Community Mural Collaboration at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Nemacolin is made up of nearly 2,000 acres of pristine property with a collections of unique buildings filled with eclectic art, dining and activities, all situated on the lush rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands. Everywhere guests look, there is something beautiful and inspiring. But, there is one part of the property that left much of that to be desired: The Chateau Associate Corridor.

A nearly 7,000 sq foot hallway, tucked away behind the scenes, this corridor is located in the lower lever of the Chateau Lafayette and is used by almost every Nemacolin associate at least twice a day as they come and go to work. Void of windows to the outdoors, this enclosed corridor houses associate lockers and back of the house offices.

DAY #1

Since the Chateau was built in 1997, long-time associate and current Director of Human Resources, Stephanie Miller, has imagined a mural in that space. Earlier this year, Daynelle Sanner, HR Training Manager, acknowledged the unknown artistic talents of some of Nemacolin’s staff and spoke to Marketing associate, Brenda Girod, to see if a mural team could be established through her personal arts organization. Shortly after, the Chateau Mural Project was announced!

The Chateau Mural Project is a partnership between Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Brenda’s nonprofit arts organization, The Uniontown Arts Fellowship (UAF). Since June of this year, UAF has organized Fayette County artists and Nemacolin associates as mentors to community youth on public painting days. Also, community groups such as the East End United Community Center and the Uniontown Area High School Art Club have also participated in private painting days at Nemacolin. 

DAY #2

DAY #3

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DAY #6

DAY #7

After only 7 working days,  nearly 73 participants have spent a total of 300 hours and 45 minutes transforming every inch of the corridor.  At least once a month a team gathers in the corridor, using their talents and imaginations to bring the beautiful outdoors inside through a fun pop style. Using hard edges and solid colors, the mural is designed so that everyone can participate regardless of their skill level. “It’s like a giant coloring book,” shared Brenda, “UAF is about creating a fellowship through the arts that includes everyone and this mural certainly does that.” The design incorporates rolling hillsides, trees, oversized flowers and more. Each doorway, office, and elevator is clearly marked, as each has a whimsical cottage drawn around it making each part of the design. Directional signage is also added to help associates find their way through the long corridor.  Once completed, inspirational quotations will be added to the design. Daynelle added, “Our goal is to enhance the appearance of the associate walkway by incorporating inspirational designs for all associates to enjoy.”

The Chateau Mural Project is made possible by Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, who’s generous donation of supplies, lunches and transportation for community participants, allows UAF to offer this mural opportunity to the public at no charge. UAF is planning a ribbon cutting to celebrate the accomplishments of all those involved, once the mural is completed.

The Chateau Mural Project will continue this Fall. UAF will announce at least one public painting day per month on their Facebook page: “The Phoenix Arts Center.” All are welcome to participate. Groups are also welcome to schedule private group painting days. Anyone interested in participating should contact Brenda Girod at brenda.girod@nemacolin.com or call 724.329.6481.

The Butler Did It? Marple the Butler that is!

Around here, with so many guests coming to “expect the unexpected”, many have come down with a case of “who done it.” Well, when it comes to unexpected and unparalleled service, which has become quite expected from our guest, one team comes to mind: The Butlers.

For many of our guests, their butler has become part of their Nemacolin Family. But, one butler in particular stands alone. He is not a Chateau Butler or a Falling Rock Butler, rather, he is a Resort Butler. He stands by quietly and ready to serve each and every guest. Silver tray in hand, he is always there just as legend says he has always been. He is Marple.

When I started at Nemacolin over six years ago, I meet Marple for the first time. He is a classic old butler- a true steward of service. What I later realized is, that although I was getting to know him for the first time, he had been a part of my life since I was a little girl- since the first time my parents brought me to Nemacolin for a day trip. When I realized this, I was working under another curator, so I asked about Marple. His response: “Ah, yes. The Butler… So, you want to know about Marple. Mr. Marple Mayham that is. Well, have I got a story for you!”

And, here it goes...
Legend has it that Mr. Marple Mayham was the first Nemacolin employee. He was hired by the Rockwell family who first owned the property. The Rockwells were a wealthy family from Pittsburgh who vacationed here. In the beginning, the property was a private hunting reserve. But, as more friends and family retreated to the Laurel Highlands, the Rockwells thought it would be a good idea to open an Inn.

Marple was hired to serve the guests, which he did loyally for many years. A strict servant of Nemacolin’s guests and of himself, Marple set a very rigid schedule. Each morning before he would start his duties, he would rise early to bird watch. Alone, Marple would peruse the grounds, binoculars in hand. Then, at precisely 7 am each morning he would take his post in the main lobby entrance (now the Hardy Lobby). One morning Marple returned with a large log. Mrs. Rockwell questioned him about it and he politely replied, “It is just a new hobby. Never you mind.” And, she allowed him to go about his merry way. But, one morning Marple did not return at his scheduled time. Mrs. Rockwell became concerned and gathered the rest of the staff. They searched the property high and low, but could find no evidence of Marple bird watching that day. When they returned to the Inn they unexpectedly discovered something very expected: Marple, standing his post in at the main entry. But, as they approached they realized that what they were seeing was not really Marple, but a wood carved figure of him, his character captured down to the simplest detail as if his spirit were trapped inside! Mr Rockwell reached forward to receive his last of many deliveries from Marple: a small tented note reading only, “Promise Kept.” as Marple promised to be at work everyday to serve the Inn’s guests.

Today, Marple stands post out side the Cigar Bar in the main hallway of the Chateau Lafayette. Maybe you have never noticed him or maybe he is quietly posed in the background of some of your favorite Nemacolin snapshots. We’d LOVE to see them!

Now, you can believe the legend or not, it's up to you. Some prefer to think that Marple is merely an idea embodied by the creative and whimsical sculpture “Marple” by Jack Dowd. In fact, this “Marple” was purchased by Mr. Hardy for the resort along with several other works by the artist. Ironic, that this Marple is reportedly identical to the original wood piece that showed up upon Mr. Mayham’s mysterious appearance. Some will argue that Dowd heard the legend of Marple and then worked him into one of his characters, as the transfer of the resort property and Dowd’s creation of the sculpture both occurred in the late 1980’s. Others think that Marple was in cahoots with Dowd. Still others find it to be just a coincidence or an amusing little story.

So, next time you are here and something unexpectedly marvelous happens, you may wonder- “Who did that?” Chances are it was your Butler or any of the associates here at Nemacolin waiting to serve you. And if it wasn’t…. well, chances are that it was Marple!

If you’re heading to Nemacolin any time soon, be sure to pack you camera because The Butler Did It video contest is back! Maybe you’ll capture Marple on film during your Nemacolin adventure?

Brenda Girod
Art Collection Specialist
Hardy Family Art Collection

Berlin Wall- A Gift of “Royal” Proportions!

Today marks an important day in British history: The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton! It’s sure to be a joyous celebration. So, why so blue? Oh, you were not invited? Well, make yourself feel better by making a far less expensive trip to Nemacolin where our staff will treat you like royalty.


Nemacolin Woodlands Resort abounds with all the pomp and circumstance that a Royal Family enjoys with our own whimsy - we have our own castles and butlers, carriages and chauffeurs, equestrian activities, world class chefs, valuable family antiques and art, and entertainment for the whole family.


As you arrive to our Chateau Lafayette you might not expect to be in the presence of royalty, but you just might be! Did you know that Nemacolin has been host to numerous celebrities, not only in the sports and entertainment arenas, but also to actual royalty? One such notable figure is Lord Peter Palumbo.


Lord Palumbo, a former friend of the Royal Family, is also a dear friend of our founder, Joseph A. Hardy III. In fact, Mr. Hardy is so proud of his friendship with Lord Palumbo that he proudly displays a photograph of him in a place of honor in our Chateau Hospitality Suite, home of the Hardy Family’s “Lord of the Manor” memorabilia. That image is an iconic photographic, which shows Lord Palumbo with the late Princess Diana.


We are not sure if Lord Palumbo will present a gift to the new future King and Queen of England; however, he once presented a gift to our Lord Hardy! That gift is a section of the Berlin Wall. Our piece of the Berlin Wall is one of two sections once owned by Lord Palumbo. Both sections were painted by graffiti artist, Idiano (formerly know as Jürgen Grosse), an ex-East-German artist whose work appears in museums, public and private art collections, gardens and art galleries worldwide. Indiano painted 223 wall segments in just 7 months, many of which portray his “Totems”. Our segment clearly shows his totems as artistic symbols of peace. The second section owned by Lord Palumbo can be viewed today at Kentuck Knob, his Frank Lloyd Wright property located just 15 minutes from Nemacolin. To see this and other treasures be sure to ask about our daily complimentary Art Tour.


So, don’t be blue if you’re not attending the Royal Wedding… just stop by Nemacolin Woodlands Resort where we will treat you like royalty- because you are our honored guests!


*Be sure to view our Hospitality Suite to view the Hardy Family’s “Lord of the Manor” memorabilia and the image of Lord Palumbo and Lady Diana, and our portraits of other royalty on the second floor of our Conference Center, such as this 1500’s portrait of Henry VIII.

*Our section of the Berlin Wall can be viewed along Hardy Blvd near the Animal Habitats.

*Other items in the Hardy Family Art Collection once owned by Lord Palumbo include our Pitcairn Mailwing at the Pride & Joy Airplane Hanger and our vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle at the Woodlands Auto Toy Store.




Brenda Girod
Art Collection Specialist
Hardy Family Art Collection

“Little Bird” Meets “Fat Bird”… An Unexpected and Rare Bird

“It’s a Bird”… “It’s a Plane”… “No, wait! It’s Fat Bird!”

Fat Bird? But, what’s Fat Bird?

Fat Bird is the name for the logo and mascot used by Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. A rare bird indeed, Fat Bird, does not actually represent any particular feathered friend; although, one could argue two origins of Fat Bird with good evidence: it is a whimsical interpretation of 1) the original Nemacolin Resort Logo, or 2) the famous sculpture “Little Bird” by Fernando Botero. No matter which argument you take, you would not be wrong.

Interestingly enough, the original logo for Nemacolin was a bird. That original logo, with a bird mid flight encompassed by circular text reading “Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa”, can still be found in the original Lodge section on the Lodge Circle’s entry doors. That bird representation, as recalled by many of our most seasoned guests, is reminiscent of Pennsylvania’s state bird: the roughed grouse. This was a fitting choice for the resort’s first logo as Nemacolin was originally a remote and private hunting lodge, and whereas the grouse is a crafty creature able to conceal itself in its surroundings for privacy and for protection from hunters. Just like the grouse, families and business professionals alike have flocked to Nemacolin’s private sanctuary to escape the rigors of everyday life. Not to mention that our Fat Bird too physically resembles the roughed grouse. The State of Pennsylvania’s Symbols Manual describes the birds as “distinguished by its plump body, feathered legs, and mottled reddish-brown color”- sound familiar?

On the other hand, we would not have our Fat Bird if not for our owner, Maggie Hardy Magerko, and her father, resort founder, Joseph A Hardy III; their appreciation for fine art; and their joint sense of humor. See, Mr Hardy has long been a patron of the arts. In fact, his Art Collection, which is displayed resort-wide, is an eclectic representation of his tastes. Both Maggie and Mr Hardy also enjoy a good laugh, which is evidenced in many of the pieces in the family’s collection. Perhaps most humorous in the Hardy Family Art Collection, however, are the works by Fernando Botero.

Botero, a Columbian artist, is well known in the art world for his “inflated” images of people, food, and animals. His work often pokes fun at masterpieces frequently studied in art history- likely inspired by his studies in Europe. A prominent theme in Botero’s work is the image of a bird. One such bird entitled, “Little Bird,” was created in bronze in 1988.

At some point after its creation, Maggie (likely with her father at the time) saw Botero’s “Little Bird.” The irony of such a large and heavy sculpture being referred to as ‘little’ no doubt struck the Hardy’s as humorous. Imagine, there sits a 3,000+ lb., overweight to say the least, bird… and it is being referred to as “little?” … well, there is nothing little about it. And, with no known meaning: there is sits, irony intended for whimsy sake, solely for the viewers’ enjoyment. As the story goes, Maggie loved it and wanted it to be used at the resort somehow.

With Maggie now in charge of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, the focus seemed to become an increasingly family friendly resort. Botero’s bird seemed to embody the whimsy of the new Nemacolin. A place that offers something for everyone, Nemacolin was becoming as rare a bird in the resort industry as Botero’s “little” bird was to the art world.

A bright businesswoman, Maggie knew that Botero’s work carried a copyright, which would make it nearly impossible to use “Little Bird’s” exact image for the resort’s new logo. But, living under the motto of her father, “nothing is impossible,” Maggie found a way. Therefore, as passed down from curator to curator, the story tells that Maggie took an image of “Little Bird” to wildlife artist, Barney Boller, and challenged him to create his interpretation of a “big, fat bird” thus resulting in our logo’s name: Fat Bird.

Boller created a Mother Bird and 100 smaller bronzes. Each of the bronzes were signed and numbered by the artists and were readily made available to our guests for purchase. Many guests have taken us up on the offer, from a lady in Kansas to President Bush, senior. As time when by, more and more Fat Birds hatched, in a number of mediums and sizes. Today you can buy fat birds in soap and chocolate; made of precious stones, valuable metals, and stuffing; and printed on just about everything from key chains to cookies!

So, on your next visit, tip your hat to Botero’s “Little Bird” as you turn into our main entrance, and smile as our Mother Fat Bird greats you at check-in in the Chateau Lafayette Lobby. And, next time you pass a new guest wondering, “What’s Fat Bird”, you can know with confidence and say, inspired by the words of our owner Maggie herself, “Fat Bird is Nemacolin’s mascot. He is fun and whimsical, just as are the expectations of Nemacolin’s guests.”


Brenda Girod
Art Collection Specialist
Hardy Family Art Collection