LAURIE and JEFF MARTIN, owners the SILVER SALMON GRILLE, last Friday turned their lounge into the Pine Valley Inn located in TVs fantasyland, Pine Valley, Pa., on the four-decades soaper, ALL MY CHILDREN, Astorian BILL W. DODGE told the Ear.

The much-loved soap opera aired its last episode on that date, and fans of the show gathered to make champagne toasts to its departure. Silver Salmon also served tearful guests replica culinary treats characters on the series had eaten over the years. 

Bill, our multitalented local artist, provided hanging art for the permanent sets of the characters Cliff and Nina on the show for almost four years, and at the farewell party, he showed copies of pieces used on the soap.

Pictured above, Bill and Laurie standing in front of the Pine Valley sign outside the Silver Salmon. Shes holding WINTER ACTIVITY, one of the pieces that appeared on the series for several years.

At the party, Bill told for the first time how his work ended up on TV.

It involved two-time Academy Award winner KATHERINE HEPBURN, and Broadway star and Tony Award winner DOROTHY LOUDON, Bill explained. It was a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Loudon and Hepburn didnt know me from Adam until I was in the right place: San Franciscos venerable luxury hotel, the Mark Hopkins, where my work was represented in their tiny art gallery.

The right time was the two stars being in town co-starring in the pre-Broadway opening of a new play, Westside Waltz, he continued. Through two of my collectors, I ended up backstage after a performance to spend time with Loudon and Hepburn in their dressing rooms. Loudon ended up acquiring some of my work. Alas, Hepburn did not.

But TV design friends of Loudons in New York, where she lived, saw my work that Loudon had acquired, and recommended me to the Emmy winning scenic designer, WILLIAM MICKLEY of the hit soap opera. Sounds like serendipity.

Elleda Wilson