Shared Illusions

Josephine Baker, that’s who. What do you know about her? That she wore a skirt of bananas and little else, dancing on stage in France? That was the extent of my knowledge. Somehow I learned that she owned a chateau in the region. We went today to Les Milandes and learned just what a remarkable person she was.

Born poor in St. Louis, MO. Anxious to make a better life for herself, she sought work at a local theater. Started dancing with the Jones Family Band at 13 or 14 to entertain folks going to theater. Recognized as a talent by the theater manager who was putting together a black revue for Paris. Off she went. By then she’d already been married twice – once at 13 and again at 14 or 15. She was to marry twice more in her life.

She added singing to her repertoire. Her popularity was worldwide. Was dressed by Dior. Rented the chateau before buying it. Her career spanned 50 years.

She was active in the French Resistance. Smuggled out information written in invisible ink on her music sheets.

Active in the Civil Rights movement. She spoke in Washington just before MLK did when he gave his famous Dream speech.

Adopted a Rainbow Tribe – 12 children from various parts of the world, Korea, Finland, Venezuela, and Africa among them.

She developed ormaybe marketed a hair pomade, called Fix and a cream to darken skin, which was a hit with women in Paris.

Sadly, she lost control of her finances and the chateau.

Les Milandes had extensive photos and a wonderful collection of her outfits, including the banana skirt.

Unfortunately, no photos were allowed inside.

What a life!