🛣️ Road Trip: Bogie & Bacall Slept Here

Nestled in the charming hills of Pleasant Valley Road in Lucas, Ohio, you'll find Malabar Farm - a lovely estate built in 1938 by Louis Bromfield. Born in Mansfield, Ohio in 1896, he was a farmer, conservationist and published 33 books of fiction and nonfiction including a Pulitzer Prize, 18 best-selling novels, and 14 major motion pictures. This picturesque farm holds a special place in Hollywood history, serving as a peaceful escape for celebrities seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of the big cities in the 1940s. 

One of the most memorable events to take place in the great entrance hall of the big house between the open staircases was the wedding of iconic actors Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall on this day in film history May 21, 1945.  I had the incredible opportunity to visit this historic farm and follow in the footsteps of the the classic stars who stayed here and the legendary couple's marriage ceremony.

Let's go back to the beginning - the farm's name was inspired by the Malabar coast of India, which played a significant role in Bromfield's novel, The Rains Came. Bromfield also wrote plays, short stories, and scripts for Hollywood movies while under contract with Samuel Goldwyn at MGM. His screenwriting credits include: Bringham Young, It All Came True, Johnny Come Lately, The Rains Came, and Mrs. Parkington.

 

In 1939, he embarked on a mission to restore the land through soil and water conservation efforts. The beautiful house blends Western Reserve architectural styles designed by Bromfield and Louis Lamoreux and has thirty-two rooms with seven bedrooms and five baths. It became a beloved retreat for film stars, artists, politicians, writers, and conservationists.

 

Upstairs in the big house, you'll find an awesome hallway lined with photos of some of the celebrity visitors. Back in the 1940s, the Farm was a popular spot for Hollywood stars like Tyrone Power, James Cagney, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Alice Faye, Kay Francis, Burns & Allen, Errol Flynn, William Powell, Mary Astor, Ruth Chatterton, Dorothy Lamour, and many others. 

 

They loved getting back to nature and enjoying some peace. Guests were "expected & encouraged" to work on the farm in some facet. Each guest found a list of farm chores next to their plate in the morning. So you may have found Cagney selling farm produce at the near the main road that still operates in season. They could reserve a room at a hotel nearby if they preferred not to participate, like Kay Francis. Humphrey Bogart enjoyed also manning the fruit/veg stand where some locals would comment that he looked like Humphrey Bogart to which he would reply "I get that a lot..." as he bagged their produce.

 

Humphrey Bogart, friends with various authors, established a close relationship with Louis Bromfield when they met at a bar following a play. When Bogart decided to marry actress Lauren Bacall, he sought a modest, serene wedding. In addition to requesting the Farm as the venue for the ceremony, Bogart invited Bromfield to serve as his best man. During their brief two-day preparation window in Ohio, the couple's plans for a quiet wedding were disrupted when they originally intended to have their ceremony on the terrace. However, due to the local telephone operator overhearing their plans and spreading the news throughout the valley, approximately a thousand uninvited guests gathered outside their houses. As a result, the couple had to relocate the nuptials indoors.

One of the bedrooms was used by Bacall to prepare for the ceremony and served as their honeymoon suite. It features two double beds (the only beds in the house with wheels) which were pushed together according to Bacall.  It is adorned with pictures, newspaper articles, and wedding clippings.

  

 

 

The best part for me was standing at the top of the double staircase and walking down, following her exact footsteps just like Bacall did when she met her prince. In her own words, she recalled how she felt incredibly nervous, so much so that the "huge and stunning white orchids I was holding seemed to be shaking themselves apart." 

She shared that she noticed tears streaming down Bogart’s face. After it all ended, he moved in to kiss her on the lips, but she bashfully turned her cheek. Bogart greeted her with a warm, “Hello, Baby,” and she responded by embracing him in a hug.

 

 

 

The media went wild. Cameras were everywhere, inside and outside the farm.

 

The three-tiered cake had a bride and groom under a beautiful arbor, located in my favorite spot in the sunlit dining room of the house. I was lucky enough to stand right where they cut their wedding cake. And to make it even better, there was even a mini version of their cake along with more press clippings. 

 

 

 

 

 

What makes it even more incredible is that the 32-room sprawling farmhouse has been meticulously preserved just as it was when he passed away in 1956. It's like stepping back in time-filled with his personal belongings, books, photographs, original artwork, antique furniture, old magazines scattered around, stacks of paperwork on Bromfield's desk, and a wall filled with photos of famous faces who have crossed paths here.

 

 

In Bromfield's library/office, the main attraction is a massive semi-circular desk made of beautiful local walnut and personally designed by the Bromfield. The desk features bookcases integrated into the front face and is all built in one piece. It's so big that it had to be brought in during the house's construction.

 

After discovering more incredible rooms, I decided to step outside and admire the stunning farmland surrounding the property. It also includes a 914-acre working farm with animals and crops. 

In 1976, the farm was transformed into a state park. In 2012, the children of Bogart and Tyrone Power (Bromfield produced the movie "The Rains Came" starring his father) took a trip to the peaceful countryside hideaway to raise funds for the property. It was a true honor to travel back in time to a significant moment in Classic Hollywood history. I highly recommend visiting when you get the chance. You can explore the home on tours throughout the year at an affordable price. Additionally, the farm offers a variety of fun activities such as hay rides, bird walks, plays, barn dances, and more, all year round.

 

In Bromfield's library/office, the main attraction is a massive semi-circular desk made of beautiful local walnut and personally designed by the boss. The desk features bookcases integrated into the front face and is all built in one piece. It's so big that it had to be brought in during the house's construction! Cool, right? 📚🪑