The Old School House in Bodega

Two Sonoma County towns, Bodega and Bodega Bay are separated by several miles of windy coastal roads but both towns are mashed together in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, “The Birds” to form one place. This is a sketchbook drawing of the old Potter school used in the movie located in Bodega, several miles from the coast. The building has gone through several incarnations over the years including a restaurant in the 1980’s and a bed and breakfast in the 1990’s. Currently (May 2011), the house is a private residence.

Last year on Labor day, I drove with my dad to see Tippi Hedron who stared in the movie “The Birds” at The Tides Wharf in Bodega Bay. Tippi was full of life and holding up very well on her second full day of autograph signings. I could still see the elegance and sophistication she embodied so well in her movies.

We arrived early in the day and still there were about twenty people in line holding all kinds of memorabilia, including photographs, movie stills, and Time magazines with Tippi on the cover. I stood back from the crowd and sketched a quick drawing of her in my Moleskine sketchbook. Although she didn’t look quite as young as I drew her here, she still looked great and I could tell from her laughter she was having a good time meeting with her fans.

***This Memorial Day 2011 weekend, Tippi Hedron who starred in Hitchcock’s 1963 thriller ”The Birds,” will be at the Tides Wharf and Restaurant in Bodega Bay to sign photos and other memorabilia 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 28, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 29, 835 Highway 1, Bodega Bay. 875-2669. Autographing fee applies.