United States of America -- Rhode Island -- Newport County -- Newport
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes a worksheet, a property plan, and additional information about the Olmsted design and the restoration of the garden.
General:
This four-acre garden is the north section of the extensive rose garden of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Curtiss James laid out on Beacon Hill between granite ridges beginning in 1921. The original, larger James estate was subdivided in the late 20th century. After 1981 the current owner restored many architectural features, including masonry pillars, walls, steps, and balustrades, some ironwork, and the pergola beams. Missing garden ornaments were replaced. The formality of the axial features has been retained, and new plantings of hybrid roses and climbers around these are in the spirit of the original lavish rose garden. Horticultural interest and variety are given by informal plantings at the edge of the lawns and on the rocks.
Persons, organizations, and firms associated with the garden include: Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Curtiss James (former owners, 1910-1941); the James Foundation of New York (former owner, 1942-1951); the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rhode Island (former owner, 1951-1973); Brainerd Snelling Trustees and the James Trust (former owners, 1973-1978); Castle Hill Construction (Tom Cullen) (former owner, 1978-1981); and Olmsted Brothers Landscape Architects (landscape architects, 1921-).
Related Materials:
Beacon Ridge South related holdings consist of 1 folder (34 35 mm. slides)
Records related to this site can be found at the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, Olmsted Job Number 03558, Arthur Curtiss James.
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.
