A love story, at least a convincing one, requires three elements – the lover, the beloved, and the adventures they have together.~Jane Smiley
William adored his beloved wife Ada. Wild, brash, and confident, he had built a corporate empire from a stick of chewing gum. Needless to say, he was not easily humbled. But Ada’s love had that effect on him.
While visiting Arizona, Ada fell in love with the desert. So, for their 40th wedding anniversary, William Wrigley decided to build her a home in Phoenix with spectacular views of the mountains and mesas.
But to see her was to love her, love but her, and love her forever.–Robert Burns
Their 4-bedroom stucco house was small, by millionaire standards, but it was designed with great attention to detail.
Wrigley Dining Room.
Kiss me and you will see stars; love me and I will give them to you.–Unknown
Stars were their design motif repeated throughout the home in mosaic tiles and upholstery.
Mosaic detail. Wrigley Museum. Shot with a Fuji XT2.
But their prized possession was the Steinway grand player piano. Their friend, George Gershwin, sat down at this piano and played “Rhapsody in Blue,” forever immortalized on the player roll.
Steinway Grand Player Piano. Wrigley Museum. Shot with a Fuji XT2.
I wished for nothing beyond her smile, and to walk with her thus, hand in hand, along a sun-warmed, flower-bordered path.”–Andre Gide
William’s love for Ada was evident throughout the entire estate. He even had her favorite walkways decorated with pink stones throughout the grounds.
Wrigley Mansion. Phoenix, AZ. Shot with a Fuji XT2.
William Wrigley died in this home in 1932. Heartbroken, Ada could never enter the room where he had died. Years later, she decided to convert his bedroom into a recreation room with a billiard table, a game William loved. Ada said this was a fitting tribute to William, who would have approved of this memorial to his life and spirit.
Have you known a couple who were in love after decades of marriage? What was their “secret” for a lasting relationship?
If you ever are visiting Arizona, I highly recommend a visit to the Wrigley Mansion, where you can tour their home and enjoy a fine meal.
Have an inspiring week, everyone! Sending you some early Valentine’s Day greetings as well!
Categories: Photography
P.A. Moed 
Greetings to you as well this February!
Lovely house and story – and what a great love for his lady! I have known some couples with a seemingly everlasting love. The father of one of my friends’ passed away just before Christmas, at the age of 91. Active to the last minute. His marriage was warm and affectionate to the end. His wife left before him some years ago, but their marriage lasted for more than 60 years. I remember his recipe: Hard working together on the farm (having the same goal), mutual respect, supporting young people in the society – helping them grow up to responsible and upright citizens. And maybe above all: stay curious!
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Thank you so much, Ann-Christine. I totally agree that couples in those long-term relationships share a “vision” of the future, goals, mutual respect…I am intrigued that they shared a commitment to help young people be responsible citizens. Curiosity is an interesting idea–curious about the world, curious about each other, curious about new ideas…Yes, boredom in a relationship is deadly.
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There is a saying: When you stop being curious, you life is over.
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Absolutely.
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Fascinating Patty, and I like the results with the Fuji XT2. Did you shoot the house with the18- 55mm lens?
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Hi, Maria! Yes, I used the 18-55 mm on the Fuji body. It’s well-worth a visit to the house and learning the history of the Wrigley family. They even have a telephone room papered with chewing gum wrappers! Funny.
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These are good
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Thanks so much, Rajiv! It’s great to hear from you.
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This is fascinating, and makes me feel hopeful. I also love Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. A happy early Valentine’s Day to you too! ❤️
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Thanks so much, Bron! So glad you enjoyed this one! Hope all’s well with you too!
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