Denny’s Adventures in “The House of Prudence” (Part 3 – August 2010)

Submitted by denny August 30th, 2010
Certifikitsch Winner

I can only imagine the era of when Sophie Tucker lived here. I’m not familiar with her work and am only now researching her after visiting “The House of Prudence” but this framed print is a loving tribute to a really funny woman and this hangs in the house

8×10 black & white print of Sophie Tucker.

I think my posts show my love of lamps here at the Kitschenette and I about fell over when I saw this one sitting on an end table here at the house. If I ever come across this lamp in my travels it will come home with me. I’ve never seen a “skyscraper” lamp and this one is beautiful. Made of plastic and built with simple “on & off” push buttons, one is red and one is black. Oh, there’s my glass of iced tea off to the corner.

The lady head lamp. I love this but love even more that it has no shade. I never thought to leave the shade off certain lamps and this gives me new ideas. Love the glued on lashes and pearl necklace with matching earrings.

Me taking off for “The House of Prudence”. Banana Republic jacket, Claiborne pants, Gap tie, Gap shirt. The most expensive thing in this outfit are my glasses.

18 Responses to “Denny’s Adventures in “The House of Prudence” (Part 3 – August 2010)”

  1. Allee Willis

    You MUST research Sophie Tucker. I can’t believe you don’t know her. An absolute show biz icon. Also, the Soph that Bette Midler glorified so much, especially in her earlier acts.

    Prudence’s skyscraper lamp is stupendous. It’s made of Bakeolite, making it even better.

    Did you get a chance to see her entire head vase collection? That lamp is just the tip of the iceberg.

    Very, very sharp looking in your suit!

    • Allee Willis

      I just realized that for anyone reading this post who hadn’t seen your House Of Prudence post yesterday that I should mention again that it was Sophie Tucker who built this house in 1927.

        • windupkitty

          hmm..this post was from august, but just got it!?! wow, what a story……..is that the eva tangaley of vaudeville fame? i’m not sure if i have the name right……?

          YOu know, wasn’t/isn’t a documentary being made about Sophie Tucker recently? I think I remember reading somehting about that..maybe it was just wishful thinking…..:D

          • Allee Willis

            Yes, that’s the correct Eva, also know as the “I Don’t Care” girl. Last name is spelled Tanguay. From wikipedia: “Tanguay was said to have lost more than $2 million in the Wall Street crash of 1929. “In the 1930s, Tanguay retired from show business. Cataracts caused her to lose her sight, but Sophie Tucker, a friend from vaudeville days, paid for the operation that restored her vision.” Pretty interesting life: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eva_Tanguay

            I haven’t heard anything about a Sophie Tucker documentary but to say that is long overdue is an understatement!

            When you say the post is from August but you just got it were you sent an e-mail? I found about 50 comments yesterday that I had never approved and just did so so that’s how you were probably notified. You would’ve had to comment on this previously, which I see you did on August 30, to get notification. We had to completely rebuild the site in the space of a few days around then because we got hit by so much spam and I think that’s how I missed all the comments. This is where technology does not make sense to me so I’m just happy you got me the post!

      • denny

        I know. I wasn’t sure if I could divulge that. Since visiting “The House of Prudence”, I’ve been watching all sorts of Sophie Tucker on You Tube! Thanks once again to Prudence for turning me onto Sophie!

        • windupkitty

          Oh man, I am so relieved that you’ve been getting your Sophie Tucker on! She is by far one the finest female roll models this planet has ever known……My life would be so different (in the most horrible of horrible ways!) without her in my heart!!!!!!!!!

          CAn’t wait to see the house of Prudence! Working bacwards on the awmok can actually be kinda like x-mas morning!

  2. k2dtw

    Love the post…stunning lamps.. I’ve never seen a head vase lamp???..
    Is there any way to know what “jokes” Bruce Vilanch wrote for Bette Midler?? I just found out a few years ago during a Bruce interview that he wrote for Bette, and I have been laughing at his Bette/jokes for years… Wondering if Bruce wrote any of her Sophie Tucker jokes???
    Also, I love Denny’s announcement of his new fall ad campaign for the Gap…smile

  3. denny

    Oh your killing me! I didn’t remember hearing that it was bakeolite! No wonder I am now obsessing over that on top of the foot stools in WW. Ugh, I’m just dyin’ here!

  4. windupkitty

    that lamp is insane…i’ve seen simialr ones in glass but never with such skyscraper-y detail! denny what a dapper gentleman you are!

  5. denny

    I am now realizing that errors in typing can be quite funny as I know you are sitting there saying “oi gavelt” and when you say that, it makes me laugh!