Name/Title
Ted Kimball interviewEntry/Object ID
2024.41.283Scope and Content
[synopsis needed] - [if you found this video informative, consider sending your summary of its content to the SDHC Archives at archives@mysdhistory.org.]Context
Port o' Call owner Ted Kimball recalling the antique scene, local businesses, Cora Bliss Taylor, sign by Fred Taylor (danced w/ Gloria Swanson), Bessie Blanie, history of local Masons lodges, Lynn McCray, Ellen Pendorff, Rose & Roy at Corner Grill, Aqua Pizza, Emily at Hollyhock House, Lottie Brown clerk, and more.Collection
Commercial businesses, Clubs and social organizationsCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2024.41Acquisition Method
Found in CollectionCredit Line
To view this recording, scroll down to the bottom of this entry and click the blue web link.
This video was created by Saugatuck-Douglas History Center volunteers or was donated to the Center in a good faith effort to preserve local history. If you feel this content should not be available to the public — or have additional information that will add context to this interview — please contact the SDHC Archives at archives@mysdhistory.org.Oral History Details
Interviewee
Kimball, TedInterview Date
Sep 1, 2002Length of Interview
80Dimensions
Dimension Description
DVD versionWidth
5 inDepth
5 inLocation
Box
AWS/VidArch SSD/DVD originalsRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
125 Mason/Laughing Glass/Port O' Call/Davis' Chicken As U Like It, Taylor, Cora Bliss 1889-1986, Masonic Lodge #328 F. & A.M. SaugatuckGeneral Notes
Note
YouTube summary (generated by AI):
Nov 4, 2025 SAUGATUCK
Ted Kimball (b.1935) was interviewed by Judy Mauger on September 1, 2002.
Ted was given up for adoption, raised in Tarpon Springs (FL), and moved to East Chicago (IN), where his adoptive parents owned an art gallery. A trip to Saugatuck, Michigan, led to the purchase of a building and the decision to open an antique shop.
Ted recounts his experiences in Saugatuck, including running a shop called “Port of Call” and joining the Masonic Lodge. He shares the history of the Saugatuck Masonic Lodge, its unique characteristics, and fundraising efforts for a new building and the acquisition of artifacts like throne chairs and George Washington’s apron.
Ted talks about Corbus “Cody” Taylor, a woman who found solace in art and culture. Raised in an unusual family, she later formed a close friendship with Ted, who discovered a box of love letters between Cody and an artist named Cora Bliss Taylor. This discovery led Ted to write a book about Cody, exploring their friendship and the impact she had on his life.
Ted expresses sadness over the past year and gratitude for the second chance at life. He shares memories of Cody, Val, and Joan, highlighting their love and the impact they had. Ted also discusses a painting of a violin, a gift from Cody, and the mystery surrounding her brother and children.
Ted reminisces about Christina Herman, who was devoted to her husband, and Fred Sterns, a renowned painter. He also discusses a collection of slides, including those of antique cars and a jazz festival, as well as the importance of documenting information about artwork. He praises the quality of the history museum’s publications and suggests they include artist information with their sold pieces.
Ted reminisces about his time as a columnist, where he interviewed artists and wrote about various topics, including a story on Scrimshaw. He encourages listeners to visit Salt Lake City, emphasizing that it’s a state of mind and a place to enjoy life. Ted also mentions a significant painting depicting a murder in Douglas, Fennville.Create Date
April 3, 2025Update Date
November 7, 2025
