Category Timeline 2

1941

Ganna Walska learns of Grindell-Matthews’ death at his home/laboratory in Wales. Bernard declares his love and proposes. Ganna travels to California for six weeks and is inspired to purchase a small self-sustaining ranch or farm. Bernard comes to California to…

1940

Ganna Walska escapes France on the last commercial clipper plane, before the German occupation. She returns to New York and begins writing her memoirs. She takes yoga lessons and attends seminars with self-proclaimed “White Lama,” Theos Bernard.

1937

Madame Walska is introduced to Harry Grindell-Matthews, a physicist and inventor who shares her love of opera. Their engagement is announced in August. She is bothered by his egotism and jealousy.

1931

Harold McCormick, resigned that Ganna Walska will never live with him in Chicago, files for divorce. He and Ganna remain on friendly terms for the rest of his life.