

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Yes, and they are so incredibly beautiful! Thank you so much for watching!

[@Jacques_S]

Thank you so much for sharing this lovely video. I am 61 and grew up watching White Christmas. It was my favorite Christmas movie of all time. The costumes that are showcased in your video are exquisite! You're right. You don't get the full details in the movie. They are breathtaking up close with all the beading, lace, and all other intricacies. Edith Head was an amazing designer. I am so glad that they were able to save these valuable outfits from this movie for posterity. Thanks again for sharing. I loved it! 💗💗

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for your nice words about the video! I hope you get a chance to go to the museum someday, especially if you love the film so much. Thanks again for watching the video!

[@crystaldance5731]

I loved this exhibition thankyou I’ve loved and watched this film many times one of my favourites old fashioned romance thankyou ❤️😊

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@gr6060]

White Christmas is my absolute favorite Christmas movie. It might even be my all time favorite movie. Another thing for my bucket list - the Rosemary Clooney House. Thanx for posting this! 👍

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thanks so much for your nice comment and thanks for watching!

[@momtrips6783]

Loved this! White Christmas is one of my favorite movies of all time.

[@BackyardFlorida]

Such a cool video! Love that movie!

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@Mamadukee1]

Great video, beautiful dresses, beautiful dog !!!😊

[@karaharrison323]

Love the videos, white Christmas is my favorite movie . I watch it every Christmas.😊

[@CRF-ds7ie]

It’s the best! Thank you so much for watching!

[@onemercilessming1342]

I'm reminded of a comment supposedly made by Ziegfield when he was questioned about the expense of using very high quality fabrics and trims on even the chorines in his productions. Ziegfield reportedly answered that "The Girls will know, and that will make all the difference..." [in the way they move and dance].

[@CRF-ds7ie]

That’s right! That was MGM’s philosophy as well! Thank you so much for watching!

[@onemercilessming1342]

@@CRF-ds7ie Thank you for the kind comment.

[@rsanford100]

I'm thoroughly enjoying your "White Christmas" video series, thank you!

[@marybethmorrison]

AMAZING! I need to make a pilgrimage to see these costumes. I didn't know there was a Rosemary Clooney house, let alone the costumes from my all-time favorite holiday film. Thank you for this video!

[@CRF-ds7ie]

I hope you get a chance to go there - it’s so wonderful! Thank you so much for watching the video!

[@marydurante-leleu8410]

I was in Kentucky last fall and saw this exhibit. It was fabulous. I also enjoyed the tour of Rosemary’s home that the exhibit is displayed in. The tour guide shared that the dress worn in the sisters act we’re in storage somewhere. To answer your question Vera, Ellen‘s dress partially had to be remade. When they found the dresses, for some reason, the top part of Vera Ellen’s dress was missing. 🤷🏻‍♀️ They had to find lace that would match the original design. That is why the color is brighter. However, if anyone gets a chance to see the display, it’s well worth the time if you’re in the area.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Oh, that is so interesting! Thank you for that information! Yes, it’s a wonderful museum and I do also have a video about the rest of the house which just focuses on Rosemary Clooney. Thanks so much for watching!

[@marydurante-leleu8410]

@@CRF-ds7ie You are welcome. Glad to share. I intend to watch your other video as well. I’m so happy your video popped up for me. It was a complete surprise. I look forward to all your videos. I have subscribed.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Oh, thank you so much! I really appreciate your support!

[@darsig3317]

This is such a delight to see. Thank you! The black dress that Rosemary wore has always been my favorite dress in any movie I’ve ever seen. It’s stunning. Wonder where it is?

[@lindab.716]

I’d love to see these. It was only a couple years ago I saw White Christmas on the big screen. I had never been able to see the detail before. So of course I googled and saw everything was by Edith Head which of course explains everything ♥️ Fantom events is offering it again this winter and I’ll be there again ♥️

[@CRF-ds7ie]

It’s a fantastic movie to see on the big screen! Thanks so much for watching my video!

[@K.HansHakenson]

Thankyou for sharing! I enjoy your enthusiasm, & passion for historical preservation- xx KHH 🎄🤍✨

[@CRF-ds7ie]

You’re very kind! Thank you so much for watching!

[@dianehereshko2051]

My favorite movie of all time. 😅❤

[@FlexibleFlyer50]

I watch that movie every holiday season. Movies back then had style, class, talent, good music, great acting, a strong plot line, some suspense, and a satisfying ending. Today movies are just trash----representative of the sewer that's Hollywood.

[@pennyhinson4949]

It's a tradition for me too!

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@FlexibleFlyer50]

@@CRF-ds7ie It's not the holidays unless I watch "White Christmas." Never gets old.

[@patmorrison474]

I have been there and it is worth seeing. I loved it. Some good places to eat there also.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

I agree, it’s a beautiful location. Thank you so much for watching!

[@karenstanislaw8912]

Caren, this was wonderful, and of course delivered with your usual enthusiasm and joy for theses things. -Always find it fascinating, the lives and true humanity behind the dazzle. It's particularly rewarding when we learn of the fun, goodness, satisfaction, altruism, etc., a particular soul did express or get to experience in their lives (matching, sometimes, the beauty of their public expression), as well, of course, the sometimes sadder or darker details, which puncture the dazzle. We all prefer the happier stories. My sense is Rosemary's life was, indeed, a rich and terrifically satisfying one - albeit, I'm sure, challenged and sadder in spots. I think she was - as some others in her family seem to be - up for a vibrant, empowered karma - handsome people, magnanimous experience.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Yes, her nephew George Clooney certainly is a testament to someone who has used his celebrity to help others. He has also donated a few items that are in the museum, which I’ll cover in a later video, but it’s so sweet because he only donates a few things because he wants the museum to be about Rosemary, not about him. She did have a hard life. She also used that to help others - I once saw her in concert at a benefit for heart health. I haven’t read her autobiography, but I’m going to soon because her life was very interesting. Once again, I appreciate you watching my videos! Thank you!

[@1GoodWoman]

They honestly do not make fabrics or have tailoring like this available anywhere but maybe haute couture.

[@KK-eh2gm]

Such a great dialog for this video. These are all movies that I adore & constantly look for on channels like TCM. I watch gor more fabulous videos. Thank you.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@jupite1888]

You can fill a Museum easily today with costumes of the Stars from the Past but try doing that with the Stars? of today maybe fill a broom closet. Great Videos

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@mchapman1928]

Vera Ellen had the tiniest waistline in Hollywood…..17”. She was obsessed with it.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@sonjasanda8251]

The costumes are incredibly beautiful - a true art form. Thank you for sharing them with us!

[@jetstream2467]

This was amazing! Thank you so much! I would LOVEEEEEE TO SEE IT FOR MYSELF! The clothes in the movie were absolutely gorgeous, from lead actors to the background dancers and other actors. The men’s suits and shoes matched perfectly! The whole movie is just Wonderful! I watched another video about the movie and heard that Rose Mary Clooney and Vera did not get along? Also thank you for your contribution to getting some of the costumes for the museum❤❤❤❤❤❤🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@CRF-ds7ie]

What nice comments - thank you so much! It is such a fabulous film, I agree! It never gets old, no matter how many times I watch it! I believe that Rosemary, Clooney and Vera-Ellen got along quite well, but I don’t think they were close. I don’t think they got to know each other very well. But I believe they were very nice to each other and respected each other’s talent. Thank you so much for watching and for your kind comments!

[@lauriemichaud5509]

Just found your site! How wonderful!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@CRF-ds7ie]

I’m so happy you like it! Thank you so much for watching!

[@user-sj7xv1er1u]

❤ Thank You Very Much ❤

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@debhawk8094]

I need to go to this museum. I live less than an hour from it!

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Oh, yes, you should definitely go! It’s so beautiful! And if you’re a White Christmas or Rosemary Clooney fan in the slightest, you will absolutely love it! Thank you so much for watching my video!

[@AndreaHodge-rz5bc]

Rosemary Clooney’s daughter-in-law, Debbie Boone, has the black gown from the night club song/dance scene. Ms. Boone wore it when she was the musical guest at a Cincinnati Pops Christmas program in the early 2010’s.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Oh wow!! I didn’t know that!!! Thank you for the info!!

[@AndreaHodge-rz5bc]

@@CRF-ds7ie You’re welcome. It was beautiful even from a distance! I can’t remember if it had the white decoration on the back or not.

[@samanthab1923]

Thank you so much for this. My absolute favorite Christmas movie. ❤🎄 I wonder if Debbie Reynolds had any of the films costumes in her collection?

[@CRF-ds7ie]

I believe she did - in fact, according to Vera-Ellen‘s best friend, there was a bit of a conflict after Vera-Ellen died because Debbie Reynolds and her helpers came in and wanted/took the costumes that Vera-Ellen still had. I don’t know if it’s true, but I heard it from several sources. Yikes! I do know that Debbie Reynolds admired Vera-Ellen greatly, because she told me so when I met her once. Thank you so much for watching the video!

[@samanthab1923]

@@CRF-ds7ie That sounds about right. I remember hearing from Scott Michael’s during a Dearly Departed tour that Debbie was not above purchasing stolen costumes.

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Do you know Scott? I’ve only met him, but he’s a very good friend of one of my good friends! Yes, and in this case, I think she actually went in and took them herself - didn’t purchase them. It was very hard on the heirs, who are not “Hollywood” people. Very sad.

[@avissmith6782]

Thanks so much Caren! Wonderful video! Love seeing the costumes. My mom was a movie fan and grew up during glamorous Hollywood. I watched the reruns in the 60s as I was growing up. She talked about Edith Head and the Westmore makeup. You made me smile! (and I'm so happy you are not the other kinda Karen!)

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you for your sweet comments! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. I’m sure I would’ve loved your mother! How fun to grow up with someone who loved the golden age of films! Thank you so much for watching!

[@englishrose6790]

Where is the black dress it is my all time favourite xx

[@blushslice]

I DIDNT KNOW THEY EXISTED THANK YOU FOR SHARING ❤

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@chrislee1096]

Al in Augusta, Kentucky

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@dianewilliams1125]

Unfortunately no Black Dress my fav!😊😊😊

[@CRF-ds7ie]

I know - I was disappointed that it wasn’t there! It must be out there somewhere! Thanks so much for watching the video!

[@Musicchick60]

Is this a permanent display?

[@CRF-ds7ie]

It is a permanent display, but it sometimes travels. I know that sounds like it doesn’t make sense but normally it’s there at the Rosemary Clooney Museum. You just want to call them before you go to make sure it’s there at the time you want to go visit. Thank you so much for watching!

[@dorisbrinkerhoff8124]

wow they are so tiny

[@CRF-ds7ie]

Yes! They were very slim! Thanks so much for watching!