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This house is located in Lee Vining, California. I discovered it in April this year while in the area camping.
The house may be upside down, but the door isn’t.
The sign in front of the house reads,
“Upside Down House
Created by Nellie Bly O’Bryan (1893-1984)
A remarkable resident of the Mono Basin, Nellie Bly O’Bryan built this famous tourist attraction in 1956. It was inspired by a children’s tale, “Upside Down Land” ( a story), which Nellie recalled after seeing a tipped-over miner’s cabin. It was originally located along Hwy 395 south of the Mono Inn. After her death, the house fell into disrepair until it was moved here in 2000.
Years before coming to Mono County in 1939, Nellie became Hollywood’s first female projectionist and appeared in several of Charlie Chaplin’s silent films.
The information on the right of the photo of Nellie reads, “Nellie as the masseuse in “A woman of Paris 1923“.
Souvenir cards and more information about Nellie Bly O’Bryan are inside the museum.“
She sounds like a very interesting woman doesn’t she?! The museum was closed at the time I was there. I don’t know if the door to the house is ever open, but I’ll check when there again.
This post is part of Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors Click on the link and be taken to his blog where you’ll see all the entrees for this week’s Thursday Doors.
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A very interesting back story about the upside down house.
Isn’t it! Thank you so much, dennyho!!
I was first drawn to the image, as a woodworker it has beauty. Then I realized what was going on! Very cool story.
Isn’t it a cool story and cabin! Thanks for dropping by to check it out!
People can come up with the most fun things, some are just so creative. A very nice find Deborah!
It is fun isn’t it. Thanks, John!
So when you visit, do you have to go in walking on your hands to be right-side-up in an upside down house???? Reminds me of how I used to hang over the edge of one of our chairs in the living room and imagine what it would be like if the ceiling were the floor. You’d have to step over a big “wall” at the top of each door to get to the next room and there would have been lamps protruding from the floor. Just think about this in your own home and things will never look the same. 🙂
I haven’t tried that since I was a kid! 😄
It’s fun. You can even do it while standing normally but it’s not as much fun.
I’m glad you found this upside-down house, Deborah. What an incredible story Nellie had!
Thank you so much, Miriam! I agree with about Nellie! 😀
Hope to see more interesting doors from you, Deborah. 😊
Thank you, Miriam! 😀
You’re welcome! 😊
Very cool, Deborah. Oh, to have met Nellie!
Thank you, Jennie! I bet she had a ton of cool stories to tell.
I bet she did!
How cool!
😀 I’m glad you think so!
What an interesting find, Deborah! I like the weathered wood.
Thank you, Belinda. Me too there’s something about weathered wood that is so appealing.
Interesting post Deborah, some of us like to return to our childhood worlds and recreate the past, but it is very different when we are older and the magic of childhood is often lost. Nellie sounds like a person who likes to live her dreams and deals with her stuff by seeking adventure and new experiences so that she keeps the wonder of her childhood alive. These people have interesting lives and learn to grow and make the most of it as they are happy and creative in their uniqueness, as I am.
I agree those who really are able to pursue their passion and make a living from it are truly blessed. Thanks, Ashley!
It was a different world back then! How men and women were viewed ,etd. But some things, like art stay the same through time, and this upside down house is part of it – a great find, Deborah!
Thank you so much, Jesh!
Hands down, you win this week, maybe this year!
Oh wow, thank you so much, Judy! 💃😄
Nice find! I’ll have to find that place someday; haven’t been to Eastern Sierras to shoot since we did the night shooting in Bodie!
Thanks, Gordon! When you’re going if you want to know where to find it lemme know I’ll give you directions. There’s other cool stuff over there too. 😄
Bodie Nights starts this week-end!
That’s a great share! Funny he didn’t make the door upside down too 🙂
Thank you, Janis! I know right! That would have been cool. 😄
Many thanks for introducing me to Nellie Bly O’Bryan! A wonderful post.
You’re welcome, Rebecca! Thanks for checking out the door and post! I’m happy to have introduced to you Nellie Bly O’Bryan. 😄
That is too trippy. That building is worthy of a place in Alice in Wonderland.
Oh good thought!! 😄 I agree with you 100%!
To accord with your subject, you could have put the photograph of the plaque upside down. You’d still have the rightside-up text afterwards so people wouldn’t have to strain to read the upside-down writing.
Ah, nuts I’m not that quite witted to have thought of that! You’re quick! 😄
Wonderful
Thank you!
My pleasure
Such a great find!
Nellie was interesting – Great door and more
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Also – that Paris massage parlor photo might have bee risqué at the time ?
Thanks, Yvette! I think you’re right and it was risqué for the times. 😄
I was able to zoom in and read the sign but then noticed you also added it to the post (quite nice of you!)
I didn’t want anyone to struggle trying to read that text. Some fonts are hard to read! 😄
Yes! But the photo was also good quality
Either wa – nice to add the info
😀
She indeed was an interesting woman! Being a projectionist was not an easy ordeal. One had to be licensed becasuse of the handling of the very flamable nitrate film, and 35mm film was cranked by handpower, so one had to have a steady, and I presume a well trained, hand. And that was only one of her skills! I hope you will find the door open when you come again to make another of these very fine pictures Deborah!
Thank you, Peter! Thanks also for that additional information. I didn’t know all that!!
I hope I find the door open too. 😄
How interesting! Do you have to walk on your hands in that house?! 🤣
LOL!! I hope not! Thanks for the chuckle and visit, Pit! 😄
You’re welcome! 👍
You get the prize for most interesting door, today, Deborah. Nellie sounds like she had a fascinating life. Thanks for sharing a very cool door.
Woot! 💃 Thank you so much, Dan. Doesn’t she sound interesting. I would put her on my list of people from the past I’d want to talk to. 😄
Cool find and interesting story!
Thank you so much, Donna! 😄
Very cool, Deborah. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, John! I’m glad you enjoyed seeing it. 😄
😊