Category Timeline Stories

Theos Bernard serves Madame Walska with divorce papers and removes many valuable furnishings and books from the house on the estate. He sues for separate maintenance, which is refused when he is caught committing perjury about his financial situation. Their…

Always Room at the Top, Madame Walska’s memoir is published. Santa Barbara Superintendent of Parks Ralph Stevens, son of the original property owner begins working on garden projects at Lotusland.

Ganna Walska and Theos Bernard are married in a secret ceremony in Las Vegas; a prenuptial agreement protects her property in case of divorce. At the request of Madame Walska, De Forest replaces the traditional landscaping in front of the…

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…

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.

Marie Gavit dies in 1937, having been preceded in death by her husband. The estate is sold to British diplomat Sir Humphrey Clarke in 1939.

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.

Ganna Walska divides her time between her residences in France and New York.

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.

Ganna Walska receives the Polish Gold Cross of Merit from the Polish Premier and in 1934 she is awarded the French Legion of Honor for her contributions to French culture.