HomeOpen House: Lois and Lola’s Riverfront Retreat
06. Sep, 2010 
19 Comments
Once when they were in first grade, Lois and Lola disagreed about which dress to wear to school. The identical twin sisters had always dressed alike, but neither was in a very compromising mood that day, so they decided to do their own thing for a change. But the novelty of their newfound individuality wore off quickly. Lois and Lola realized it really didn’t matter which dress they wore as long as they wore the same dress, so they turned around and ran home to change. While they still dress alike, Lois and Lola very rarely disagree anymore, perhaps a natural consequence of wearing the same thing every day for the past eighty years. Or perhaps the perfectly matched pair get their fashion flair from their mother, Grace, who wore a dress, hose and high heels every day – even at the beach (see below). (It was also Grace’s idea to paint the metal lawn furniture hot pink). When Grace passed away several years ago, Lois moved in with Lola, which is great for all the obvious reasons: sharing expenses, dividing the chores and of course, coordinating their daily wardrobe.
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Lola (left) and Lois (right). (I think).
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When Lois and Lola aren’t at their home in Morris, they relax at their small riverfront retreat located in a more rural setting a few miles outside of town. Their grandparents built the two bedroom, one bath home on property given to them by family, but it wasn’t until 1940 that their grandmother had squirreled away money selling eggs and little crocks of butter for the materials to construct the house. While it’s been a part of Lois and Lola’s life since they were kids, they don’t take it for granted. “We’re so lucky,” says Lola. And they’re not just talking about the house. “If you can’t be happy with what you have, how can you be happy with more?” asks Lois. To show their gratitude, Lois and Lola throw an annual picnic for the senior citizens living at the nearby rest home, a tradition Grace started years ago. In the summer, they often entertain family and friends, so they installed a second kitchen in the walk-out basement with direct patio access and gorgeous river views. Although we aren’t actually related, Lois and Lola’s parents were very good friends with my grandma’s parents, so they’ve been at nearly every family reunion I can remember. (“How are we related?” my brother asked when I mentioned that I’d photographed their place). In fact, they’ve generously hosted several of those reunions at their riverfront retreat. Needless to say, a good time was had by all. Thanks Lois and Lola!
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Click here for past Open House posts.
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Grace at the beach.
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Lola (left) and Lois (right).
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These are the sweetest pictures. Tate, you have a talent for making the simple so very beautiful. I must confess that I was very pleased to see that I and my children are not the only ones who feel the need to cover the dolls, stuffed animals and real animals before we leave the room. Thank you for such a sweet few moments in my day.
Lovely, sweet post, and great photos. Made me teary eyed, actually.
How beautiful! thank you for sharing ( I adore the rolling pin holder x)
I can confirm the fact that these two ladies are the most unselfish, warm and welcoming people you could ever know. It was a pleasure to revisit their river place through Tate’s photos.
I have been waiting for this post since I saw the images on your Flickr! Just the best.
That was very sweet. I couldn’t get over Raggedy Ann and Andy on the bed, dolls in doll cribs, and spareness and orderliness of the interior. However, I’m going to be 77 in October, and when I think that in 3 years I’ll be 80, I have difficulty relating to them, as sweet as they are. Is that how most 80-year-old people live? Am I an oddball because I live more currently?
the gals are great, the space in great, and the pics are some of your best ever…
Cool! The lord bless them.
As the daughter of an indentical twin, Lola, and niece of her sister, Lois, this made me very happy. Auntie Lois passed away at 84. Surprisingly, Mama Lola is still with us at 91. Thanks for brightening my day. I love it.
I MUST ADMIT THIS IS ONLY THE SECOND TIME I HAVE VISITED YOUR SITE (THANKS TO YOUR MOM FOR SENDING ME THE LINK) AND I LOVE IT!!! AND TO SEE PHOTOS OF THE VERY PLACE WE GATHER AS A FAMILY AS THE FOCUS OF ONE OF YOUR OPEN HOUSE ARTICLES IS SO SPECIAL. THANKS FOR HIGHLIGHTING THESE WONDERFUL LADIES THAT HAVE BEEN FRIENDS OF OUR FAMILY (AND ALL THEY MEET) FOR GENERATIONS. THEIR MOTHER (GRACE)WAS BEST FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS WITH GRANDMA(ESTHER)RICHARDS AND THEY HAVE GRACIOUSLY SHARED THEIR RIVER HOUSE WITH US ON MANY OCCASIIONS. MY 9-YR OLD SON HAS BECOME QUITE THE “RIVER HOUSE” REGULAR OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, SPENDING HIS TIME THERE FISHING, SWINGING ON THE TIRE SWING, PLAYING IN THE SAND AND COOKING HOT DOGS OVER THE FIRE ON THE BEACH, NOT TO MENTION THE GREAT SLEDDING ON THE HILL IN THE WINTER TIME. THESE LADIES HAVE BLESSED US WITH PRICELESS FAMILY MEMORIES. THANKS TO THEM FOR LETTING YOU SHARE IT WITH COUNTLESS OTHERS VIA THE WEB….GREAT JOB…I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MORE OF YOUR WORK IN THE NEAR FUTURE…
I agree with Keith, I love these photographs! They are voyeuristic yet sympathetic, evocative and playful. They remind me of Martin Parr.
Great story Tate – thanks!
These lucky ladies–such a lovely home! I am a little obsessed with these photographs. Bravo. And, cheers to 80, matching wardrobes, and crocheted dolls!
Tate, you will be getting a visit from Carol the Editor in a separate post re: what Lois and Lola’s mother wore every day. Otherwise, a poignant article. The ladies look fab in blue, and they have kept their house in wonderful condition. One more question: do I want to know what they are examining with that telescope?
Lois and Lola are beyond great, that’s for sure. Thanks for all the comments about the story.
Carol, I appreciate the heads up about the typo. Fixed.
Thanks for opening your retreat home to all of us readers. You put a smile on my face. So nice to meet you both.
This is the post you were talking about!
Your blog is nothing short of phenomenal. So glad we had the opportunity to meet in person today, and I can’t wait to read more. In fact, I might spend the rest of my night doing just that!
Talk to you later this week.
Samantha, that’s so nice! Thanks for checking out the blog. It was great meeting you earlier this afternoon.
I love this it’s sweet simple and loving takes me back to when I could not leave my room before tucking in my dolls and stuffed animals…….we met briefly when you photographed Mikey and Brian’s place in Boystown…and I have been a fan of site ever since…it’s great eye candy. Keep bringing the awesomeness!!
Was at the family reunion and I learned from your mom about this site. Yes, you have captured the beauty of life’s simplest pleasure which is a trend I believe is becoming very popular again. After looking over your work a light bulb went off that Grandma Gin’s uniqueness lives on through your style and you great eye like her. My son is in college for graphic design and can’t wait to share this site to show him about the many possibilities that are out there.