United States of America -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia County -- Philadelphia
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes correspondence, articles and location map.
Biographical / Historical:
It is likely that Julian Abele (1881-1950), one of the first prominent African American architects of the early twentieth century, should be credited for his design work on this project. Abele started working for Horace Trumbauer's all-white firm around 1902 after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Architecture. Abele was sent by Trumbauer to study in Paris at one of the most prestigious art schools, the École, until 1906. He returned to work as the assistant to the firm's chief designer but was quickly promoted to chief designer in 1909. Between 1909 and Trumbauer's death in 1938, Abele worked on dozens, if not hundreds, of projects for the firm, predominately uncredited. Though it was custom at the time to attribute architectural designs to the head of the firm instead of the individual designers, it is notable that an early pioneering African American architect likely contributed to this project.
General:
"The large garden is in the French style of the eighteenth century. The statues of the "Seasons" came from Versailles and the box hedge deserves attention. The long drive is a magnificent approach to the Georgian house and is in admirable scale with the whole estate."
Persons associated with the property include: Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Stotesbury (former owners); Jacques Greber (landscape architect); Horace Trumbauer (architect); Lewis & Valentine (nurseryman).
Related Materials:
Whitemarsh Hall related holdings consist of 1 folder (1 photoprint + 43 35mm slides (photographs))
See others in:
Garden Club of America Collection, ca. 1920-[ongoing].
Lewis and Valentine 1918-1970.
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.
Topic:
Gardens -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia Search this
Collection Citation:
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, Lewis & Valentine Company Records.
