| Welcome to The Gardens and The Grounds of the Glen Foerd Estate. As you walk from location to location, in season, you will see blooming crocus, hyacinth, daffodil, tulip, forsythia, narcissus, andromeda, azalea, rhododendrum, tulips, Virginia cowslip, and trees such as star magnolias, weeping Japanese cherries, and black and white oaks that date back over 300 years. |
| The map below shows major features of The Grounds. For descriptions of the sites listed, click the map or scroll down the page. |
|
|
|
The three-story section of the mansion was built as an Italianate house in the country, circa 1850, by Charles Macalester. It was enlarged and transformed into an Edwardian country house by Robert Foerderer in 1902-1903. The enclosure of the sunporch was completed in 1928. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the mansion has an art gallery, pipe organ, elaborate stained glass skylights, and a rathskellar.
|
|
|
|
Known to be the logo of a bank founded by Charles Macalester, this statue is thought to represent the Macalester family dog, buried nearby. The tombstone inscription reads, "LITTLE UGLY - A Loved and Faithful Friend, Dec'd July 28th, 1871, ‘In Life a Devoted Friend, the first to welcome, the foremost to defend.’ "
|
|
|
|
The site of the former boat house serves as a reminder of the prominence of river transportation until the turn of the century and offers spectacular river vistas. Unfortunately vandalized by fire in the 1980’s, restoration efforts are now underway at Glen Foerd to rebuild the structure, replicating its original appearance and magnificence.
|
|
|
|
Before the Macalesters lived at the mansion, another house sat on this foundation. The domicile was razed by the Foerderers, and the location was converted into a lily pond with water plants, an ever-spraying fountain, and Spirit of Youth bronze statues which were purchased by Florence Tonner from a sculptor friend in Boston, Mrs. Marquand Laird.
|
|
|
|
The formal gardens also contain a garden house that once was the head house of five large greenhouses erected by Macalester. In 1926, Florence Tonner dismantled the greenhouses, and refurbished the garden house into a playhouse/retreat for her two young daughters, Marjorie and Carol.
|
|
|
|
Once the largest Sargent’s Weeping Hemlock in Pennsylvania, the tree dates, most likely, from the centennial in 1876. Its spread was over forty feet originally, reduced considerably from its potential span due to the necessity of trimming it in order to keep the roadway clear. It was unfortunately vandalized by fire in the 1980’s. Other seedlings of hemlock have been planted on the property to mitigate the loss.
|
|
|
|
Grapes, which continue to bloom year after year, create a wonderful aroma that is wafted across the estate. Located nearby the cottage, the vineyard is surrounded by white and pink peonies, and snowdrops, daffodils, jonquils, squill, scilla, grape hyacinth and wood hyacinth blossom every spring in a riot of everchanging color.
|
|
|
|
This quaint building was used as a "gas house" in Macalester's time. It was here that illuminating gas for the buildings was manufactured every Monday, and then stored until used. By 1903, it was converted to a boathouse. It was redesigned as a Swiss chalet about 1915, and was used by the Tonners as their home, while Caroline and her second husband, Enos Artman, resided in the mansion. Later, it became a guest house. Today, it is a private residence.
|
|
|
|
During Macalester's time, the water tower supported a large wooden water tank atop it. The capacity of the tank was not only large enough for the needs of Glengarry, but some of it was also sold to neighbors. Today, the tower’s need for repair places it on a priority list of many restoration projects at Glen Foerd that must be completed in order to recreate the beauty and uniqueness that once was the hallmark of this very special estate.
|
|
|
|
The two grass courts were the center of much social activity during Florence Tonner’s time at the mansion. Friends and family frequently gathered to participate in, or simply to watch and fraternize during, competitively played matches. For the winter months, the courts were flooded for ice skating. Florence’s two daughters, Marjorie and Carol, very much enjoyed these two seasonal pastimes.
|
|
|
|
Also familiarly known by the resident families as the "Stables", this building housed the ponies and horses belonging to their members, many of whom rode competitively in regional shows. Therefore, this building was a gathering place for equestrians and enthusiasts. It also provided a practical working environment for the mansion, as it served as one of its two main transportation hubs, the second being the river. Large horse-drawn carriages and sleds were kept and maintained here. The structure was also used as a garage ever since Mrs. Foerderer purchased her first touring car, a Stearns, for $4500.00 in 1907. Here, Florence Tonner parked both her chauffered limousines and the cars she used for basic errand runs. Today, horse stalls, feed bins and a manual elevator still remain. Garden tractors, trailers and related equipment are stored here.
|
|
|
|
The stone portion was erected about 1820, making it the oldest structure on the estate. The wooden duplicate at the rear was added much later. Caretakers of the property have lived here in the past. The Gate House is now a private residence.
|
| Welcome - History - The Grounds - Preservation - Archives - Guest Book - Online Store - Tours - Upcoming Events - Private Events - Directions - Memberships - Volunteering - Newsletter - Contacts - Links |
Home Page