Collection is open for research. Some items may be restricted due to fragile condition.
Series Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Series Citation:
Warshaw Collection of Business Americana Subject Categories: Pianos, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
Sponsor:
Funding for partial processing of the collection was supported by a grant from the Smithsonian Institution's Collections Care and Preservation Fund (CCPF).
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn County -- Cedar Rapids
Scope and Contents:
The folders include a worksheet, a garden plan, a detailed narrative description of the property and garden, a plant list, geological survey, copies of articles on Grant Wood, and photocopies of articles about the garden.
General:
The gardens at Pleasant Hill were inspired by the early architecture of the area and the designs of regionalist painter, Grant Wood. The residence was constructed in 1932 to reflect the architectural history of Iowa, using original structral elements from other houses and antique furniture. On December 20, 1989, the home was designated as a National Historic Site. At the entrance to the garden, Grant Wood designed a grape arbor. Stones from a quarry near Stone City, Iowa and a grist mill stone were incorporated into garden seats. The owner chose species of flowers and trees that are either indigenous to the zone or have proven successful through the harsh Iowa winters, producing a continuous show of color in summer, spring, and fall.
Persons and firms associated with the property and garden include: Bruce McKay (architect, designer, builder, 1932-?); Grant Wood (artist, 1933); and Mrs. E. W. Spence (landscape architect).
Related Materials:
Pleasant Hill related holdings consist of 2 folders (4 35 mm. slides)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn -- Cedar Rapids
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets and a photocopy of an article.
General:
Located on nine acres, six of the acres are densely forested with mature hardwood trees and the remaining three acres are the footprint for the gardens. The gardens were initiated after the house was built in 1984 beginning with foundation plantings of evergreens, deciduous shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Deer predation was a serious problem and an ornamental iron fence was installed around the garden in 2005. The owners do all the work themselves and keep adding borders and garden beds, reducing the size of the lawn. There are more than one hundred varieties of conifers, 40 to 50 varieties of hosta (one 8 foot hosta was named 2004 hosta of the year by the American Hosta Association), and in total more than one thousand different cultivars in the gardens including common and rare varieties. In addition to ornamental plantings there is a small pond with a water garden, a small vegetable garden, a chicken coop and a large conservatory. Thousands of annuals are propagated in the conservatory and planted out in the spring to follow the flowering of hundreds of bulbs. The chickens provide eggs and manure that is composted and used throughout the garden.
Persons associated with the garden include) Roger Hadley (architect, 1984) .
Related Materials:
Nau's Green Valley related holdings consist of 1 folder (20 digital images)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
Ortberg Gardens at Forest Hill (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn -- Cedar Rapids
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets and photocopies of articles and historic photographs.
General:
The Greek Revival house had an interesting history, having been cut in half and moved from its original location to this one and one-third acre hillside lot in 1929. The gardens, lawn and trees installed by previous owners had been neglected by the time the current owners took possession in 1997. Clearing the weeds from a semi-shaded circular bed uncovered the original hosta and peony garden planted by the Armstrong family circa 1930. The owners added limestone edging and a large iron urn as a focal point, along with spring blooming daffodils, trillium, bleeding heart, blue bells, pulmonaria, and allium, which are followed by astilbe, wild ginger, hydrangea, and turtlehead (chelone) in summer. Flower beds are more casually planted with heirloom varieties of hollyhock, foxglove, feverfew, peony, iris and sweet William, mostly in shades of pink, purple and white. A boxwood hedge planted years before provided seedlings for other hedges that complement the formal style of the house. Shaped boxwood, boxwood in containers and trimmed hedges or limestone walls define garden rooms.
The sunny backyard was redesigned in 2003, adding a limestone retaining wall to divide it into two levels with a fountain on the upper level. A small part of a glass conservatory that was about to be demolished was acquired and attached to the garage, and is used in spring for starting heirloom vegetables and flowers, then used for dining in summer when the trees have leafed out and shaded the room. Winding paths connect a formal herb garden with an antique finial as its focal point, three raised vegetable beds next to the house, the greenhouse, a rose arbor at the entrance to the backyard, and sun and shade perennial and biennial garden beds. Antique containers and ornaments as well as a bench found at a flea market that may have sat outside this house nearly a century ago relate the gardens to the late Victorian style of the house.
Persons associated with the garden include Samuel G. and Anna Cooper Armstrong (former owners, 1903-1929); Anna Cooper Armstrong (former owner, 1929-1948); Frank B. and Margaret Armstrong Race (former owners, 1948-1986); Walter J. and Maureen K. Hale (former owners, 1986-1993); Robert and Joni Hilton (former owners, 1993-1997); Charles A. Dieman (1873-1937) and Ferdinand C. Fiske (1856-1930) (architects, 1903); Theodore Stark & Sons (builder, 1903); E.W. LaPlant (house mover, 1929); Mondanero Concrete (landscaping, 2003); Larry Lorenz (construction, 2008); Chalupsky Nursery (landscaping, 2002, 2014); Mitch Odell (garden assistant, 2010-2012); Stanley Wrobel (construction and garden assistant, 2013-2015).
Related Materials:
Ortberg Gardens at Forest Hill related holdings consist of 1 folder (13 digital images)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn County -- Hiawatha
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets, garden plans, and a recipe for "red pickles."
General:
Located in Hiawatha, Iowa, north of Cedar Rapids, Minney's is a traditional Iowa vegetable garden with some flowers. This type of garden was once very common across the state (Minney's has been under cultivation since 1956), but is no longer easy to find. The main vegetable garden is 90 x 55 feet. Plantings include green and yellow (wax) beans, snap and little marble peas, cabbage, peppers, eggplant, kohlrabi, garlic, onions, potatoes, beets, tomatoes, squash, sweet corn, cucumbers, and Peruvian lilies. There are also separate plantings of peonies and rhubarb, and occasional plantings of canteloupe and watermelon.
Related Materials:
Minney's related holdings consist of 1 folder (6 35 mm. slides (photographs))
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn County -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
1963.
General:
Credit line: Joan Liffring-Zug Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn County -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
1963.
General:
Credit line: Joan Liffring-Zug Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn County -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
1963.
General:
Credit line: Joan Liffring-Zug Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn County -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
2006 Apr.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn County -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
2006 Apr.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn County -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
2006 Apr.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn County -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
2006 Jul.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
2007 Dec.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
2011 May.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
2010 Jun.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
2010 Jul.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
2009 Jul.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
[Ortberg Gardens at Forest Hill]: towering pines, juniper topiaries, potted boxwood and boxwood hedges complement the architecture of the Greek Revival house.
Ortberg Gardens at Forest Hill (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
United States of America -- Iowa -- Linn -- Cedar Rapids
Date:
2014 May.
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
