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Saw this article, it has some nice pictures and comments by Harry. I think you should be able to read it, it allowed me to "gift unlocked article".
I hadn't realized the piano* was used in High Society. I wonder if any of the rooms might have been used as models for sets in the movie.
Maybe I should have put this under swaps and sales!
*[correcting this as Malcolm pointed out below it was only the piano, not the room]
Last edited by Jim Determan (01/3/2025 2:18 am)
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And just think back when I was going all over Brooklyn and New York with Kathryn, she invited me over to that house and wanted me to see Bing's memorabilia in basement. Oh, how I wish I could have gone. If I could turn back time.
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It was only the piano that was used in High Society. Not the room.
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Ah, thanks for the clarification, Malcolm.
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It is truly bittersweet. While my curiosity was satisfied and I found much interest in all the photographs of that amazing property, the passing of Kathryn Crosby in September marked the end of an era. The sale of the house only finalize that transition. The house would make a great museum, as I don't think I've ever seen a place so beautiful. It's heartwarming to see that Bing and Kathryn's taste in real estate and furnishings was so impeccable.
It's comforting to know that Hillsborough remained for so many years as Bing Crosby pretty much left it. The house was renovated and kept up to date, which is something Bing would surely appreciate. It was his residence from 1964 until the end of his life, and Kathryn continued to live there, cherishing their memories. Hillsborough has one of the best climatic conditions on the planet. It's provincial yet conveniently close to San Francisco, a beautiful city.
All of their children have led successful careers in their selected fields, with Harry in investment banking in NYC, Mary Frances in acting in Santa Monica Mountains, and Nathaniel in the golf industry leaving in Florida. They all live far away from the place they were raised, so after the passing of Kathryn in that house, it is only natural to sell it. The things that took place in that house are really historic for all, and the children must have very fond memories from growing up to that astonishing property.
The memories and legacy of the Crosby family will forever be etched in the walls of this beautiful home in Jacklin Drive, who will remain a lasting tribute of that remarkable era. I hope that the new owners will appreciate the history that these walls carry.
Last edited by Pantelis Kavouras (09/3/2025 11:52 am)
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I have spent all afternoon gazing and zooming in all the amazing photographs, there are so many trophies, memorabilia, wonderful paintings, pictures, antiques, furnitures etc. It is the most amazing house I have ever seen.
You can also check that link,is the Real Estate Agent site and it contains more photographs than the article.
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Oh boy! Wow! Do I wish I could have stayed there when Kathryn invited me. I was going back and forth to doctors at the time because I was suffering from Graves disease. Thanks Pantelis for those photos. I know what I will be thinking of tonight.
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Thanks, Pantelis, for the link to the Real Estate site. It really is a beautiful place, and does seem to have been kept much the way it was when Bing was there. It would make a beautiful, but expensive museum. Selling it truly is the end of an era, although understandable.
I found it interesting that they had the two Mosaic boxed sets of Bing's and Rosemary Clooney's CBS Radio Recordings on display. Of course they came from the masters Bing had kept.
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It is a shame we can't arrange for a tour. Although, as gorgeous as the house is, and as much as I would love to see all of it, I suspect I might gravitate toward the basement if there was a chance to see the archives.
Does anyone know where Bing's archives are going to be kept? I assume they have already been moved.
These included a lot of the original master tapes that have been used for the BCE Deluxe editions and Crosby and Clooney Mosaic sets, along with the film of game 7 of the 1960 World Series between the Pittsburg Pirates and NY Yankees which was discovered.