For those that do not know, Tallulah Bankhead rests in Old St. Paul’s churchyard in Chestertown, Maryland. Born on January 31, 1902 in Huntsville, Alabama, Tallulah would go on to become an iconic, and infamous, star. Her career would take her from Broadway, to London. She would become an early Hollywood star and finally return to New York, where she passed away in 1968. She is most often remembered for her wit, candor, and scandalous lifestyle. Chief among these traits was her willingness to discuss the less-flattering aspects of her life, and confront the rumors that surrounded it. Today she can be found next to her sister Evelyn, far from the world that produced her legend.
Initially I approached the subject of Tallulah with the intention of discussing those who seek out her resting place. I can admit to being amongst those who have taken the pilgrimage, after reading Bankhead’s autobiography my sophomore year. While I cannot pick out a specific motivator for the trip, I will admit that I was drawn in by the legend that followed Tallulah to Kent County.
I don’t know what I expected to find there, the faint relic of a gift of Bourbon? When I arrived at that quiet corner of the cemetery, I was surprised to find a vase of wilted flowers and a faded note. I couldn’t make out the majority of the writing and was, to be completely honest, rather spooked about spending time alone in a graveyard. However, I do remember the purpose of the letter that I found there: a young woman was thanking Tallulah for being an inspiration, and providing her with the courage to have a voice. As I turned the experience around in my head, I realized it would be more prudent to consider the woman behind these myths. To that end, I took another drive to St. Paul’s and discussed the matter with the church’s Rector, Rev. Allen LaMontagne and the secretary, Nana Bailey.
The discussion was brief, yet insightful. Rev. LaMontagne pointed out that he was removed from the experiences of Tallulah’s visitors. This was succinctly supported when he stated: “my work is with the living.” I was slightly disappointed at first, half wishing for the fanfare so many expect. Nana Bailey has the most contact with the individuals who come to see the grave, mentioning that there are at least two a week, that some come great distances, and from many walks of life. The discussion turned towards the fascination with Tallulah, and the unexplained attraction of her grave-site.
I focused on the aspects of her character that were far ahead of her time: specifically, her brazen confrontations with contemporary mores. Rev. LaMontagne, with some hesitation, stated that her openness was virtuous and called her one of the “original liberating women.” That candor is the most impressive aspect of her story. She took no prisoners, and confronted the most sensitive subjects with casual ease. I am not attempting to glorify her actions, I merely wish to present a relativistic opinion.
Although Americans are unique in their willingness to discuss private matters, Tallulah broke the glass ceiling. She was inimitable in a time when woman were still expected to stand on the sidelines. Unfortunately, so much of our memory is colored by the rumors that followed the woman (including some of her own making). History has a penchant to tarnish legends once they die, leaving us with story instead of fact. It is likely this blending of truth and legend is so enticing.
Tallulah was a Titan of her age — modern celebrities can only dream of leaving a legend that toddles where she strides. While she deserves the memory she engenders, we do a great injustice embellishing this bon vivant, when we should remember her achievements. Tallulah’s callers cannot be grouped into a single category, but they must all recognize the embellishments that have helped create Tallulah’s legacy.
History also has a tendency to follow specific patterns. Events are rationalized and the rationalizations are revised. Obviously, it is impossible to return to the origin of the story, however, we can ignore the commentary and form our own opinions. The best way to grasp the truth, or virtue, of a legend is to tackle it head on. Tallulah may have anticipated this: in her writing she strove to confront the falsehoods being spread during her lifetime and to some negative effect, stir up the many half-truths. The “Tallulah” people envision today is the product of common sources (such as her Wikipedia page), as well as continuing elaborations about her character.
Her following would be half as large if it weren’t for the constant publication of her unique, yet apropos, last words (“Codeine… bourbon.”) While it may be unattainable for Tallulah to ever truly be at peace, any visit to her waterfront resting place should be done with respectful knowledge of her. Those that wish to visit the Bankhead grave-site should first read her autobiography, and learn about the woman before they indulge the legend.
by Sean Meade
marty Stetson says
My mother in-law and father-in law are both buried at St.Paul’s for many years. When ever I accompany my wife ( usually to do some grave tiding up ) I often think about going over to visit Tallulah’s grave site but have yet to do so. After reading this story I believe I will give in to the urge to make the trip across the grave yard next time I am at St.Paul’s cemetery.