United States of America -- Texas -- Smith -- Tyler
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets, site plans, and photocopies of images.
General:
Royal Oaks represents one of the premier gardens of Tyler, Texas, dating to the mid-1930s - the unique era of the oil-drilling boom in eastern Texas. The gardens are located in Tyler's historic azalea district, adding to their heritage and community preservation status. From azaleas to dogwoods to a historic Black Gum, the elements are a community treasure.
Major plantings include Live Oaks, Magnolias, Dogwoods, Japanese Bloodgood Maple and Crepe Myrtles. Flowering plants include Camellias, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Wisteria and Forsythia. St. Augustine grass, Mondo grass, native Yupons and other greenery complete the tableau.
Special features include the herb garden with Bay Tree topiary and sculptures of a little boy playing the flute, a metal heron and distinctive bird bath. The badminton courts were added in 1939, thus generating a Badminton Club that exists to this day. The original gazebo was hand-carried by eight men, relocating it when the swimming pool addition was under way. The gazebo is now draped and serves as a bathhouse in summer. The original barn, which housed Shetland ponies for many years, still stands. Visiting dignitaries have included J. Edgar Hoover, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan.
Persons associated with the garden include Mr. and Mrs. B. G. Byars (former owners, mid-1930s-1979); Noel Pullam (landscape architect, 1970s); Lambert's (landscape designer, 1930s); Arabella Gardens (landscape features, 1990s- ); Breedlove Nursery (landscape features, 1950s).
Related Materials:
Royal Oaks related holdings consist of 2 folders (12 35mm slides (photographs); 5 digital images)
See others in:
Garden Club of America collection, ca. 1920-[ongoing].
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.
