35 Facts About Pickfair

Source: Lovemoney.com

Pickfair was more than just a mansion; it was a symbol of Hollywood's golden age. Built in 1919, this iconic estate was the home of silent film stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. Nestled in Beverly Hills, Pickfair became a hub for the elite, hosting legendary parties attended by the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Albert Einstein, and Amelia Earhart. The estate featured 25 rooms, a grand ballroom, and even a private screening room. Over the years, it changed hands, with new owners adding their own touches while preserving its historic charm. Pickfair remains a fascinating piece of Hollywood history, reflecting the glamour and allure of a bygone era.

Key Takeaways:

Pickfair, a historic estate in Beverly Hills, was once home to Hollywood royalty and a hub for lavish parties during the Golden Age of cinema. Its legacy endures as a symbol of old Hollywood glamour.
The mansion, built by silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, featured architectural marvels and interesting tidbits, making it a standout property in Beverly Hills. Despite its transformation, Pickfair's influence extends beyond its physical presence.

Table of Contents

The Origins of Pickfair

Pickfair, a legendary estate in Beverly Hills, California, has a rich history. It was once the home of Hollywood royalty and a symbol of the Golden Age of cinema.

Pickfair was built in 1919 by silent film star Douglas Fairbanks and his wife, Mary Pickford. They were among the first celebrities to settle in Beverly Hills.
The name "Pickfair" is a combination of Mary Pickford's and Douglas Fairbanks' last names.
Originally, the estate was a hunting lodge. Fairbanks and Pickford transformed it into a 22-room mansion.
The estate covered 18 acres, featuring lush gardens, a swimming pool, and tennis courts.
Pickfair was designed by architect Wallace Neff, known for his work on many other celebrity homes.

Hollywood's Golden Age and Pickfair

During Hollywood's Golden Age, Pickfair became a hub for the elite. It hosted numerous parties and gatherings, making it a central part of the film industry's social scene.

Pickfair was often referred to as "Hollywood's first mansion."
The estate was known for its lavish parties, attended by the biggest stars of the time, including Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, and Rudolph Valentino.
Pickfair's guest list also included political figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Albert Einstein.
The mansion had a secret passageway that allowed guests to move discreetly between rooms.
Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks were known for their hospitality, often hosting charity events at Pickfair.

Architectural Marvels and Features

Pickfair was not just a home; it was an architectural marvel. Its design and features were ahead of its time, making it a standout property in Beverly Hills.

The mansion featured a grand staircase, which became one of its most iconic elements.
Pickfair had a private screening room, one of the first in Hollywood homes.
The estate included a library with over 2,000 books, reflecting Pickford's love for literature.
Pickfair's dining room could seat up to 40 guests, perfect for the grand parties held there.
The mansion's swimming pool was one of the first in Beverly Hills, setting a trend for luxury homes.

The Decline and Transformation

After the deaths of Fairbanks and Pickford, Pickfair underwent several changes. Its decline and transformation reflect the changing times and tastes in Hollywood.

Douglas Fairbanks passed away in 1939, and Mary Pickford lived in Pickfair until her death in 1979.
After Pickford's death, the estate was sold to Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss.
Buss sold Pickfair to actress Pia Zadora and her husband Meshulam Riklis in 1988.
Zadora and Riklis controversially demolished most of the original mansion, citing termite damage.
The new mansion built on the site retained only a few elements of the original Pickfair.

Pickfair's Legacy

Despite the changes, Pickfair's legacy endures. It remains a symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age and the glamour associated with that era.

Pickfair is often mentioned in books and documentaries about Hollywood history.
The estate's name has become synonymous with old Hollywood glamour.
Pickfair's story reflects the rise and fall of Hollywood's first power couple, Pickford and Fairbanks.
The estate's transformation has sparked debates about preserving Hollywood's architectural heritage.
Pickfair's legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and historians alike.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond its historical significance, Pickfair has many interesting tidbits that add to its allure.

Mary Pickford was known to keep a pet monkey at Pickfair.
The estate had a room dedicated to Pickford's doll collection.
Pickfair's gardens were designed to resemble an English countryside.
The mansion's kitchen was equipped with state-of-the-art appliances for its time.
Pickfair had a wine cellar stocked with rare and expensive wines.

Pickfair in Popular Culture

Pickfair's influence extends beyond its physical presence. It has made appearances in various forms of popular culture.

Pickfair was featured in several films and TV shows, often as a symbol of Hollywood luxury.
The estate has been referenced in songs and literature, highlighting its cultural impact.
Pickfair's story has been the subject of numerous documentaries and biographies.
The mansion's iconic status has inspired other celebrity homes in Beverly Hills.
Pickfair remains a popular topic among Hollywood historians and enthusiasts.

Pickfair's Enduring Legacy

Pickfair remains a symbol of Hollywood's golden age. From its grand architecture to the star-studded parties, it captured the essence of early 20th-century glamour. Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, the power couple behind this iconic estate, left an indelible mark on film history. Their home wasn't just a mansion; it was a cultural hub where legends were born and stories were shared. Even after its demolition, the legacy of Pickfair lives on through countless anecdotes and photographs. It reminds us of a time when Hollywood was still finding its feet, and stars were larger than life. Pickfair's story is a testament to the magic of old Hollywood, a place where dreams were made and legends lived. Whether you're a history buff or a film enthusiast, Pickfair's legacy offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat exactly was Pickfair?

Pickfair, nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, was more than just a mansion; it was a symbol of Hollywood's golden era. Originally owned by silent film stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, this lavish estate became a hub for social gatherings among the elite of the entertainment industry.

QWho were the famous guests at Pickfair?

Over the years, Pickfair's guest list read like a who's who of early 20th-century luminaries. From royalty like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to iconic figures such as Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein, many distinguished guests graced its halls.

QHas Pickfair been preserved?

Unfortunately, Pickfair has not been preserved in its original state. In the late 1980s, actress Pia Zadora and her then-husband Meshulam Riklis demolished the original structure, citing termite damage. They rebuilt a new mansion on the site, sparking considerable controversy among preservationists and fans of Hollywood history.

QWhat made Pickfair so special in Hollywood history?

Beyond its architectural beauty, Pickfair was special for its role as a cultural and social epicenter in Hollywood. It wasn't just a home; it was a place where the film industry's early community came together, making it an integral part of Hollywood's social fabric.

QCan visitors tour Pickfair today?

Since Pickfair is a private residence and not the original building, public tours are not available. Those interested in its history can find photographs and stories in various archives and documentaries dedicated to Hollywood's golden age.

QHow did Pickfair get its name?

The name "Pickfair" is a blend of the last names of its original owners, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. It symbolizes not only their union but also the merging of their status as Hollywood royalty.

QWhat style was the original Pickfair mansion built in?

The original Pickfair mansion was designed in a grandiose, yet elegant, neoclassical style. Its architecture and design elements reflected the opulence and glamour of the era, making it a standout property in Beverly Hills.

QWere there any notable events hosted at Pickfair?

Absolutely! Pickfair was famous for its extravagant parties and gatherings, hosting events that brought together the most influential figures of the time. These events ranged from formal dinners to more casual gatherings, all of which contributed to Pickfair's legendary status in Hollywood lore.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.