Gone with the Wind Bucket List!

I first watched Gone with the Wind when I was 3 living in Utah. Its one of the earliest memories I have. My Mom was watching it on her small black and white TV and I was sucked in by all the glamorous costumes. I would request it and skip parts of it to the next costume and that's pretty much what I thought it was. A movie about poofy dresses. As I got older I watched more and more of the film. During my elementary school years I started asking my Mom to put it on when I was at home sick. I could doze off and wake up and it would still be on.

In 4th grade I picked up a copy of the book. This is when I became interested in learning a lot about Margaret Mitchell. I dabbled in writing little stories and plays (all very dramatic and depressing.) that I would give as gifts and act out with friends. I chose Margret for a biography book report. This was also around the time I was crazy about American Girl books and American history. I also had a hankering for film making and plays. So I started buying books centered around the making of my favorite films. I asked for printed screenplays, etc. Luckily Gone with the Wind had all of those bases covered. Today, I remain a fan of both the film, book and history.

Over time I would see a few sites dedicated to the film, but they are rare. Disney World had a couple of costumes I've seen over time. This past year the 75th anniversary hit and I made it a point to celebrate by making a bucket list. Here is what I tackled so far!

 

I've been to Atlanta many times in the past and could never convince anyone to go to these places with me. I stopped by with a cousin to the front section of the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum, but that was it. I learned that not everyone is too keen on the film and many find it dull. BUT during my last visit I made it a must do.

Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum

They have a couple notable items here. They have the original Bengaline Honeymoon gown. I enjoyed seeing some famous signatures. I have to say most of it is very much one giant collection of collectables. I have seen many programs and dolls over the years. Many of the items from the film I had seen elsewhere too. My girls enjoyed it a lot though! My little Scarlett loved the mannequins wearing replicas of costumes and she loved all the dolls and figurines. My oldest, Michelle liked to take her time reading everything and getting back stories on various items. They do hold some fun events there and always around my anniversary. We've discussed going to them in the past, maybe we'll make an effort sometime soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret Mitchell House

This was a dream come true! I loved seeing a space that was more dedicated to the book and author. It was neat being in a place I had talked about in my little book report years prior. My girl were very inspired by her story and loved looking around the apartment. Besides the actual building there aren't many things that have survived from her life there. I was surprised how pricy it is to visit as well. It really hurt our pocket to have the whole family come even with a coupon. I say that because I feel if you charge kids it would be nice to have something for them there. My girls liked to listen to the story but it was very long for them and they couldn't really touch anything. So I feel kids should be free OR have a fun little place for them to go and explore writing and little things tied to Margaret's life. There are some fun things from the film there as well. All in all I loved the experience of being there. After getting the girls in the car, Ben went back in saying he left something. He came out surprising me with a hard copy of the book that was stamped with the words "Bought from the Margaret Mitchell House." I mean wow! How cool is it to own a copy of one of these most famous books from the place it was dreamed up? Love. Its now one of my favorite items at home.

Harry Ransom Center

Now many think Georgia would be the #1 place to visit for the ultimate Gone with the Wind fan. This is partly true during any other year. But I actually live in the best city for the ultimate fan!

Austin Texas is the home to the largest Gone with the Wind film collection. For the course of 3 months they had everything displayed for the first time together in years! I have seen things from time to time in small doses over the years, so this was a big deal. The most famous costumes, amazing sketches and personal letters and story boards, set designs, etc! A couple replicas were out since the originals are in very delicate condition. But they are housed there so its pretty neat. In the past no photography had been aloud so this was my first time being able to get pictures of this stuff! And I took a ton! The burgundy ball gown has always been my favorite and I had seen it once before right after my Scarlett was born. I really enjoyed every moment. Nothing will ever top that experience!

 

 

 

 

There are still two more museums in Texas that I hope to see this year! Hopefully I can get some more sights checked off!