sedona legend helen frye

The Frye- "Hillcrest Farm"

T.W.A.'s Corporate Executive Mansion
Howard Hughes' Secret Hide-A-Way!

a.k.a. The Cedars- Doubleday Mansion, Falls Church- Arlington, VA.

Sedona Legend Profile Series

"Lost in America"

the mystery of "the Cedars"

Jack and Helen Frye- Hillcrest Farm- the Cedars
March 18, 1945

The Doubleday Mansion @ 2301 N. Uhle Street- now- 2145 N. 24th Street- Arlington, VA. was a noted power-center for the Democratic Party in the 1940's. Some of the party's most influential men (to include Truman) frequented the mansion as guests of Jack Frye (one of the party's most powerful members.) Jack Frye was even asked to run for President of the United States at one time.
TWA image

Hillcrest Farm was Jack and Helen's Washington D.C. estate in the state of Virginia. A stately brick mansion still said to be seen from Washington D.C., Hillcrest is one of the older historic colonials resting above Arlington, on the banks of the Potomac River, adjoining Falls Church, VA. It was such an exciting and historical time period, that many remember this residence, even more so, than the Frye Ranch, in Sedona, Arizona. This in spite of the fact that Jack and Helen actually only lived at the Potomac Mansion for approximately 3 years. Helen Vanderbilt Frye personally found this home at the beginning of 1944, after many months of searching for the perfect location. Subsequently it was leased for TWA use. The objective was to set up a TWA "White House" to be utilized during the war years. This estate along with Jack's Washington D.C. office had one purpose only: to strategically secure all international routes for Transcontinental and Western Air! Jack needed a D.C. location that could be utilized to entertain the very highest levels of government, corporate, and world society.

The property needed accommodations for overnight and weekend guests, and as well a full-time staff. Two particular members of this staff were a professional chef, Evangeline, and her husband Aubrey, the property caretaker and limo chauffer. These two employees became intimate and treasured members of Jack and Helen's family. So much so, that their son, (also named Aubrey) became Jack and Helen's godson. Evangeline became one of Helen's most treasured lifelong friends, and also helped Helen furnish the empty rooms of the 200 year old estate. Helen enrolled herself and Evangeline in classes to learn about antiques and tapestries. Then they both spent months traveling all over the East Coast buying up just the right furnishings to represent TWA at the mansion.

The mansion was built in approximately 1740. The property had 73 acres of land, with riding trails and gardens. Two interesting aspects of the house was a "pink" powder room that Helen decorated, very unusual for the time. Because the mansion was the social hub of TWA it was also enhanced, it was said, with 6 bars; all fully stocked. According to writer Daisy Kahlifa, Jack Frye had 6 telephone trunk lines and 52 extensions installed at the mansion. Other enhancements was a large "Olympic-size" swimming pool built near the main house. Kahlifa says, the pool was imported piece by piece from California. Jack and Helen both enjoyed the pool as did many of the "Who's Who" of the time period. The estate functioned not only as a D.C. residence for Jack and Helen, but as well a strategic power center for TWA official business and socializing. Many deals were created here that benefited the world of aviation and the United States.

Memories of the Property

One lady I have become acquainted with is Ruth Richter. Her father Paul Richter, who was one of the founding fathers of TWA, also serving as executive vice-president of the world-wide airline. Ruth lived with her parents in Kansas City, MO. On one particular occasion, Paul and his wife were en route to Washington D.C., and little Ruthie was to join them there. Although Ruth often flew on TWA commercial flights, it just so happened that Jack was in Kansas City and was ready to fly to Washington in his private plane, the Lockheed Electra. So Ruthie boarded the Electra and Jack flew her up to Washington D.C. Since her parents arrived at a later time, Jack drove her out to the Frye mansion to stay the night with he and Helen. That evening she remembers sitting at a long dining room table, beautifully appointed with silver candelabras. They were served by a butler and a chef.

Yet surprisingly another little girl, Helen's niece, Sisty, remembers a similar experience in 1944. She sat at a long elegant table and was served by a dark skinned cook who kept serving her more and more food, finally unable to eat anymore she ran upstairs to a pink powder room and lost her dinner. She relates the swimming pool stands out in her mind, "because such luxury was unheard of in those days."

Doubleday Mansion Pool

As shown aside, Helen Frye's neice, Sheryl plays with a neighbor boy next to the swimming pool of the Frye Doubleday Mansion, at Arlington, VA. in about 1944-45. Notice- they are both drinking Coca Colas! In a letter to Frye architect, John Gaw Meem in Santa Fe, N.M., Helen describes the mansion's pool area- "we have a swimming pool here in Washington that has dressing rooms under a flagstone walk around the pool, and we have a dickens of a time to keep the rain from leaking through. I have even had it torn up and recemented underneath and still it leaks badly" (January 16, 1945)

Frequent Guest- Howard Hughes

In regard to the close association between Howard Hughes, Jack and Helen Frye, and TWA, Howard was a frequent visitor to the mansion. When in Washington he usually stayed in his own suite of rooms at the nearby Mayflower Hotel, but also had his own private rooms at the mansion. The Hillcrest Farm staff was instructed to never divulge Howard's presence to reporters, which were always trying to track his where-a-bouts. Evangeline became skilled at waiting on Howard, and she and Helen learned how to cook his steaks just right. Howard was safe at Jack and Helen's estate, one of the few places he could relax and socialize. In regard to this, a close friend of Helen's recently revealed Helen once told her that she often knew of Howard's location when no one else could find him, not even the TWA Board of Directors.

During this time Jack and Helen Frye were often guests at the White House, as they were associated with the Roosevelt family and Harry S. Truman. The latter, often was seen at Hillcrest Farm as he and Jack were close friends. One undocumented example of the comings and goings at the mansion was an unannounced guest who showed up at the front door. When the door was opened the guest turned out to be no other than Winston Churchill himself. He just happened by and had stopped in to chat with Jack!

To read about this exciting time period, please read the letters that Helen Frye wrote while she actually lived at Hillcrest Farm, describing her and Jack's amazing life there! Also please see the famous Fortune Magazine article on this page, paragraph: "From Cairo to Cathay," which mentions Hillcrest Farm and the activities executed there.

Frye Letters from the Mansion

Excerpts of the letters written from Hillcrest Farm, a.k.a. The Doubleday Mansion, written by Helen Frye- below.

"We are now established in our country house in Washington which, in my opinion, is a pretty poor substitute for the ranch but still very, very much better than hotel life. The house is about two hundred years old and has seventy acres of land with a lovely swimming pool. We are going to get a couple of riding horses and stock the place soon. Do you think you could ever consider an Eastern trip? Jack and I would both enjoy very much having you come and spend a month with us." Helen Frye- February 21, '44

Mrs. Jack Frye in Clarksburg West Virginia visiting her family. Shown with her two nieces, Sisty and Sheryl. Date 1943.

"We have a new pet, which is a little unusual and I want to tell you about it. About three weeks ago right after a bad thunderstorm Sonja, my big police dog, found a baby hawk on the lawn. He was all by himself, no momma, no papa, and he couldn't fly even downhill. I told Sonja not to hurt it and of course she didn't but she was very curious and had to sniff him all over. The hawk refused to back up an inch and sat back on his tail, put his feet up and opened his mouth and dared anyone to touch him. When I picked him up he stuck his talons in my fingers until it was very painful, but he soon got over that and has been very gentle since.

I kept him for a week. At first I put him in the waste paper basket at night, then inside an inverted lampshade, but finally had to settle for the top of the door to the bedroom as he was very unhappy except when he was on the highest spot in the room. One day I sat him in the window and the robins outside got very excited and the baby responded very excited too. I have known of other birds caring for young of another species when something would happen to their parents and I thought since the baby was so anxious to get to them that they were going to adopt him. I put him out on the roof but it was a mistake. The baby Thunderbird lost his balance and fell off the roof and only kept from hurting himself because a limb of a tree broke his fall. Then the robins started dive-bombing him and the little fellow caught on very quick; he ran for cover and was very glad to see me when I arrived.

The Thunderbird won't eat anything but raw meat and seldom ever takes a drink of water but goes for lemonade once in awhile. I carried him around on my shoulder everytime I went outside, thinking that sooner or later he would feel confident enought to fly away, and after a week of care he did fly away. We didn't think we would ever see him again, but he showed up the next day at the pool and has been there every day since. He comes down and lights on your head or arm and makes little bird noises and eats what you have for him-- which is either parts of Sonja's horse meat or the lung or liver of a chicken. My houseman is quite fond of him too and spends his leisure hours every day giving the bird a bath. Although the swimming pool is there and shallow water goes over the rim this Thunderbird likes his bath in a pie-pan and assisted by his own personal valet. He really soaks himself good but never drinks it. All the liquid I've ever seen him drink is blood and lemonade.

We have had the League of Nations represented here this week and all of them, you understand, are in direct line of business and most of it post-war planning. Col. Shoop-- who was the first man out on the invasion on 'D' day, flying a P-38, and the first man back to report-was here for a dinner of hot dogs cooked over the barbecue at the pool late one evening. His tales are very exciting and interesting and I guess he is very lucky to be back here now, although he will return soon. He says those bombs-the robot ones-are really terrible. This fellow was test pilot for the Constellation and was on the trip coming across. We have had during the past week people from France, Holland, Arabia, China, South America, New Zealand, Egypt, Canada, Scotland, Africa.

There's no use explaining to you why my husband hasn't any time to go visiting. I am more thankful every day for the swimming pool; otherwise he would be doing like he did the last three years--working in the hotel and office all the time. Now he often takes his people to the pool and they can keep cool, bodily as well as mentally, while they work on their plans. Last night at midnight you would have probably gotten a kick out of seeing him and another man, like two porpoises in the pool, just leisurely moving about under a big moon. It looked like pleasure but when you got close enough to hear them they were working on very serious business." Helen Frye- July 10, 1944

Later when the mansion was no longer needed by TWA, Helen purchased most of the furnishings after the house was closed at an auction, and gave it to her best friend the Baroness Garnett Stackelberg. Helen and the Baroness had a wonderful exciting history together! Their friendship was initiated when Helen, as Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr. was living the glamorous and romantic life of the wealthy elite in Shanghai during the 1930's. The Baroness was also living in this privileged world at that time, as Mrs. Garnett Gardiner. This was a very romantic and exotic time period for Americans and Europeans living abroad. At one time, the region was known as "the Paris of the Far East!" Helen, it is thought returned to the United States in about 1938 or so. Garnett left after the Japanese occupation in about 1942-43. To read more about the exciting saga of these two amazing women, click here: Eternal Sisters: Helen Varner Vanderbilt, Baroness Garnett Stackelberg, and Evangeline Brown.

Information for the above section has been compiled in part, from interviews with Helen and Jack's personal chef and life long friend, Evangeline Brown. Also Helen and Jack's Godson, Aubrey. I cannot thank these wonderful people enough for sharing their rich memories, and their love and respect for Jack and Helen Frye! As well many thanks to the Stackelberg family. It must be noted that Evangeline, the Baroness, and Helen were all very close, much like sisters. Their eternal friendship was that sacred expression only true "girlfriends" can understand. The friendship was further cemented by the fact that Evangeline's husband worked for Jack and TWA as did the Baron Steno Stackelberg. As matter of fact the Baron did much to help TWA secure their oversea routes! The Baron and Aubrey were two of Jack's most intimate friends and confidants. When Jack resigned from TWA, they did too.

Home For The Holidays

A very glamorous Helen Frye, shown holding a cigarette, with deep red painted nails, at a Martini lunch with movie star, Faye Emerson, in Washington D.C.. Helen and Jack were spending Christmas at their 70-acre home- the Doubleday Mansion, at Arlington, VA., across the Potomac from the White House. (Not shown in the photo is Baroness Garnett Stackelberg). Please see this page.

Society Page Spread
December 20, 1944

Colonel's Lady-- In Washington with her husband's family, Mrs. Elliott Roosevelt, newest daughter-in-law of the President of the United States, and Mrs. Roosevelt, is shown lunching with Mrs. Jack Frye, wife of TWA executive. Colonel Roosevelt and his bride, film actress Faye Emerson, were married in Arizona on December 3.

Second Society Column By Carolyn Bell December 21, 1944

That lush, lush blonde, (you guessed it, Fay Emerson Roosevelt) had the Mayflower Lounge ga-ga yesterday while she lunched with Mrs. Jack Frye and Baroness Stackelberg. F. D.'s new daughter-in-law is even prettier than her pictures, boasting of an apple blossom complexion and heavy golden hair, caught in a fat chignon in the back. With her pale blue wool frock, she wore a taupe felt hat -- and, of course, a mink coat! The lounge usually takes celebrities very much in its stride, but Col. Elliott Roosevelt's bride had them all craning their necks for a better peek. A succession of people stopped by to meet her-- including Senator "Happy" Chandler, who gave her a hearty handshake! (For more information on Helen's friend, Baroness Stackelberg, please see this page.) For information on the famous Roosevelt wedding, with Jack and Helen Frye, see here.

Chapter 2

2005- after a two-year search for the Frye "Falls Church" estate
at last an exciting breakthrough! The physical address has been
uncovered from 1940's TWA documents which led me to the front door! The mansion is well known in Arlington, but a twist- the original address has been replaced by a new street and number!

This Jack and Helen Frye Mystery has proved one of the most difficult to nail down. After two years of searching I have finally located the actual Virginia mansion that was once the executive residence of TWA in the 1940's. Two years of relentless sleuthing and tracking dead-end leads finally led me from a small town in Arizona, called Sedona, to a cloak and dagger location of mystery and high profile events, near Washington D.C. The address: 2301 North Uhle Street, Arlington VA., once well known to some of the highest level dignitaries in the world, was virtually lost to time, and was as hard to uncover as an Indiana Jones' tomb. How quickly we forget, in a society of intense progression and change, a past time period in Washington D.C., not so long ago, where a generation of leading citizens forged the future of this great nation at this regal mansion.... At risk of repeating myself on this page, I will relate what I know about this mansion, its past and current state.

During the war, one of Jack Frye's biggest dreams for TWA was to launch the airline into world-wide service. This vision did not come without a high price: the eventual sacrifice of his position with TWA. But the end result, in retrospect was glorious and rewarding. It was because of this man's vision, that TWA did indeed become the very first Trans-World-Airline. How did all this culminate? With the modern and advanced TWA Constellation airliner. A project often credited solely to Howard Hughes, who at the time was one of TWA's largest stockholders. This in fact is simply not true. The Constellation was initiated between TWA and Lockheed, before Howard Hughes ever came online with the company. Reprinted below are the actual words Jack Frye wrote to Look Magazine, after the expose' they did on Howard Hughes in 1954.

This amazing piece of historical documentation can be allowed to stand on its own. The article on Hughes ran in three consecutive issues, starting February 9th, 1954. In the story which supposedly was derived from in-person interviews with Howard, the conception of the Constellation and Stratoliner transports are remembered a little "foggily" by Howard Hughes. One must remember that after Howard's famous experimental XF-11 airplane accident in Beverly Hills, July 7th, 1946, he became addicted to powerful pain medications for the rest of his life. Jack always said Howard was never the same from then on, surely this would impair anyone's judgment and manner.

After the article ran in Look magazine, Jack Frye felt compelled to make the following statement:

Discrepancies Reported

As a reader of Look, I have noted with personal interest the references made to me and TWA in your current series of articles, (Look, February 23) on "Oil, Airplanes, Movies and Women -- The Howard Hughes Story."

A number of my friends in the aviation field have called my attention to, and I have recognized as much myself, several gross errors appearing in the article of the February 23 issue which refers to Mr. Hughes' introduction to TWA and that part concerning me. As much for the present and future welfare and reputation of TWA as for myself and your readers, I think these errors should be corrected.

I specifically refer to that section of the article which says, "Frye desperately came to Hughes for help." This is not true, Mr. Hughes called on me, and he proposed financing acquisition of a airplane manufacturing or transportation company. The article further stated that "what he (Frye) needed, he (Mr. Hughes) said was $15,000,000 in cash." No mention was ever made of that sum of money. The sum we discussed as being necessary to acquire working control of TWA was about $500,000.

The references concerning the part Mr. Hughes performed in connection with the Boeing Stratoliner and Constellation are grossly exaggerated..... TWA had already secured bids from one manufacturer on the airplane in question that ultimately evolved into the Constellation -- before Mr. Hughes ever showed interest in TWA or became its principle stockholder.

In conclusion, I would like to say that Mr. Hughes deserves credit for having the courage to financially support the purchase of the Stratoliner and Constellation after he purchased a stock interest in TWA."

Jack Frye New York, N.Y. Look Magazine April 6, 1954

So what does all this have to do with "The Cedars" in Arlington, Virginia? After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Jack as president of TWA, offered all the resources of his company for the war effort. With this one move, TWA became one the United States' most valuable allies, offering a consolidated effort to ferry troops and personnel all over the world for the duration of World War II. With this invaluable experience, Jack and TWA were able to develop new over-sea service. Service it was hoped would continue after the war. A monumental dream for a transcontinental airline that would not have been achieved without the pressurized Lockheed Constellation airliner.

Jack, with Helen at his side, the former Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., embarked on a whirlwind of socializing, politicking, and lobbying the very highest leaders of our country and the world, to insure TWA's future trans-world net of service. Of course as we all know, one of the prices paid was a very public stand-off with Juan Tripp, president of Pan American Airlines. But this was more of dual between Hughes vs. Tripp, than Frye. The saga was played out in the famous Brewster-Hughes Senate Hearings, summer of 1947. Mr. Tripp felt he, and he alone, owned the skies linking the United States with the rest of the world. Jack and Howard set out to prove this theory incorrect. United States air service would not be governed by the "Chosen Instrument," which would create a monopoly in air-service. Jack was dead-set against this crippling congressional bill, and rallied all his influential friends to oppose it.

By late summer of 1943, Helen Frye was delegated to find TWA the perfect residence which could be used to entertain the very highest level of the government and corporate world. The location needed to be near Washington D.C.- location of the new TWA corporate office. This hastily set-up TWA headquarters, at The Ring Building, (formerly a Y.M.C.A. location), was to become a crucial nerve center for TWA. For about 6 years. Monumental decisions were made here that insured the future success of this great company.

The Mansion

Helen started canvassing the countryside around the Potomac River in Virginia, directly across from the White House in late 1943. What she eventually found was described in a letter, written by Helen herself in February 1944, shortly after the Frye's had settled into the TWA mansion. In part, I quote:

"We are now established in our country house in Washington, which in my opinion, is a pretty poor substitute for the ranch, but still very, very much better than hotel life. The house is about 200 years old, and has seventy acres of land with a lovely swimming pool. We are going to get a couple of riding horses and stock the place soon. Do you think you would ever consider an eastern trip? Jack and I would both enjoy very much having you come and spend a month with us."

Note: (The pool Helen referred to was installed by TWA after it was decided that the mansion would become the official executive residence for TWA.)

Was the estate purchased or leased by TWA? This has never been positively verified, but I am researching the matter. Some people infer it was leased, but the facts are confusing. First the swimming pool TWA financed likely would not have been approved for a house that was leased. Also it has recently come to my attention that around the time Jack resigned from TWA in February of 1947, TWA decided to sell the "executive residence." This indicates to me that TWA possibly by that time owned the property outright. From the TWA Executive Committee meeting minutes, I quote:

January 25, 1947
"SALE OF EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE, WASHINGTON D.C.

Mr. Bradley then stated that in his opinion, the financial condition of the company did not justify the maintenance of the executive residence in Washington, D.C. The matter was discussed in detail and the opinion was expressed by all members that this property should be disposed of when, and if, a reasonable deal could be worked out. It was agreed that the property should be appraised and other proper steps be taken, looking to the ultimate disposal of the property."

Please note:
Jack Frye, president of TWA, was in attendance as a member of this committee and totally agreed with the action.

TWA Board of Director Meeting:
February 25th, 1947

"HOCKLEY ESTATE-WASHINGTON D.C. -
The matter of disposing of the Hockley Estate, D.C. was discussed, but no decision was reached pending a report to be made by the real estate appraisers."

I have shown the above documents to a third party for a second opinion. Having been a former board member and executive vice president, this third party has had over 25 years experience in real estate title law. The "minutes" indicate to him the home was likely owned by TWA, not leased. This may explain why some people have heard rumors indicating Howard Hughes once owned the house.

One must consider, although the mansion is quite well known in Arlington, VA., it has been quite a mystery from the far away reaches of this tiny community of Sedona, Arizona.

What we do know, is for over 100 years it has been identified as the "Doubleday Mansion." Purchased in 1898, by Col. Charles and Sarah Doubleday the mansion was well over 100 years old at that time. Yes, it appears they were connected to the Doubleday dynasty, but it is not sure just how they fit in. Throughout the years many names and associations have been attached to the property, Helen and Jack called it "Hillcrest Farm."

The TWA Board of Directors called it the "Hockley Estate," and at times the "TWA Executive Residence." Another name that is known to apply to the property was "The Admiral Wilkinson School for Boys," which was, it is assumed its nature prior to TWA acquiring the property. Helen personally saw to the renovation of the mansion which TWA in turn, paid for. There was controversy within TWA as to the expenditures it doled out on the property. However, Jack and Helen Frye can be thanked at this point in time for the divine insight to establish the residence in the first place. The funds were entirely justified, as the property was the pivotal vehicle that enabled TWA through entertaining and lobbying in a strategic location, to secure the overseas routes that established its status as the very first trans-world airline and guaranteed the company's future success. The Fryes also paid for many expenses personally.

When Helen found the house it was empty, it is assumed it had not been used as a "home" recently. She had the burden of overseeing the renovation of the tattered mansion to its former grand expression. The residence had to be capable of welcoming the very highest members of society, and Helen made sure that it was well suited for this purpose! Her experience as a "Vanderbilt Wife" enabled her to pull off this coup for TWA in a way that no one else possibly could, and she was respected within TWA for this..

From personal friend- author Robert Serling, who wrote the famous book: "Howard Hughes' Airline," Bob refers to the property as the "Four Winds." This was the name Howard applied to the property when he stayed there. However, I have not found any other references to the mansion by this name. The house was said to have views of the Potomac in four directions. Keep in mind this property sits on a crest, and the mansion, it is said, has the highest and best views of vistas in all directions. Bravo to Helen Vanderbilt Frye, for it is she who was documented with finding the property in 1943. It bodes well of her history of establishing similar residences in Sedona, Arizona. By the way, Bob knew Jack Frye personally.

In view of the lack of information available on the historical history of the Doubleday Mansion, I feel it is crucial that the following article be reprinted in its entirety here. It was obviously well researched by the author, Eleanor Lee Templeman. The document was written for the book, "Arlington Heritage," in 1959. The story was generously sent to me by Judith Knudsen of the Arlington County Virginia Department of Libraries, The Virginia Room.

The Doubleday Mansion Mystery

Written in 1959 by Eleanor Lee Templeman (copyrighted)

One of the handsomest homes in the county is situated at 2301 North Uhle Street, on the promontory of the Potomac Palisades between Spout Run and the River. It commands a magnificent view. Its white columns can be seen from Key Bridge. For more than a year I delayed writing about it, hoping to fathom the mystery of its builders, Colonel Charles William Doubleday and his wife, Sarah Louise. They were obviously wealthy and cultured and are said to have entertained notables of Washington and cavalry officers of Fort Myer. Their Virginia neighbors did not know them personally and are unable to tell me who they were, from whence they came, why they left such beauty, where they went, and whether or not they had heirs.

Their name is uncommon, and I wonder if there is a relationship to General Abner Doubleday who was recognized as the "father" of our national game, baseball. The couple is unknown to the Doubleday family of the well-known publishing company. The little we do know about Colonel and Mrs. Charles W. Doubleday comes from the land records at the Court House. These same records turned up some interesting facts about the site of the home and its various names. This was part of the Thomas Going patent which, with the Owsley tract of the previous chapter, was later acquired by the Mason family of Gunston Hall and Analostan Island. John Mason's financial difficulties led to foreclosure in the 1830's by the Bank of the United States. It was sold in 1848 to William Jewell of Georgetown, as related in the previous chapter.

In 1877, the heirs of William Jewell deeded the land to The Ivanwold Syndicate for a sub-division. George Denning and Charles S. Bradley acquired Ivanwold and adjacent Woodmont. The Doubledays purchased approximately eighteen acres from them in the spring of 1898. The Doubleday mansion shows evidence of having been built at different periods; beneath the white paint, the bricks of the wings are of a different color and bond. The older central section may have been built by Charles Bradley, a bachelor of Georgetown whose relatives had a liking for attractive country estates. His grandfather, Assistant Postmaster General Abraham Bradley had charge of bringing the official records by boat from Philadelphia to the new Federal City in 1800. Abraham had a townhouse in Washington and a country estate, "Chevy-Chase," which is the site of the Chevy Chase Country Club. In August 1814 when the British burned the Capitol, several Cabinet-members took refuge there, bringing important records. Another relative, William A. Bradley, purchased Analostan Island in 1855. Included in the Doubleday tract is the site of Mason's Mill on the west bank of Spout Run, see page 50.

The Doubledays extended the existing house on both sides, creating a beautiful pillared mansion, which they named The Cedars. On March 16, they sold to Harry Wardman, builder of Wardman Park Hotel (now the Sheraton-Park.) Three years later it was purchased by the Richard Harlows. They named it Hockley, for Mr. Harlow's ancestral estate in Maryland. Mr. Harlow was the builder of the Montana Railroad (nicknamed The Jawbone), and the owner of a large ranch in Montana. Their daughter, Catherine, married Theodore Wilkinson, and came to live at Hockley after the death of Mrs. Harlow in 1923. During World War II, Vice Admiral Wilkinson commanded Halsey's Third Amphibious Force. Following Admiral Wilkinson's death at the end of the war, Mrs. Wilkinson moved to Washington. She later married Admiral Sir Henry Moore and now resides in England. Her daughter, Ann Wilkinson, inherited Hockley; she is now Mrs. Ralph W. Hunter of Hanover, New Hampshire. Within a short period

Hockley had a variety of lessors. The sister of General Billy Mitchell lived there; then a group of Roosevelt's Brain Trust held Bachelor Hall, with no feminine invaders except for their famous Sunday brunches. Then, in 1946, a lease of ten years with an option to buy was granted to Trans-World-Airlines through its president, the late Jack Frye. A token rent was to be supplemented by the lessee's investment of a specified amount in improvements. Mr. Frye remodeled the entire interior. Within two years, Howard Hughes, who owned the controlling interest in the corporation and the lessor dissolved the lease by mutual consent.

It was then (1948) that the estate was purchased by G. Grant Mason, Jr., one of the founders of Pan-American Airways, an original member of the Civil Aeronautics Board and currently vice-chairman of the Board of Vision, Inc. The Masons were looking for a hotel-sized home with ample acreage for their six children and numerous dogs. It is good to see a mansion become a family home, its proper destiny. It is now named Peakleigh, which combines parts of the names of the mothers of both Mr. and Mrs. Mason.

Please note: Until I find evidence to the contrary, and in view of Helen Frye's letters from the mansion,
I have to assume that Ms. Templeman was in error on the above date of 1946. It appears the date was actually early 1943, unless perhaps TWA rented the house for several years before signing a lease in 1946. However, it is most unlikely that TWA would have signed a 10 year lease in 1946, when by that time they knew the property had well served its purpose. The article does clear up a few issues with the improvements made by TWA on a supposed "leased" house. But it does not explain why the TWA Board of Directors were seeking an appraisal. Possibly they were trying to decide if the property should be purchased and re-sold, or rather, to just dissolve the current lease.

Another note of interest is that Ms. Templeman indicates that Howard Hughes personally dissolved the lease. This was not possible as Howard did not have the power to intervene with TWA business in this manner and he never held any official position with the company. However, he did have controlling interest, through vote, on the board. The real conclusion to this entire mystery will only come from traveling to Virginia and going through court documents. By the time I finish The Jack and Helen Frye Story, I will have all the facts. The above photo of The Cedars mansion, and the photo below, is courtesy of Eleanor Lee Reading Templeman and Nan Netherton. It is from the book, authored by these two ladies entitled: Northern Virginia Heritage 1966.

Spout Run Parkway, view toward Washington D.C. from the vicinity of
the Cedars compound.

In researching the Doubleday Mansion, I found published many times that it was once owned by the famous George Mason IV of Gunston Hall, Virginia. Mr. Mason was one of the original framers of the sacred and famous, Bill of Rights. I decided to research this connection in depth. As I suspected, the statement is not entirely true, however there is a connection. I contacted the history curators of Gunston Hall. At first I was told they had never heard of this connection, however they were willing to look into it. Eventually they got back to me with the following statement. I suspect this is the "rest of the story," for now, anyway. I will quote the letter as is, for I could never convey it so eloquently myself.

Randy-

The Doubleday property was a part of an original patent grant of 640 acres to Thomas Owsley (also spelled Ousley) in 1696. George Mason (1690-1735), the father of George Mason of Gunston Hall, purchased the land in 1717 (I found a reference but have not found the deed in our records.) We do know that George Mason of Gunston Hall resurveyed and re-patented the land in 1767, clearing up the boundary questions. At his death in 1792 he willed all his land in that area -- around 2000 acres -- to his son John Mason who built a house near there on Analostan Island (now Theodore Roosevelt Island) and also had a house near Georgetown, just across the river. It is unlikely that he had a house on the property you are interested in. In 1833, John Mason lost all his property in that area when it was taken by the Bank of the U.S. as collateral for non-payment of his debts. There is supposedly a survey of Mason's property done for the Bank of the U.S. in 1836 by Lewis Carberry. I do not have a copy of that map but it would show if there were any structures on the land.

Kevin Shupe
Library, Internet & Technology Manager
Gunston Hall Plantation
10709 Gunston Road; Mason Neck, VA 22079
www.gunstonhall.org

Further history of the Doubleday Mansion will continue to be researched,
information will be added as it is uncovered.

Tales from the Frye- Hillcrest Mansion

Several articles recently published about The Cedars to include the Los Angeles Times have stated the mansion was once owned and lived in by the billionaire Howard Hughes, this rumor is unfounded however. It is documented that Howard did visit there often in the 1940's as seen in the article at the top of this page. Also it must be noted that Howard disliked being in Washington and stayed there infrequently. When he did stay in D.C., he had a suite at the Mayflower Hotel. He also stayed with Jack and Helen Frye at the Hillcrest Farm Mansion. It is thought that he even stayed there occasionally when Jack and Helen were at their other personally owned residences. Jack and Helen also spent a considerable amount of time in New York City, due to Jack's TWA business commitments.

Interesting recollections about Hughes by the late Evangeline Brown are clearly recalled. A meeting was scheduled at the house with a group of very important business men. Hughes was to attend but no one could find him. Jack got together a secret recovery team and started a search. It seems Howard had been in another plane accident. Once located, somewhere in the desert, he was whisked back to DCA where he was immediately transported to Hillcrest Farm. There he was quietly brought into the kitchen of the mansion. Evangeline herself cleaned him up; Howard standing at the kitchen sink in his boxer shorts, blood and grease from head to toe. After he was presentable and dressed in an appropriate attire, he entered the meeting, which by now was in progress. Hidden from the men that Howard had been in another accident they were none the wiser. The nature of the meeting would have been compromised by Howard's behavior. Jack and Helen, along with many others were always covering for Hughes.

It was well known in Jack's inner circle that Helen usually knew the where-a-bouts of Howard when no one else did. One oft told story unfolds that the TWA Board of Directors needed financing for new planes. Again Howard's input was needed, but no one could locate him. A call was put through to Helen Frye who said "yes, she knew where Howard was." She made the TWA Board of Directors promise they would not have her followed, only then would she retrieve Howard. Once assured, Helen Frye flew to Florida. There she went to a certain park, and under a certain park bench she found a man sleeping under newspapers. Helen said to the man, "Howard the board has to make a decision and you have to come with me." Howard returned to New York with Helen. Quite an astounding tale to be sure, but not so when one reviews the life of Howard Hughes.

Helen had a wonderful canine companion that she rescued when she was married to Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr. This German Shepherd was named Sonja, and is mentioned on this page in personal letters from Hillcrest Farm, by Helen Frye. At Hillcrest, the dog was never allowed upstairs. This dictated by Jack, who felt the dog's place was downstairs, not in the private quarters of the mansion. However- this dog proved to have quite an intuitive sense. Late one evening in the wee hours of the morning the phone rang. Jack answered it, only to learn that a TWA airliner had crashed, with fatalities. Somberly he replaced the phone and sat on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. Helen, awake by now was trying to comfort him. At that moment Helen heard Sonja come up the stairs and into the master suite where she walked straight over to Jack and gently laid her head in his lap. Jack was overwhelmed by the dog's sensitivity and compassion for his anguish. A side of Jack Frye rarely seen, a man crying for the loss of passengers he could not save. The safety of every person at TWA rested solely on Jack's shoulders, a burden not always easily carried by this giant of a man. From that point on, Sonja was allowed upstairs whenever she desired, and Jack would take her on flights whenever possible. She would sit in the cockpit between Jack and Helen in their private Lockheeds, and proudly sit beside Jack when he would pilot TWA airliners. Thanks to Rosie Armijo and Evangeline Brown for this story.

Helen Frye and Sonja- Portrait

A posed Helen Frye with makeup, laying on a red rock adjoining Oak Creek @ the Frye Ranch in Sedona. Next to her is Sonja, the rescued police dog, and a tossed aside swimming cap. This photo was likely taken by Jack because of it's exceptional quality. Jack was a professional photographer.
The year was about 1943.

Jack Frye Saves Passengers From Peril

One last event that must be told, is remembered vividly by Evangeline. This personal chef of the Frye's often flew to and from their various homes to cook for parties and dinners. This particular time she was flying out west with Jack and Sonja, on a TWA airliner. Helen was meeting them in California. Somewhere over the Midwest the plane encountered a blinding blizzard. The weather was so bad that the plane was being tossed around like a ping pong ball in an angry ocean. Jack sent the Flight Hostess up to the cockpit to tell the pilots to land the plane, A.S.A.P. The Hostess came back and told Jack she couldn't get in the cockpit, and received no answer knocking on the door. Jack, then stood up, and made his way to the cockpit. He also couldn't get the pilots to open the door, alarmed, he quickly broke the door open. To his amazement what he found was total pandemonium. The two pilots were in a state of panic and no longer had control of the plane.

With conditions of zero visibility, powerful gales and icing, the ship was in peril. Jack Frye quickly relieved the overwrought captain and assumed control of the doomed airliner. Soon he wrestled the airliner back under control, while quickly descending to a small Midwestern airstrip. On approach, he was unable to see the runway from the windshield, so he broke out a side window. From this position, his head out in the driving sleet and snow, he landed the plane safely. After the weather improved, a new plane and crew was dispatched to retrieve the stranded passengers and Frye. The fate of the inexperienced pilots is not known, but surely locking the president of the airline out of the cockpit isn't advised! "Jack Frye saved those passengers that day, and if he hadn't taken control of the plane we would have all perished for sure," related Evangeline! Certainly not the first story of Jack Frye's heroism and expertise as a pilot, Jack Frye never once lost a plane or passenger. One wonders if the airliner was a Stratoliner, duly noted for its poor flight deck visibility.

A Flight Full Of Celebrities-LA to Newark

Jack Frye often flew scheduled TWA airliners this regardless of any position he held with the TWA or any other airline company he owned. One such instance was witnessed by Helen Abbott Lapham. The actual event was hard to pinpoint but finally I found it to be June 10, 1934. The airliner was a DC-2, TWA #304, NC13714, the fourth DC2 built. Mrs. Lapham was the wife of Roger Lapham who served as the 32nd mayor of San Francisco from 1944 to 1948. This TWA flight was a chartered V.I.P. ship full of celebrities Grand Central Terminal, Burbank CA. to Newark, N.J. Jack Frye and Howard Hughes occasionally flew these VIP flights as also witnessed later by Hughes intimate, Terry Moore.

Ms. Moore has been heard to state that she flew several times with Jack Frye as captain-pilot and his wife Helen Frye as a TWA Hostess who served drinks to celebrities passengers on flights from Hollywood to New York. These flights may have appeared to be �showboat� flights with Frye �grabbing a plane� and filling it full of celebrity friends and flying off to some Broadway Show and dinner in New York City but despite the ease and frolic of the passengers, they were always chartered flights and created revenue for TWA, the special attention to passengers and fun in flight was compliments of Jack and Helen Frye.

The following excerpt is from the book, �Roving With Roger,� written by Mrs. Lapham who chronicled her days as the wife of a very busy politician, Roger Lapham. The excerpt is reprinted in accordance with current copyright laws and allowances in regard to published works. For photos- Please click here!

Mrs. Lapham in her book recounted some of her most memorable and sometimes uneasy flights- �Another flight I recall only too vividly is the one we made from Los Angeles after we heard of Father Lapham�s (1934?) death. We had been able to get on a chartered flight with Jack Frye at the controls. The passengers were all movie stars flying on to New York for personal appearances, except us- Roger, Lewis and myself. We landed at Albuquerque and passed through a line of eager beaver movie fans, and as I came along I heard one say, �Well- I don�t know who that one is, but she certainly isn�t Mae West!� Me? My eyes red from weeping, my hat over one eye, no makeup- couldn�t have agreed with her more.

Dorothy di Frasso was on board, armed with a quart of liquor and an outsized jewel case, both of which she passed around freely, one to be shared, and one for a look-see. We were invited up to the cockpit, and by the time I got up there, the weather showed signs of rapid deterioration. Jack Frye told me there were two thunderstorms ahead- I could see them both- but he was going to fly between them. A perfect idea, except that we met where we did! A vivid flash of lightning revealed, directly below us, the largest cemetery I have ever seen.

I thought this was simply a short cut to the end, returned to my seat and took St. Christopher out of my purse, intending to say one of my best prayers. But instead I found myself shaking my metal, and saying, �Look, St. Christopher, we�re in a jam. If you�re any good, now�s the time to do your stuff!� I could have killed Roger; he was sound asleep and woke when the rain turned to hail and beat against the windows, at which he decided he was in the First World War, sat up straight, and said, �Men- we�re being strafed!� Seeing me shivering in the next seat, he pulled an emergency flask out of his brief case and handed it to me. While it took both my trembling to get it to my mouth, it did a world of good.

Shortly afterwards the co-pilot came back and said, �well, that wasn�t too bad, was it Mrs. Lapham?� �No,� I answered. �I had St. Christopher on the job, and he brought us through.� �St. Christopher, hell!� he said. �We�ve got the best pilot there is up in the cockpit!'" This book is a great read, and I highly recommend it. To purchase a copy please go to Alibris.com, and search for �Roving With Roger.�

Wild Rides Through The Backroads Of Virginia and Washington D.C.

Lastly, a rather amusing tale was related to me by the Brown's son, Aubrey. Because his father was the chauffer for the mansion, he would drive the Fryes and their guests into town for entertainment, movies, parties, etc. However, this was all done with several automobiles because of the number of guests. He said, "the women would not ride with Jack." I asked, "why?" "Because," he said, "Jack Frye didn't so much drive- as fly low!" "What in the world do you mean," I said? He continued, "you know, he was used to flying planes. If the women rode with Jack they peed their pants from fear!" The solution? The men rode with Jack, and the women rode in comfort with the chauffer in the mansion's limousine!

Texas Chili in Washington D.C.? Oh My!

Jack and Helen Frye entertained constantly at Hillcrest Farm with formal state dinner parties accompanied by live music, to more relaxed intimate dinners by the pool for rushed and harried executives. One special casual dish served was Texas Chili. Jack Frye loved this southern favorite- "the hotter, the better!" Jack had Evangeline flown down to South Texas where she was taken across the border to a little Mexican town. Here Jack arranged for Evangeline to stay and learn how to prepare authentic Texas Chili. Jack felt that no one in the states knew how to make it properly.

Finally, after a week, Evangeline returned to Washington D.C. Much to Jack's delight she was now able to prepare his favorite Texas Chili for his many guests and friends. "You would take one bite of chili and follow with two sips of beer," said Evangeline. "Jack would have me prepare it for him to take in the cockpit, so he could eat it on flights, and for his friends to take home as well," said Evangeline, "I still know how to make it and if you come out to see me I will make it for you!" Unfortunately, Evangeline passed away this month and the delightful lady I came to know and love is gone forever to include her wonderful stories and cooking talents.

After the war, TWA was over-extended financially. This had everything to do with establishing their Trans-World-Service, and little to do with the TWA executive mansion. World-Wide service was a monumental and costly affair with overseas terminals, maintenance facilities and a new trans-world fleet. It took TWA many years to recover from this expansion, however, in the end it was well worth the toll it took on the company. This period of the airline's history before Jack Frye resigned is without a doubt what made the company the Mega-International-Airline of the 1950's, 60's and 70's.

Around the time Jack resigned from TWA, the famous Virginia mansion was closed up. All the furniture was auctioned off with Helen Frye purchasing a great deal of it. These furnishings she had delivered to her dear friend, the Baroness Stackelberg. Garnett needed the furniture for a new large residence she had recently moved in to in Washington D.C. Helen and Garnett had been friends long before Jack and Helen were married. The Fryes were indebted to the Stackelbergs, as it was the Baron with his European

connections which greatly excelled TWA's acquisition of their oversea service, namely the Orient. The last Viceroy of India, was the Baron's cousin. Please see this page. Much wining and dining was executed by Jack and Helen, night and day, in an effort to make Transcontinental and Western Air a world enterprise. Many times I have heard that Helen Frye played a major role in this expansion. Mysterious intimations, but what ever does it mean? A woman ahead of her time standing firmly beside the leader of TWA, (not behind him). Helen obviously used her power and influence to help Jack Frye build a dream. As I often find, intimations are typically formed from the wisps of past events.

Evangeline Brown? She remained close to Jack and Helen and continued to fly out to Sedona to visit with her son, who became the Frye's god-child. After the Virginia mansion was closed, Howard Hughes approached the Browns and asked (begged) them to come work for him, "at double the salary!" Howard always considered Evangeline, "his personal chef," and loved her cooking even though Evangeline said, "I actually worked for Jack and Helen Frye, not Howard." In the end, Aubrey and Evangeline decided they liked Washington too much to leave. And Howard? He was just too much of an enigma to work for.

Evangeline continued to cook for the Who's Who of Washington; the Johnsons, Kennedys, diplomats, and the Stackelbergs. Known as a professional chef, she and her staff would prepare the most lavish dinners, from basic southern fare to elaborate formal state dinners, but never again would she serve Texas Chili! Working for the Fryes and her association with Hughes remained the highlight of her life!

Memories of the White House
as told by Helen Frye

Helen Frye was invited to the White House on several occasions. Jack Frye knew F.D.R. well, and was also an intimate friend of President Harry S. Truman. Of interest were her comments that prove out this association- to paraphrase: �The first time I met F.D.R. I was shocked to see that he was in a wheelchair. I was not previously privy to the fact, that he had been afflicted by polio.� Many citizens were not aware that Franklin Delano Roosevelt had limited use of his legs. The handicap was kept from the nation at large and at the time, television was in its infancy. Jack Frye, and Helen, both attended a ceremony at the White House in 1947 at which Jack was given the Medal for Merit by President Truman. Again on October 1, 1947, Jack was at the White House Rose Garden with Truman, who presented another Medal for Merit to Col. Louis Johnson, United States Secretary of War, Commander of the American Legion and executive with G.A.F.

Helen Frye was also remembered to have said that one time when she was invited to a dinner at the White House, that the president fed his dog from the dinner table! She was touched the president had that kind of love for animals. This, Helen said, endeared him to her from that point on! Of course we know that Helen Frye was a avid animal lover and advocate, later even a founder of the Sedona Humane Society. It was not clear "which" president she was referring to with this comment, but with a little investigation the trail seems to lead straight to Franklin Delano Roosevelt who himself was a great lover of animals. The dog in question was likely Roosevelt's Scottie dog, "Fala." Truman was not known to have had pets in the White House but both men had ties with Jack Frye. Jack and Harry would get together as time allowed, flying off in Jack�s Lockheeds on hunting and fishing trips. As well, Jack and Helen entertained Truman at their mansion in Arlington Virginia. At the Frye mansion Truman could get together with his peers to relax and play poker in seclusion. Jack Frye was a pivotal and powerful man in the Democratic Party, if you wanted something done, you could count on Jack Frye to do it!

Martini Pitcher which served presidents

To the right is seen Helen Frye in 1970 at the Sedona home of her dearest friend, Pat Purchase. Behind Helen on the bar at the right, is a tall glass Martini Pitcher that Mrs. Frye gave to the Purchases because Pat loved Martinis. This Martini Pitcher once belonged to Jack Frye, and Helen said he had served a United States President out of it! The mystery is who? Franklin Delano Roosevelt drank Martinis, but Truman is said to have drank only Bourbon or Scotch. Both were entertained by the Fryes. However, only Truman is known to have been entertained at the Frye home in D.C. and Kansas City. Story by Pat Purchase's daughter, Sarah. Click on photo for larger file.

The Fryes throw a huge party!

Hughes Smiles Through Long Constellation Party (At D.C.'s Statler Hotel!)
By Hope Riding Miller April 21, 1944

Howard Hughes, that towering Texan, (towering in more ways than one), shook so many hands at the gala gathering in the Statler's presidential dining room Wednesday afternoon, that a less sturdy person than he, would still be groggy from the effects. However, the millionaire sportsman, pilot and motion picture producer took the ordeal in stride and smiled steadily through the party and seemed to enjoy himself. Most of the time he stood beside the host, Jack Frye, TWA's live-wire president, and his pretty wife Helen, who must have greeted at least 1500 guests before the fete was finished. Rippling around the crowded room was much talk about the "reason" for the party which was a celebration in honor of the Constellation, world's largest land based transport plane and its 6-hour record flight from coast-to-coast.

A Wedding For Friends- the Frye Mansion

July 26, 1944

Lieut. Col. Clarence A. Shoop, the first Army reconnaissance pilot to photograph the invasion of France, now awaiting overseas assignment, was married here Monday evening (July 24) to Julie Bishop, Warner Bros. star. The ceremony, which was arranged Monday afternoon, took place at the home of Jack Frye, president of Transcontinental and Western Airlines and also a close friend of Colonel Shoop, and Mrs. Frye, at Falls Church, Virginia.

The couple arrived Saturday night, with not enough time alloted by Miss Bishop's studio to wait the required time for obtaining a license in the District. Friends expedited the tests in Virginia however, and secured the license. Miss Bishop obtained permission from her studio to extend her stay one day. She left yesterday for Hollywood. Colonel Shoop was the Army test pilot for the mammoth Constellation airliner when Howard Hughes and Frye flew it here on its record breaking hop from the West Coast.

The Washington Post- March 2, 1944 (V.I.P. Donor- Wife of President of TWA)

Right before the famous Frye-Hughes Constellation flight, Helen, on one of her jaunts around the country gave blood at Washington National Airport in Washington D.C., now known as- DCA or International Airport at Dulles. (At least that's how I remember it when I had to memorize 100's of airport codes in airline school!)

"While Mrs. Helen V. Frye of Washington gives a pint of blood for the Red Cross plasma Bank, Second Officer Paul Ruppenthal of Transcontinental and Western Air, Inc., (right) formerly a lawyer, keeps his part of the offer to figure the return of any donor for free at Washington National Airport in Washington D.C. Captain Isador Gordon, Army Medical Officer, supervises the donation.

The Current State of:

2301 North Uhle Street,
now known as- 2145 North 24th Street- Arlington, Virginia

Photos courtesy of
Daisy R. Khalifa.
Please click for larger files.

The mansion today plays a role vaguely similar to that which it played regally during World War II with TWA. The emphasis is on "vaguely" however.

It appears the property was purchased by the current owners in 1978. Today it is no longer a private V.I.P. residence, but rather, more akin to a high level presidential retreat. The most elite members of our government and corporate world still meet within the stately walls, but in our current day the meetings appear to be of a more clandestine nature. In front of the marbled fireplaces and within the hushed shadows of the 20-some rooms, the mansion is a cloak and dagger affair, apparently one which shares no secrets. A compound, by no other accurate description, seen by some as a mini-Camp David of sorts for the current religious, corporate, and government leaders of our world. This all enhanced at times with machine gun toting sentry guards and it is said, endless numbers of bullet proof limousines stealthily negotiating the long winding drive of the estate....

The Doubleday Mansion has appeared quite recently in an article called "Unearthing The Cedars." Well researched by writer, Daisy Khalifa, the piece focuses on the building's amazing history and famous occupants, to include Jack and Helen Frye.

"For a moment in time this stately mansion played a role that boggles the mind. It entertained dignitaries like the White House as music spilled out over the pool and gardens down to the Potomac River. Partnerships were clinched, countries came together and history was forged.

A colonial mansion resided in by two remarkable people, a couple so charismatic that 60 years later they are remembered as legends! With a seemingly endless circle of friends they empowered the world. An estate permeated with happiness, joy, and a red carpet that welcomed all to
the 'Camelot Years of Transcontinental and Western Air'
--the glorious Future of Aviation!"

a Jack Frye
Transcontinental and Western Air
Historic Webpage

The Sedona Legend Website is a compilation of copyrighted original work and historic materials presented for educational and entertainment purposes. The historic publicity materials displayed, do not generate income or profit. These historic materials are not considered my copyrighted original materials. These materials are displayed in regard to the United States �Fair Use Act.� I am happy to consider the removal of any material on this website which may hold a copyright.
Please notify me by E-Mail with any claim.

Sedona Legend Web Page Music

The music on this Website is well represented with a musical piece by Baroque composer, Johann Christoph Pachelbel. Titled Pachelbel's Canon in D Major, it is probably one of the most beautiful pieces ever written. Jack and Helen Frye were both staunch patrons of the fine arts and as such I feel they would be pleased by this accompaniment. This particular MIDI was sequenced by the most remarkable young lady, only 13 at the time, a brilliant musician who undoubtedly will go far in her field. Her name is Allysa Hughes. She personally sequenced this MIDI and gave permission for it to grace this Web Site. To my knowledge, the piece is not copyrighted, as it is over 300 years old.

Thank you for visiting
Sedona Legend Helen Frye

"The Jack and Helen Frye Story!"