United States of America -- Pennsylvania -- Delaware County -- Swarthmore
General:
"The 40 acre property was purchased in February 29, 1883 by Erza Townsend Cresson. He named the property Hedgleigh after the after the two long osage orange hedgerows." -memo from Charles O. Cresson, Consulting horticulturist / Garden Design.
"Today, the two acre garden is the unique product of family stewardship for over 100 years. The garden's design and older specimens for mostly date from between 1920 and 1950, while the plant collection has been greatly expanded within this framework since 1970. The house sits in a sweeping lawn surrounded by ancient oaks and black gum under planted with mature azaleas and dogwoods planted in 1948, along with the spring house, dating from the early 1800's. The central flower garden of roses and perennials contains over 100 feet of flower borders backed by a unique crescent shaped white picket fence,built in 1954." - Memo from Charles O. Cresson, Consulting Horticulturist / Garden Design.
A combination of stone retaining walls, grade changes and shrub plantings divide the property into intimate spaces and microclimates which include woodland gardens, a small pond, a creek with a waterfall, a vegetable garden and a lowland perennial meadow. The diverse plant collection provides bloom throughout the year. May is especially interesting for its variety of plants, particularly in the woodlands area." -Memo from Charles O. Cresson, Consulting Horticulturist / Garden Design.
"The flower garden of perennials and roses is most spectacular in early June. Other areas reach their peak at different times, with a remarkable resurgence of bloom in September. A brick patio behind the house is furnished with exotic potted plants." -Memo from Charles O. Cresson, Consulting Horticulturist / Garden Design.
"Charles Cresson is a garden designer, award winning author, nationally known lecturer and avid gardener. Before returning to rejuvenate the garden at Hedgleigh Spring, he attend the University of Vermont, University of Bath in England and worked for the Royal Horticultural Society. After working for W. Atlee Burpee Co., he authored 3 books: Charles Cresson on the American Flower Garden, Ornamental Trees, and Rock Gardening. As the garden consultant, he has helped many avid gardeners develop their own gardens. -Memo from Charles O. Cresson, Consulting Horticulturist / Garden Design.
Persons associated with the property include: George W. Casey (architect in 1910); Furness, Evans & Company (Architectural firm that George W. Casey worked for in 1910); Charles O. Cresson (horticulturist and author); Erza Townsend Cresson (former owner from 1883 to ?); William James Cresson, Sr. (former owner form 1909 to 1959).
Related Materials:
Hedgleigh Spring related holdings consist of 1 folder (16 35 mm. slides)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original images 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.
Comprehensive index of Charles Lang Freer's library, mostly relating to art and Asian culture. Headings include authors, countries, and topical subjects. Sections include locations in Freer's original Detroit home; an index of all books transferred to the Smithsonian; a list of collections and collectors catalogues of American and Near and Far Eastern art; sales catalogues, and books in Chinese language.
Arrangement:
Organized in the original manner by the creator.
Local Numbers:
FSA A.01 05.22
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository.
Topic:
Art, Asian -- Collectors and collecting Search this
Art, American -- Collectors and collecting Search this
Charles Lang Freer Papers. Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Gift of the estate of Charles Lang Freer.
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.
File consists of ledger book. Ledger includes headings for the following individuals: M. Ganiboff, Wallace House, Sonny Ferris, [Levy] Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Seller, Brownie McGhee, Morris Kaufman, H. Luben, Alan Black, Kenneth [Moss], David Niles, [?] Waldman, Josh White, Seymour [Richzai], Tom Glazer, Harry Lubin, Alan Lomax, Huddie Ledbetter, Todras Geller, Woody Guthrie, Burl Ives, Harry Fox, Charles Edward Smith, Mary Lou Williams, James P. Johnson, Jerry Jerome, Pete Seeger, Folksay, Cisco Houston.
Collection Restrictions:
Access by appointment only. Contact the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections at rinzlerarchives@si.edu or (202) 633-7322 for additional information.
Collection Rights:
Copyright restrictions apply. Contact archives staff for additional information.
Collection Citation:
Moses and Frances Asch Collection, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution.
