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Cultural Landscape Report

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Volume II: Treatment
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http://archive.org/details/culturallandscapOOhamm
"It has been reservedfor

the good taste of our age to make many advantageous

changes in the embellishment ofgardens,

and to reinstate Nature in the possession of those

rightsfrom which she has

too long been banished by an undue regard to symmetry.

Andre Parmentier

Cultural Landscape Report

For Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

Volume II:

Treatment

By John W. Hammond, Historical Landscape Architect

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

National Park Service, Boston, Massachusetts, 2009

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

The Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation promotes the stewardship of

significant landscapes through research, planning, and sustainable preservation

maintenance. The Center accomplishes its mission in collaboration with a network of partners including national parks, universities, government agencies,

and private nonprofit organizations. Techniques and principles of preservation

practice are made available through training and publications.

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

Boston National Historical Park

Charlestown Navy Yard, Quarters C

Boston, MA 02129

www.nps.gov/oclp/

Publication Credits: Graphics from sources other than federal repositories may

not be reproduced without the permission of the owners noted in the captions.

Other information in this publication may be copied and used with the condition

that full credit be given to the authors and publisher. Appropriate citations and

bibliographic credits should be made for each use.

National Park Service, Denver Technical Information Center Report

NPS 382/100216.

Library of Congress control number: 94-155163

Cover Photo: View of Vanderbilt Mansion and the Hudson River looking

northwest (Bill Urbin, 2009).

Title Page: View of the meadows of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site looking north, with the Hudson River in the background (OCLP 2008).
TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES. DRAWINGS, AMD TABLES V

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS IX

INTRODUCTION 1

Purpose and Methodology l Summary of Park Planning 3 Description of Study Area 5 Summary of Site History 6 Summary of Significance 1 Updated Analysis and Evaluation 1

5

Summary of Integrity 31

I. FRAMEWORK FOR TREATMENT 63

Landscape Character Areas 64

Treatment Alternatives and Implications 66

Preferred Treatment: Rehabilitation 77

Treatment Philosophy 78

Treatment Date 80

II. SITE-WIDE TREATMENT GUIDELINES 83

III. TREATMENT TASKS 87

Zone 1: Main Gate and Entrance Drive 87

Zone 2: Mansion Grounds 94

Zone 3: North Lawn, North Drive, and North Gate 98

Zone 4: South Gate and South Drive 100

Zone 5: Coach House and Coach House Meadow 1 03

Zone 6: Conifer Screen 1 04

Zone 7: Crum Elbow Creek 1 06

Zone 8: Lower Woodlands and Meadows 1 08

Zone 9: Bard Rock 113

Zone 10: Formal Gardens 115

REFERENCES 177

APPENDIX 1: CHRONOLOGY 179

APPENDIX 2: CHARACTER-DEFINING FEATURES 185
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
LIST OF FIGURES, DRAWINGS, AND TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

1. Map showing the location of Vanderbilt Mansion National 35

Historic Site

2. Vanderbilt Mansion looking south, 2008. 36

3. View of the White Bridge looking northwest, 2008. 36

4. View of the lower perennial garden in the formal gardens 37

looking north, 2008.

5. North Drive looking north, 2008. 37

6. Crum Elbow Creek looking north with the Power House 38

dam visible upstream, 2008.

7. John R. Murray, "Samuel Bard and His Family on the Terrace 39

of Hyde Park, 1806."

8. Thomas Cole, "The Course of Empire: Pastoral." 39

9. Drawing of Hyde Park estate by Thomas K. Wharton during 40

the Hosack ownership in 1839.

10. Diagrammatic plan view of Walter Langdon's gardens in 40

1875.

11. Vanderbilt Mansion during construction, 1898. Photo by 41 Charles Sylvester Piersaull.

12. White Bridge looking southwest, circa 1900. Photo by 41 Charles Sylvester Piersaull.

13. View of the pool and pool house in the formal gardens 42

looking south, circa 1930.

14. View of the upper perennial garden looking south, circa 42

1934.

15. "Hyde Park, Hudson River," Currier and Ives print, circa 43

1835.

16. View of Langdon's house looking north, circa 1 890. 43

Photograph by Charles Sylvester Piersaull.

17. View of woodlands along the banks of the Hudson River 44

looking south from near the Mansion, 2008.

18. View of north meadows looking north from the overlook, 44

2008.

19. View of Vanderbilt Mansion and East Lawn looking west, 45

2008.

20. Specimen trees and the view toward the river looking 45

northwest, 2008.

21. View of the large ginkgo specimen tree, the South Lawn, and 46

the Mansion looking north, 2008.

22. The large ginkgo specimen tree and the South Lawn looking 46

south, 2008.

23. Perennials on the lower perennial terrace in the formal 47

gardens looking southeast, 2008
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

24. Solid geometric beds of annuals on the upper annual terrace 47

in the formal gardens looking northeast, 2008.

25. View looking northwest of the Main Gate piers and urns with 123

encroaching limbs, moss, and weeds, 2008.

26. View looking northeast of the White Bridge sowing recent 123

restoration work, 2008.

27. Damaged cast stone curb at the Main Gate, 2008 124

28. View of the Main Gate looking northwest, circa 1930s. 124

29. View of the White Bridge and the maple allee looking east 125

toward the Main Gate, circa 1900.

30. View of the White Bridge and the maple allee looking east 125

toward the Main Gate, 2008.

31. View of the entrance pond, white Bridge, and the White 126

Bridge dam looking north from South Drive, showing aquatic

and emergent vegetation along the near bank, circa 1900.

32. View of the entrance pond and Route 9 bridge looking north 126

from the White Bridge, 2008.

33. View east of ferns near the main gate, 2009. 127

34. View south of dense understory of New York Ferns, 2009. 127

35. Dark green foliage of bulbs in the lawn by the main entry 128

gate, 2009.

36. Daffodil flowering along the wooded edge near pond, 2009. 128

37. View of the entrance drive and maple allee, 1926. 129

38. View of the entrance drive and maple allee, 2008. 129

39. Oversized National Park Service arrowhead sign affixed to 130

the Main Gate looking south, 2008.

40. View of damaged lawn areas west side of the Mansion, 130

looking south, 2008.

41. Plan drawn by Robert Cridland for the Mansion foundation 131

plantings, 1923.

42. View of the Mansion looking west, showing the foundation 132

plantings, circa 1940s.

43. View of the Mansion foundation plantings looking north, 132

circa 1940s.

44. "Garden Plan prepared for F. W. Vanderbilt, Esq., Hyde 133

Park, N. Y.," specifying the shrubs planted along the outside

of the wall by Thomas Meehan and Sons, 1910.

45. "Planting Plan for Garden Plat, Estate of Fred'k W. 1 34

Vanderbilt Esq., Hyde Park, N. Y.," by Robert Cridland,

1917.

46. Aerial view of the formal gardens and surrounding landscape, 135

circa late 1930s.

47. Dogwood and redbud grove south of the formal gardens 136

looking north, showing dense vines and underbrush, 2008.

48. View looking north of rhododendrons near the formal 1 36

gardens, 2009.

49. A rhododendron near the formal garden, 2009. 137

50. Grove of rhododendrons near Crum Elbow Creek, 2009. 137
51. View looking east from the north pergola and northeast 138 corner of the formal gardens toward South Drive, 2008.

52. North Gate, showing remnant spruce from historic gate 1 38

plantings, 2008.

53. Damaged lawn area under the bench at the overlook north of 139

the Mansion looking southwest, 2008.

54. North Drive looking north, circa 1907. 139

55. North Drive looking north, 1941. 140

56. North Drive looking north, 2008. 140

57. South Gate, showing Boston ivy and barberry hedge, circa 141

1960.

58. South Gatehouse looking southwest, 1898. 141

59. South Gatehouse looking southwest, showing low 142

foundation plantings, 1956.

60. South Gatehouse looking west, showing overgrown and 1 42

incompatible foundation plantings, 2008.

61. "South Entrance, F. W. Vanderbilt Esq., Hyde Park, N. Y.," 143

circa 1898.

62. View of South Drive looking north, showing rhododendron 1 44

covered in vines, 2008.

63. View of South Drive looking north, showing incompatible 144

temporary parking shelter, 2008.

64. Downspout drain pipe and lawn ornaments at the South 145

Gatehouse, 2008.

65. Bicycle sign in front of a historic juniper near the entrance to 145

the Lower Woodland Drive, 2008.

66. View of the Coach House south elevation looking north, 1 46

showing the two historic white pine trees that are in decline,

2008.

67. View of the Coach House west elevation with two large 1 46

spruce trees in front, date unknown.

68. View of the subway looking west, showing invasive 147

vegetation, including a large ailanthus growing at the base of one of the walls, 2008.

69. View of one of the subway walls, showing cracking and 147

spalling, 2008.

70. View of the conifer screen looking east, showing the three- 148

tiered planting, 1941.

71. View of the Power House retaining wall with a collapsed 148

portion in the lower left of the photo, 2008.

72. View of the path along Crum Elbow Creek looking south 1 49

from the White Bridge, 2008.

73. View of Crum Elbow Creek looking north, showing the 150

remnants of the stone causeway path, 2008.

74. Broken clay drain pipe near the Power House, 2008. 151

75. Dry-laid fieldstone wall along north side of Bard Lane, 2009. 151

76. Collapsed fieldstone wall along north side of Bard Lane, 152

2009.
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

77. Gardener's cottage steps and retaining wall near the railroad 1 52

bridge, 2009.

78. View looking northeast from Bard Lane of railroad line, 2009. 153

79. View looking northwest from the Mansion, showing 153

ailanthus and other brush obscuring the view, 2008.

80. Aerial photo from 1943, showing a narrow row of trees but 154 no forest on the slopes below the formal gardens.

81. View of the footpath along the ridge south of the formal 155

gardens looking north, showing the current dense forest character, 2008.

82. View of the footpath between the Mansion and the formal 155

gardens looking south, 2008.

83. View of the Lower Woodland Drive looking south, showing 156

the deep wooded character of the drive, 2008.

84. Stone headwall and culvert on Lower Woodland Drive, 2008. 156

85. The iron boat hook at Bard Rock, showing rust, 2008. 157

86. The iron eyelet affixed to Bard Rock, showing rust, 2008. 157

LIST OF DRAWINGS

1

.

1830 Period Plan, Hosack Estate 49

2. 1890 Period Plan, Langdon Estate 51

3. 1938 Period Plan, Property Overview 53

4. 1938 Period Plan, Vanderbilt Estate 55

5. 1938 Period Plan, formal Gardens 57

6. 2008 Existing Conditions 59

7. 2008 Existing Conditions, Formal Gardens 61

8. Treatment Zones and Landscape Character Areas 1 59

9. Treatment Plan, South Portion of Property 161

1 0. Treatment Plan, North Portion of Property 1 63

1 1

.

Treatment Plan, Zone 1 : Main Gate and Entrance Drive 1 65

12. Treatment Plan, Mansion Foundation Plantings 167

13. Treatment Plan, Rose Garden Surrounding Shrubs 169

14. Treatment Plan, Zone 4: South Gate and South Drive 171

1 5. Treatment Plan, Zone 5: Coach House and Coach House 173

Meadow

16. Treatment Plan, Conifer Screen 175

LIST OF TABLES

1. Comparison of Treatment Alternatives 76

2. Treatment Tasks and Prioritization 118
Acknowledgments

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The preparation of this report was a collaborative effort between the Olmsted

Center for Landscape Preservation and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic

Site, with input from partners and cultural resource professionals. At the

Olmsted Center, the report was prepared by John W. Hammond, Historical

Landscape Architect with assistance from Brona Keenan, Student Conservation

Associate and Gardener for the National Trust for Scotland. Margie Coffin

Brown, Senior Project Manager, contributed to the report and Robert Page,

Director, provided project oversight.

At Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, David Hayes, Chief of Resource

Management served as project coordinator. Sarah Olson, Superintendent and

Carol Kohan, Deputy Superintendent provided overall project guidance. Henry

Van Brookhoven, Facility Manager and Dave Cerasaro, Grounds Foreman

provided input on current grounds operations. Ann Jordan, Chief Curator and

Frank Futral, Curator participated in meetings and provided information on

objects in the landscape. Scott Rector, Chief of Interpretation and Allan Dailey,

Supervisory Park Ranger participated in project meetings. Michele Ballos,

Museum Registrar and Tara McGill, Museum Technician assisted with historical

research. Bill Urbin, Photographer provided the cover photograph.

From the Northeast Region planning office, Marjorie Smith, Landscape Architect

and project manager for the General Management Plan for Roosevelt-Vanderbilt

National Historic Sites reviewed drafts and assisted in coordinating this report

with the General Management Plan. In partnership with the Olmsted Center,

John Auwaerter, Historical Landscape Architect at the State University of New

York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Department of Landscape

Architecture, provided input on drafts of the report. Margi Delafield, President

of the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association, provided editorial comments. Members of the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association also

participated in a treatment workshop associated with the development of this

report.

This report builds upon two published reports and one draft report. The site

history is summarized from the Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt

Mansion National Historic Site, Volume 1, prepared in 1992 by Patricia M.

O'Donnell, Charles A. Birnbaum and Cynthia Zaitzevsky, Ph.D. Excerpts are incorporated into the summary of historical significance from Vanderbilt

Mansion: A Guilded-Age Country Place, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic

Site Historic Resource Study by Peggy Albee, Molly Berger, H. Eliot Foulds, Nina

Gray, and Pamela Herrick. Recommendations are also excerpted from the draft
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

"Landscape Preservation Treatment Recommendations," prepared by Patricia

O'Donnell, Barbara Wilson, and Peter Viteretto in 1994.
Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is a 211 -acre historic site located 70

miles north of New York City in Hyde Park, Dutchess County, New York (Figure

1). Perched on a high terrace overlooking the Hudson River, Vanderbilt

Mansion and its estate grounds represent a rare intact example of the grand

estates and opulent lifestyles of the wealthiest Americans in the nineteenth and

twentieth centuries. The Mansion grounds feature open parkland, with broad

lawns and century-old specimen trees, formal gardens, a creek, native

woodlands, and rolling meadows. The site also contains nine historic buildings

in addition to bridges, dams, garden structures, roads, and paths. The estate grounds of Vanderbilt Mansion is a layered landscape that bears the imprint of

five generations of owners who developed the grounds over nearly two centuries,

embellishing rather than obliterating the work of previous owners.

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is significant for its association with

the Gilded Age of American wealth and as an example of Country Place Era

landscape design as practiced at the end of the nineteenth century. The site is

also significant as an example of early American picturesque landscape design

and as the only known extant landscape in America designed by Andre

Parmentier. The period of significance extends from 1828, when the design by

Parmentier was initiated, until the death of Frederick Vanderbilt in 1938.

The Designation Order for the creation of Vanderbilt National Historic Site in 1940 indicates that the estate was significant for its association with the

Vanderbilts and because it was "representative and illustrative of their period and

hence of national significance in the economic, sociological, and cultural history

of the United States."

1 The site was given to the federal government by Margaret

Van Alen for preservation as a memorial to her uncle, Frederick W. Vanderbilt.

The original property mandate addresses three purposes: 1) explaining the

significance of wealthy Americans like the Vanderbilts and the era they represent,

2) informing the public of the lifestyle of the Vanderbilts as reflected by their

estate, and 3) illustrating a phase of human interaction with the environment.

PURPOSE AND METHODOLOGY

Vanderbilt Mansion retains a high degree of historical integrity, reflecting much

of the character and composition it exhibited at the end of the historic period.

Yet as a large public park, it is faced with a number of issues associated with a maturing landscape, viewshed management, visitor circulation and universal

accessibility, educational and interpretive objectives, and maintenance

requirements. A plan for the treatment of the historic landscape will help the
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

park address these issues and preserve and enhance the historic character of the

site.

The Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) serves as the primary treatment document

for cultural landscapes and the primary tool for managing those landscapes. It provides treatment guidance within the context of the site's history and

significance, extant features and historic character, and current planning

objectives and management goals. This report, the second volume of the CLR,

includes overall treatment strategies for the site as well as direct treatment actions

that are needed to ensure the long-term protection, preservation, and continued

use of the landscape. Although ongoing park and volunteer efforts have

succeeded in protecting and preserving many of the essential elements of the

historic landscape, they have been operating without a comprehensive plan for managing the landscape as a whole. Volume 2 provides a comprehensive plan

under the umbrella of the broader goals established in the park's General

Management Plan.

Volume 1 of the CLR for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site was

completed between 1990 and 1992 by Patricia O'Donnell, Charles Birnbaum, and

Cynthia Zaitzevsky and published by the North Atlantic Region Cultural

Landscape Program, the predecessor of the Olmsted Center for Landscape

Preservation. Volume 1 describes the physical and contextual history of the site,

assesses its significance within its historical contexts, and documents the existing

conditions of the estate in 1990 to 1992.

2 Volume 1, consisting of exhibits,

photographs, and text, forms a baseline of information upon which a treatment framework and specific recommendations can be made.

The publication of Volume 1 was followed in 1994 by a draft "Volume 2: Landscape Preservation Treatment Recommendations" prepared by Patricia O'Donnell, Barbara Wilson, and Peter Viteretto. The unpublished draft includes

implications for treatment alternatives and specific recommendations for the

various areas of the site. Information contained in the 1994 draft was used to inform treatment strategies in this report, while being updated and supplemented

to reflect current conditions and evolving park needs.

Treatment guidelines and recommendations developed in the CLR are grounded

in research, inventory, documentation, and analysis and evaluation of the

landscape characteristics and features that contribute to the site's historic

character. The methodology used in this report follows A Guide to Cultural

Landscape Reports: Recommendations are based on the findings of CLR

Volume 1 and on the work completed for the draft of Volume 2 in 1994. Additional research conducted for this volume includes documentation of

existing conditions, examination of historic photos, aerial photos, maps, and

primary documentation such as purchase ledgers kept by the Vanderbilt estate.
Introduction

SUMMARY OF PARK PLANNING

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site was designated in December 1940 by

Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes under the authority of the Historic Sites Act of 1935. The designation came after more than a year of effort by Ickes and

President Franklin D. Roosevelt to acquire the property on behalf of the National

Park Service. Roosevelt, whose own estate lay less than two miles south of the Vanderbilt property, expressed particular interest in seeing the Vanderbilt estate preserved as a historic site and used his considerable influence to usher the process along. From the beginning, management of Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site focused on the preservation of the buildings and grounds.

In a letter to Acting Regional Director H. K. Roberts in 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt expressed his belief that the property "should remain permanently

in its present condition," and provided recommendations for replacing historic

trees so as not to "lose the general character of the present plantings."4

A Master Plan was developed in 1941 to help guide the management of the new

park. The Master Plan consisted of a set of drawings of the estate and mansion

interiors that both serve as a record of existing conditions in 1940-1941 and

outlines direction for park management. The plan included photographs,

detailed tree mapping, and a tree replacement plan that coordinated the

replacement of thirty-three specimen trees over the next twenty-five years. The

majority of the Master Plan was concerned with management of existing resources rather than new development of the park. The most significant new

development proposed by the master plan was a large visitor parking lot in the same location as the current visitor parking lot, but of larger size.

The park's second Master Plan was completed in 1961 as part of the Service wide

Mission-66 initiative. While the first master plan focused on preservation of

existing resources and the accommodation of new park operations, the 1961 plan

had to address issues that the twenty intervening years had generated, including

correction of deferred maintenance issues, restoration or rehabilitation of

dilapidated structures, reinstatement of lost features, and adjustment of

management policies and resource use. The Master Plan describes the state of

need for intervention in park resources:

Even more of a threat to the long range perpetuation of the historic scene is the

fact that funds and personnel have not been sufficient to prevent the accumulation of a backlog of deferred maintenance items. During the period of World War II, and the Korean outbreak, with resulting cutbacks in funds for maintenance of the site, the Italian gardens were of necessity abandoned in order to concentrate the limited funds that were available on the preservation

and maintenance of even more vital aspects of the historic scene.

The formal gardens became overgrown with vines, brush and scrub. In a similar manner, during World War II, the National Park Service was forced to allow the

lovely lower meadows to grow up in brush and young trees. Time and great
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

storms have taken their toll of the ancient specimen trees, and funds have not been available for an orderly tree replacement program. Time is taking its toll of

fabrics and furnishings in Vanderbilt Mansion, with rehabilitation never quite

keeping pace with deterioration. The heart of the great estate, including all of

the major buildings, is in excellent condition but the backlog of deferred maintenance on gardens, garden structures, outlying areas, and furnishings is

large.

Recommendations in the 1961 Master Plan include the restoration of structurally

sound garden structures, which presumably included the greenhouses, and the

reinstatement of the planting beds in the formal gardens, that by this time were

planted with grass. A complete restoration of the formal gardens was not recommended due to the high level of maintenance involved. The tree replacement program directed by the plan is the same program outlined in the 1941 plan. As specimen trees neared the end of their lives, new trees were to be

planted near the original and allowed to mature before the original died or was

removed. Over time, this policy resulted in changes to the locations and

arrangements of the specimen trees on the Mansion grounds. 5

The most recent Master Plan was completed in 1976. The plan once again

reiterates the importance of the resources and laments the lack of resources to manage the park effectively, but its guidance on the landscape is general without

concrete specifics. The plan describes the overall philosophy for the

management of the landscape:

The estate was conceived as a managed landscape; accordingly, esthetic aspects

should be carefully maintained. These include selective topping and removal of

trees to maintain vistas; conscious balancing of open meadows, lawns, specimen

trees, and shrubs; removal of dead trees and brush; and cleaning of ponds and

waterfalls to preserve the delightful sound and sight of moving water.

No specific policy is given for the management or replacement of specimen trees. The plan suggests limited restoration of the formal gardens, which by this time were in poor condition:

Today the plants and the greenhouses are gone. Wood arbors have been

removed, and the gravel walks are covered with grass. The remaining brick walls and piers, statuary, urns, etc., need extensive repairs. The pools are empty.

The most notable deviation of the 1976 plan from the earlier Master Plans is the suggested interpretation date. The 1941 plan referred only to Vanderbilt's life at Hyde Park (1895-1938) as the focus of interpretation, while the 1961 plan

specifically indicated that the property should be preserved as it was at the time

of the National Park Service's acquisition of the property in 1940. The 1976 plan,

however, indicates that the target interpretive period should be 1900-1917,

representing the period during which the estate "was at the height of its grandeur."6
Introduction

The 1976 Master Plan has been the guiding document for management of

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site for the past three decades. Currently

a General Management Plan is being developed to coordinate the management of

the three parks under the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Site management unit: Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, The Home of

Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, and Eleanor Roosevelt National

Historic Site. The General Management Plan has identified three alternatives for

the management of the sites. The first alternative, called the No-Action

Alternative, includes efforts consistent with the preservation of the existing

resources. The second alternative, Action Alternative One, primarily involves the

restoration of the resources to historic uses and conditions, while the third

alternative, Action Alternative Two, includes recommendations consistent with

adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of the buildings and landscape. The draft General Management Plan indicates that Action Alternative Two is the preferred

alternative, and this treatment plan has been developed in accordance with that

preferred alternative. The General Management Plan is scheduled to be finalized

in the summer of 2009.

DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is situated along the bank of the

Hudson River in a long north-south parcel a quarter mile wide and over a mile

long (Drawing 6). The Mansion sits on the edge of a terrace 170 feet above the

river. The long terrace is characterized by open lawns, mature deciduous trees planted individually or in small informal groups, a complex of formal gardens,

serpentine drives, and neoclassically styled buildings (Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5). Below the terrace, the grounds slope down to the river with hillocks, ravines,

open meadows, and bands of woodland. The property is bounded on the

southeast by Crum Elbow Creek, a perennial creek that winds and tumbles

through a band of deciduous woodland down to the river. The creek is moderated by three dams that divide it into a series of small ponds and runs

(Figure 6).

The Vanderbilt property originally consisted of an approximately 500-acre

eastern portion where the farm and agricultural fields were developed and the 200-acre western portion where the estate and pleasure grounds were located

(Drawing 3). The two parts of the property were divided by Albany Post Road

(today Route 9). Although the boundaries of the property fluctuated to a degree

throughout the historic period, this pattern of land use and development was

perpetuated through the end of the Vanderbilts' ownership. The current historic

site comprises 2 1 1 acres of the estate grounds on the west side of Route 9; the

farm lands are not currently in federal ownership and are not within the site's
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

legislated boundary. This treatment plan addresses the 211-acre historic site as a whole.

SUMMARY OF SITE HISTORY

The CLR Volume 1 details the long history of Vanderbilt Mansion National

Historic Site, beginning with its original patent in the early 1700s through the

National Park Service ownership from 1940 to the present day. Volume 1

indicates that the property is significant not only for its association with the

Vanderbilts and Gilded Age estates, but for its long and continuous use as a country seat and for the design of its landscape, elements of which remain as designed by Andre Parmentier, an important American landscape designer and

practitioner of the French picturesque style of landscape design. The ownership

periods are summarized from the history in the CLR Volume 1 as follows:

DR. JOHN BARD, 1764-1799

When Dr. John Bard acquired the property in 1764, it included the land of the current estate grounds along the Hudson River bank on the west side of Albany

Post Road (today Route 9) in addition to a large area of land on the east side of

the road, a total of 3,600 acres.

7 Dr. Bard first developed the eastern portion of

the property, land well suited to agriculture. He built and lived in the Red House

just east of Albany Post Road and developed a farm, which included a barn and

other farm structures, a fruit orchard, and cultivated fields. Landings on the Hudson River were made at the south end of the property at Hyde Park Landing

or at the north end of the property at a large flat rock outcropping known as Bard

Rock. Bard Lane, a road built to access Bard Rock from Albany Post Road was

constructed during this period.

DR. SAMUEL BARD, 1799-1821

John Bard's son, Dr. Samuel Bard, inherited the Hyde Park property upon his

father's death in 1799. Unlike his father, the younger Dr. Bard was clearly

interested in the scenic value of the western portion of the land overlooking the

Hudson River. He built a grand house on the property's highest point at the

precipice of the terrace above the rolling fields and forests that descended to the

river. Illustrations from the period show Dr. Bard with his family on the grassy

terrace near the house peering through a telescope at the view of the river and its

activity of boats and steamships. In addition to the house, Dr. Bard built barns,

stables, and other outbuildings, a store at Bard Rock, and a system of roads

connecting the two river landings with the house and other structures. Dr. Bard

also kept gardens and greenhouses to support his pursuit of horticulture and the

collecting of rare and exotic plants, and he planted ornamental trees, vines,

shrubs, and grasses to beautify his estate grounds.
Introduction

Samuel Bard showed an interest in the discipline of landscape design early in his

father's ownership of Hyde Park. In letters that he wrote home to John Bard

while he was studying medicine in Edinburgh in 1764, Samuel excitedly implored

his father to consider aesthetic attributes when laying out his estate grounds.

Next, I think straight lines should be particularly avoided, except where they

serve to lead the eye to some distant and beautiful object - serpentine walks are much more agreeable. Another object deserving of attention seems to be, to place the most beautiful and striking objects, such as water, if possible, a handsome green-house, a grove of flowering shrubs, or a remarkably fine tree, in such situations, that from the house they may almost all be seen; but to a person

walking, they should be artfully concealed until he suddenly, and unexpectedly, comes upon them; so that by the surprise, the pleasure may be increased: and if possible, I would contrive them so that they should contrast each other, which

again greatly increases their beauty.

While it does not appear that John Bard took any of his son's suggestions to heart,

Samuel clearly demonstrated not only an interest in the aesthetics of the estate grounds, but also a somewhat sophisticated understanding of the principles of

landscape design as it was being practiced in Europe at the time. Historical

documentation is insufficient to give us a complete picture of the estate grounds

during Samuel Bard's ownership; however this interest in the composition of the

landscape, together with his documented pursuit of ornamental plantings for his

estate, suggests that he followed, at least to some degree, the advice he gave his

father forty years prior. The letters also foreshadow the practice that would be

followed throughout the site's history of carefully and artfully composing the

landscape to appear natural (Figure 7).

DR. DAVID HOSACK, 1828-1835

David Hosack purchased Hyde Park from the heirs of his friend and colleague,

Samuel Bard, in 1828. Like Bard, Hosack showed an enthusiasm for horticulture,

having established in 1 801 the Elgin Botanical Garden, the first public botanical

garden in the country. After enlarging and rebuilding Samuel Bard's house and

adding gate lodges, a pavilion, stables, gardens, and greenhouses, Hosack turned

his attention to the estate grounds, soliciting the help of landscape designer and

nurseryman Andre Parmentier.

Parmentier, an immigrant from Belgium, had been operating a nursery in Brooklyn since 1 824. He specialized in country seats, designing estate landscapes

in the fashion of European country estates. Parmentier espoused the principles

of picturesque landscape design, in which elements of the landscape are arranged

according to compositional rules borrowed from landscape painting to give the impression of a natural landscape vista. In picturesque landscape design,

naturalistic forms and arrangements are preferred over geometric or formal

arrangements. Parmentier followed these tenets when laying out the grounds at Hyde Park. The main drive from Albany Post Road to the house was realigned to
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

curve gently through the pastoral landscape and approach the Mansion

obliquely. Other drives followed geographical features, like Crum Elbow Creek

and the ridge line at the top of the bluff. Parmentier also favored the placement

of classically inspired landscape ornamentation in the form of pavilions and

sculptures. A number of these ornamental structures were placed throughout the

estate grounds, including two rotunda pavilions. As a testament to the skill with

which Parmentier composed the landscape at Hyde Park in the style of

picturesque landscape design, drawings of the property made shortly after Dr. Hosack's death bear remarkable similarity to landscape paintings done during the same period, often intended to represent an idealized natural or pastoral

landscape (Figures 8 and 9).

WALTER AMD DOROTHEA LAMCDOM AMD WALTER LAMCDOM, JR., 1840-

1895

After Dr. Hosack's death, the property was purchased from his heirs by John

Jacob Astor, who then gave it to his daughter and son-in-law, Dorothea and

Walter Langdon, in 1840. The northern portion of the estate grounds, later known as the Sexton tract, was retained by Magdelena Hosack and then sold

separately to a series of owners before being reunited with the rest of the

property by Frederick Vanderbilt in 1905. Many of the changes to the overall

layout of the grounds were done in the early years of the Langdons' ownership to accommodate this change in boundary. These changes included a new north gate

and gatehouse and the realignment of the entry road to the north gate. The

Langdons also built a new mansion after the Hosack mansion burned in 1845. The new house was built in the same site as the previous house.

Walter Langdon died in 1847, leaving Hyde Park to his many children. Over the next five years, Walter Langdon, Jr. bought the interest from his siblings so that by 1852 he was the sole owner. He also purchased other land that had been

separated from the estate, including Crum Elbow Creek and the farm property on

the east side of Albany Post Road. Walter Langdon, Jr.'s most significant

contribution to the estate was the construction of new formal gardens and

greenhouses (Figure 10). The complex consisted of two cottages (a Gardener's

Cottage and a Tool House) connected by a greenhouse, a conservatory, and

enclosing walls. These architectural elements enclosed a series of six rectangular

terraces that stepped down the hill, each containing a formal garden of geometric

beds. Elements of these gardens, including the Tool House and Gardener's

Cottage, brick walls, and the terracing, remain today.

Apart from the reorganization of the northern portion of the property to accommodate the new gate location and the construction of the new gardens,

there is little evidence that the Langdons effected any substantial changes to the

landscape during their 55-year residency. As the landscape matured it appears

that the Langdons took a less rigorous approach to its maintenance and up-keep.
INTRODUCTION

In 1849, Andrew Jackson Downing wrote that "since the death of Dr. Hosack, the

place has lost something of the high keeping which it formerly evinced,"

9 and by

the time the Vanderbilts bought it, a Poughkeepsie newspaper described the

place as "somewhat neglected and run down." 10 Yet despite this decline in the

overall level of maintenance, descriptions of the property by landscape architect

Charles Eliot in 1890 concur with descriptions by Thomas Wharton nearly 60

years earlier in presenting a highly scenic landscape that skillfully blended the

natural and designed elements.

FREDERICK W. AMD LOUISE VANDERBILT, 1895-1938

The Vanderbilts purchased the estate and farm from Langdon's heirs in 1895 and

immediately began updating the property with new buildings. The Langdon

house was demolished and a new mansion was built in its place (Figure 11). Other new buildings include a guest house called the Pavilion, the Coach House,

two gatehouses, a perimeter wall and gates, and a pump and power house on Crum Elbow Creek. Structures associated with the creek that were constructed

in the early years of the Vanderbilts' ownership include the White Bridge (Figure

12), the Coach House Bridge, and four dams that created a series of ponds. This

flurry of construction was completed by 1899. After the Vanderbilts acquired the

Sexton track in 1905, they proceeded to remove the majority of the structures on

it and rework the circulation system to reflect the larger property boundaries.

This included the removal of the Langdons' north gate and exit road and the

construction of a new north gate.

Frederick Vanderbilt planted numerous trees over the course of his residency.

These included specimen trees throughout the property, an allee of sugar maples

along the entry drive, and a white pine buffer along Albany Post Road. The

overall layout and character of the estate grounds, however, appears to have been

largely retained. The Vanderbilts also employed a series of landscape architects

to redesign the formal gardens constructed by Walter Langdon, Jr. in 1 875. Early

changes to the gardens included the replacement of the greenhouses with three new greenhouse structures: the Carnation House between the existing Tool

House and Gardener's Cottage, the Rose House, and a pair of Palm Houses. The

gardens were also redesigned and extended eastward, with major redesigns of the two eastern-most terraces designed by James L. Greenleaf and the addition of the

rose garden designed by Thomas Meehan and Sons and Robert B. Cridland.

New structures in the gardens included walks, walls, arbors, pavilions, pools, and

fountains (Figure 13). Changes to the gardens were carried out over several years from 1905 to about 1932, when the Italian garden designed by Greenleaf, with its dense plantings of evergreen shrubs and hedges, was redesigned by Cridland as a flowering cherry allee with perennial border beds (Figure 14).

After Louise Vanderbilt died in 1926, Frederick Vanderbilt is said to have spent more time at Hyde Park and probably gave even closer attention to the
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

management of the landscape. A tree survey of the property completed in 1941

indicated a significant number of young trees, less than 13 inches in diameter,

that were likely planted during the last twenty years of Frederick Vanderbilt's

ownership. Plant purchases for the gardens documented in the estate's purchase

ledgers during the 1 920s and 1 930s also indicate a continued interest in the upkeep of the estate grounds. Cridland's redesign of the Italian garden

mentioned above was also undertaken during this period. When Frederick

Vanderbilt died in 1938, he left his estate to his niece Mrs. James Van Alen, who

gave it to the National Park Service in 1940.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, 1940-PRESEMT

The National Park Service acquired the 21 1-acre estate property west of Albany

Post Road as a National Historic Site in 1940. The farm property east of the road was not included in the acquisition and continued to be held in private

ownership. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a friend and neighbor of Frederick

Vanderbilt, was instrumental in securing the estate as a National Historic Site,

offering his strong endorsement and guiding the process through the legislature.

Shortly after acquisition, the National Park Service conducted a thorough site

inventory, including a detailed tree inventory, and developed a master plan for

the park, although no substantial changes to the organization or character of the

landscape were carried out. Two small parking lots, at the Coach House and at Bard Rock, and a larger parking lot on the terrace north of the Mansion were added for visitor use, and over the years the greenhouses, boat house, and tennis court were all removed.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANCE

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is significant at the national level under National Register of Historic Places criterion A, association with a historic event or pattern of events, for its association with the Gilded Age of American

wealth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Country estates such

as the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site were the product of the

economic, social, and cultural developments resulting from American

industrialization following the Civil War. The site is also nationally significant

under criterion C, distinctive design, as a rare example of early picturesque

landscape design in America and for exhibiting the distinctive characteristics of

Country Place Era landscapes. The period of significance spans the years from

1828, when then-owner David Hosack and landscape designer Andre Parmentier

began developing the site layout, to 1 938, when Frederick Vanderbilt died. While

the history of the development of the site dates at least to 1797, extant design

characteristics such as the circulation system, location of the main house, and

overall landscape character were established with the Hosack-Parmentier design

10
Introduction

beginning in 1828. Characteristics of the earlier designs do not appear to have

survived with sufficient integrity to be included in the period of significance. The

period of significance end date of 1938 marks the end of the site's association

with Frederick Vanderbilt and the beginning of the transition to the National

Park Service.

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site was automatically placed on the

National Register of Historic Places in 1966 by virtue of its status as a National

Historic Site. At the time the park was created in 1940, its significance was

specifically tied to the Vanderbilts and their residency. Additional research and

analysis since then, however, has indicated that the site is also significant for its

design, elements of which date to the early nineteenth century. Since 1797, four

families have owned the estate, each adding a layer of design that retained

elements of previous designs. Principles of the Romantic era of the late

eighteenth century and picturesque landscape design that became popular in this country in the early nineteenth century are evident in the siting of buildings,

selection of prominent views, the layout of the drives and paths, and the

arrangement of the trees and other vegetation throughout the grounds.

PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is significant under criterion C as a

leading example of early picturesque landscape design as it was practiced in this country in the early nineteenth century is the only known landscape in America

designed by Andre Parmentier ( 1 780- 1 830) to survive. As such, the landscape

embodies the distinctive characteristics and principles that guided much of

American landscape design in the nineteenth century and that continue to

influence both residential and public landscape design today.

Early development at Hyde Park was strongly influenced by perceptions of

nature rooted in the ideals of the Romantic movement of the late eighteenth and

early nineteenth centuries. Prior to this, nature was viewed as either savage and

dangerous wilderness or as raw resources to be utilized and exploited. During

the Romantic period, however, nature was often viewed as the unspoiled ideal,

and proximity to nature, especially to visually dramatic scenes such as mountains

and rivers, was considered proximity to God. Designed landscapes of the time

both incorporated and emulated the natural features within and beyond their

borders. Distant views were prized, and the built aspects of the landscape were

laid out to showcase these views. Naturalistic forms were favored over geometric

forms; paths and roads tended to follow organic curves, and trees and shrubs were planted in informal groupings.

This deference to natural forms was refined further in the nineteenth century by

incorporating compositional rules borrowed from landscape painters.

Picturesque landscape painters often took liberties with the landscape before

11
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

them, rearranging the elements to create a more balanced and aesthetically

appealing composition. Landscape painting in the picturesque style was

characterized by distinct foreground, middle ground, and background elements.

Landscape forms that were favored include mountains, rivers, broken forest, and

open fields, with large, mature trees often featured in the foreground. Structures such as pavilions and bridges, often inspired by classical architecture, were

typically placed in the middle ground, occupying high knolls or tucked near the

edges of the forest. The goal was to depict an ideal nature, one that exhibited

equal parts balance and grandeur. Picturesque landscape designers applied these

compositional principles to the landscape, arranging the features on the land as if they were the subject of a painting, with emphasis on views and aesthetic

composition.

The principles of picturesque landscape design were first developed at the grand

country estates in England in the eighteenth century. By the late 1820s, the style

had come to the United States, strongly influencing the design of private estates,

public parks, and institutional campuses through much of the nineteenth century.

One of the earliest practitioners of picturesque design principles was Andre

Parmentier. Andrew Jackson Downing, one of the principal landscape designers

and scholars of the mid-nineteenth century, wrote in 1841, "The only

practitioner of [landscape gardening], of any note, was the late M. Parmentier of

Brooklyn, Long Island."

'

' Downing elaborated:

M. Andre Parmentier was the brother of that celebrated horticulturist, the Chevalier Parmentier, Mayor of Enghein, Holland. He emigrated to this country

about the year 1824, and in the Horticultural Nurseries which he established at Brooklyn, he gave a specimen of the natural style of laying out ground, combined

with a scientific arrangement of plants, which excited public curiosity, and

contributed not a little to the dissemination of a taste for the natural mode of landscape gardening.

. . .In short, we consider M. Parmentier's labors and examples as having effected,

directly, far more for landscape gardening in America, than those of any other

individual whatever. 12

The full extent of Parmentier's contribution to the design of Hyde Park is unknown, but it is almost certain that he is responsible for the layout of the

drives, the locations of the main buildings, and the arrangement of the major

vegetation. Although none of the structures from the Hosack period survive and

it is unknown whether any of the specimen trees date to the Parmentier design,

the estate drives and overall layout of the grounds largely reflects Parmentier's

layout of Hyde Park.

Consistent with the principles of picturesque landscape design, the layout of

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site as established by Parmentier reflects a conscious coordination of the designed elements and the natural features. The

location of major structures, such as the main house and the drives, respond to topography, views, and the water features. Views from the areas around the

12
Introduction

Mansion feature open grassy areas with mature specimen trees in the foreground,

rolling meadows and bands of woodland in the middle ground, and the Hudson

River and mountains in the background. Trees near the Mansion and main drive

areas are either solitary or in small informal groups, arranged to frame and filter

longer views. Roads and paths curve gently with the contours of the land and

wind through small stands of trees. Arrangement of the buildings and other

features is informal, relating to natural features such as slope, vegetation, or the

creek. The effect is of an idealized pastoral landscape with balanced visual composition and an emphasis on sequential experience.

COUNTRY PLACE ERA LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is also significant under criterion C as an example of Country Place Era landscape design as it was practiced in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. When Frederick Vanderbilt purchased

the Hyde Park estate in 1895, he began updating the property to reflect his needs

and tastes. While honoring the overall layout of the property and retaining the main circulation system, Vanderbilt replaced nearly every structure on the

property and added a number of new buildings, drives, bridges, and dams. The

arrangement and style of these changes were characteristic of the period of

residential landscape design called the Country Place Era.

The Country Place Era in American landscape design refers the period of design

practice between 1880 and 1929 when the profession of landscape architecture was preoccupied with residential design commissions for the wealthy. The

period spanned stylistic sub-periods, trends, and labels including Romantic,

Victorian, Neoclassical, and Beaux-arts. Consistent throughout the period,

however, were a number of principles that reflected the fashions and desires of an affluent class of clientele, including privacy, grandeur, neoclassical elements,

and an integration of architecture and landscape.

The philosophy that guided country estate landscape design during the Country

Place Era was summarized in the 1917 publication An Introduction to the Study of

Landscape Design, a volume that served as the primary design textbook at Harvard University through the 1940s. As was typical of the period, the design

philosophy was defined in terms of the desires of the wealthy owners:

Each man will wish, first of all, a proper and convenient house in scale with the

life which he expects to lead. He will also wish to own a piece of land which,

together with the house, satisfies his sense of possession and plainly expresses his ownership. Usually a part of that expression will be some sense of boundary

between what he owns and the neighboring properties. He will want a place for

hospitality, for entertainment of his friends; and for himself and for his friends he

will want a variety of interesting things to look at, and a number of interesting

things which can be done. Further, he will wish to enjoy the expanse of free spaces, he will be glad to have a piece of property from which a distant view is obtained. 1

13
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Vanderbilt employed some of the most prominent designers of the time to create

his country estate, including the firm of McKim, Mead, and White for the design

of the Mansion and landscape architects James L. Greenleaf, Thomas Meehan

and Sons, and Robert B. Cridland. These designers were strongly associated with

the Country Place Era, working on numerous commissions for large country

estates. The landscape as it was managed by Vanderbilt exhibited the

characteristics typical of estates during the Country Place Era, including a

naturalistic arrangement of elements, prominence and grandeur of the house,

neoclassical styling of the architecture, and distinct sense of privacy.

THE GILDED ACE

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is significant under criterion A as a preeminent example of a country estate from the Gilded Age of American wealth.

The Gilded Age refers to the period in America between Reconstruction and the

early twentieth century marked by extravagant displays of wealth and excess by

the country's upper class. The rapid industrialization of the country, population

expansion, and other social and economic factors lead to a dramatic polarization

of wealth. Industries such as steel, oil, and particularly railroads produced

families of immense new wealth, who, eager to project an appearance of an

established upper class, spent their money lavishly and conspicuously. Looking

to the old European estates, many built extravagant estates in the country with

large mansions, formal gardens, and extensive grounds.

The Vanderbilt family epitomized the patterns of the Gilded Age. A dynasty built by Cornelius Vanderbilt in the middle of the nineteenth century in the railroad

industry, the family amassed great wealth over three generations. Frederick

Vanderbilt, the grandson of Cornelius, inherited the railroad business and an enormous amount of money from his father, William Henry Vanderbilt.

Frederick bought Hyde Park in 1895, toward the end of the Gilded Age, and

proceeded to develop his grand estate.

Today, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site continues to reflect the

opulence, refinement, and grand ornamentation that characterized Frederick

Vanderbilt's estate. The buildings, designed by some of the most prominent

architects of the age, display the grand scale and classical style common in the

estates and mansions of the time. The buildings are set in the extensive grounds

with formal gardens, manicured parkland, and dramatic views. On the whole, the

estate presents a showcase for Vanderbilt's fortune and a significant example of

Gilded Age country estates.

14
Introduction

UPDATED ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

The existing conditions of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site were documented as part of Volume 1 of the CLR from 1990 to 1992. This work was

followed up by a Historic Plant Inventory in 1994 that documented the location

and species of the specimen trees and shrubs in the historic core of the property.

In the fourteen years that have lapsed since the conditions were recorded, the landscape has changed enough to warrant a summary and update of existing

conditions and a comparison to historic conditions.

The analysis and evaluation of the historic character of the landscape is accomplished by examining the characteristics and features that help convey the

site's integrity. Landscape characteristics are the tangible and intangible aspects

of the landscape, ranging from large-scale patterns to site details and materials,

that individually and collectively contribute to the site's historic character and aid

in the understanding of its significance. At Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic

Site, defining landscape characteristics include spatial organization, vegetation,

circulation, views and vistas, and buildings and structures.

Each landscape characteristic is evaluated by comparing existing conditions to

historic conditions to determine the extent to which the characteristic helps

convey the historic character of the property. For each characteristic, the

historic conditions of the landscape are described for the three primary periods

that comprise the period of significance: the Hosack Period from 1828 to 1835;

the Langdon Period from 1840 to 1894, covering the ownership of both Walter

Langdon, Sr. and Walter Langdon, Jr.; and the Vanderbilt Period from 1895 to

1938. The existing conditions describe the property as it was surveyed in 2008.

Finally, an evaluation is made of how intact the essential qualities of the landscape are based on conditions at the end of the period of significance, 1938,

and whether the landscape characteristic contributes to the significance of the

historic landscape.

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

Spatial organization is the three-dimensional arrangement of features and spaces

in the landscape. The arrangement of the buildings, structures, vegetation, and

circulation elements at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site follows the

principles and characteristics of picturesque landscape design and Country Place Era design. Buildings are sited in conspicuous places intended to take advantage

of the views and to make them visible throughout the property. Approaches are oblique and serpentine, following the topography and responding to vegetation.

Emphasis is on sequential experience, views, and connection to the landscape.

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is situated on the eastern bank of the Hudson River on a high terrace that slopes steeply down to the water. The

property is over a mile long north to south, but less than a half a mile wide at its

15
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

widest point, and is bordered by the river on the west and Route 9 on the east. Crum Elbow Creek flows across the southeast edge of the property, passing

through a series of dammed ponds before emptying into the Hudson River at the

southern point of the property. Built elements of the estate are organized in response to the natural features of the site, located primarily along the brink of

the terrace or along the creek.

Historic Conditions

Hosack Period: The overall spatial organization at Vanderbilt Mansion National

Historic Site was established in 1928 by then-owner David Hosack and designer

Andre Parmentier (Drawing 1). Parmentier retained some of the aspects of the

existing landscape, including the location of the main house, which was

remodeled from Samuel Bard's house. Around the main house, Parmentier

established a new system of curvilinear drives and paths that included a drive that wound along Crum Elbow Creek from Hyde Park Landing in the south, a new

main entrance from Albany Post Road (now Route 9), and a serpentine approach

road to the main house. The spatial sequence of the entrance drive was a defining

element of the Hosack/Parmentier landscape, descending the grade via a straight

section before crossing a bridge over the creek and ascending the opposite slope.

This section of the drive swept wide to the south before switching back to the

north and approaching the house at an angle. A greenhouse and ornamental

gardens were located just south of the main house, north of their current

location. Other structures added during Hosack's ownership included barns,

cottages, and other outbuildings, and ornamental structures such as pavilions and

large-scale urns, which were carefully located to compose aesthetically balanced

views from the main house, drives, and terrace edge.

Langdon Period: Walter Langdon, Sr. and his son Walter Langdon, Jr. retained

most of the site's organization as it existed when the elder Langdon acquired the

property in 1840 (Drawing 2). The northern third of the property, which was

separated from the rest of the property following Hosack's death, was developed

as a separate estate by a series of owners between 1842 and 1905. In response to

this, Walter Langdon, Sr. created a new exit at the new northern boundary of the

property. Langdon also relocated the gardens further south to their present

location, creating a walled garden on a series of terraces with elaborate

greenhouses.

Vanderbilt Period: When Frederick Vanderbilt purchased Hyde Park in 1895, he

proceeded to redevelop the estate to suit his needs. With the exception of the

formal gardens that were built by Walter Langdon, Jr. in 1875, Vanderbilt

removed all existing structures and replaced them with his own, while retaining

the overall organization of the estate (Drawings 3, 4 and 5). The new Mansion

was built in the same location as Hosack's and Langdon's houses were built. The

Pavilion was built on or near the location that had been occupied by a coach

16
IN I KOIM < I IO\

house since around 1829. Most of the drives were retained, including the main

entrance drive and the drive along Crum Elbow Creek. All three entrances were

also retained until 1905, when Vanderbilt acquired the northern portion of the property and relocated the northern entrance within it. Vanderbilt retained Bard

Lane along the northern property boundary but removed all other aspects of the

development from the Sexton Tract.

Existing Conditions

Today, the overall organization of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is

essentially unchanged since Vanderbilt's death in 1938 (Drawings 6 and 7). The

Mansion sits roughly in the center of the property on the edge of the terrace overlooking the river. The east facade of the Mansion faces onto a lawn

populated by large specimen trees and encircled by the entrance drive, or Great

Circle. Lawn also stretches to the south of the Mansion between it and the formal gardens. Like the East Lawn, the South Lawn also features large specimen

trees, including the enormous ginkgo tree. Five hundred feet north of the

Mansion is the Pavilion, also on the edge of the terrace. The Mansion and

Pavilion, together with the gardens, entrance drive, and great lawns, comprise the

historic core of the property.

The main entrance to the property is from Route 9 on the eastern edge. The semicircular Main Gate features a gatehouse and iron gates. The entrance drive

passes through the semi-circular gate, through an allee of sugar maples, and over

the White Bridge before winding up the hill toward the Great Circle. Just west of

the bridge, the road forks to the left and leads along Crum Elbow Creek toward

the Coach House and the southern end of the property.

Two entrances provide access to the property in the south. One is an informal entrance at the Coach House, which after passing the Coach House, crosses the

arched cobblestone bridge and connects to the drive along the creek. The other entrance is the South Entrance from Dock Street near the river, which like the Main Entrance, is formed by a semicircular alcove in the perimeter wall, and just

inside the gate is a gatehouse that matches the one at the main gate.

North of the Pavilion, the main drive passes along the edge of the terrace, providing views of the rolling meadows, woodlands, and river below. On the east

side of this road, a 140-car parking lot built by the National Park Service in the

1940s provides visitor parking. A large meadow, largely free of trees, spreads out

to the north of the parking lot. The main drive continues on to the north exit

gate, similar in design to the other two gates but without a gatehouse. Beyond the

North Gate, the drive curves toward the west becoming Bard Lane, which leads down to Bard Rock on the northern corner of the property.

17
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Evaluation

The existing spatial organization of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site represents a continuum of development from 1828 through 1938, simultaneously

reflecting the values that guided the early design of the property and the ways in which subsequent owners adapted the property to their needs. The spatial

organization conveys the principles of picturesque landscape design and

embodies many of the qualities that characterized Country Place Era design.

Spatial organization is a contributing characteristic of the Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site landscape and helps to convey the site's significance.

VEGETATION

Vegetation refers to the trees, shrubs, grasses, groundcover, and other plant

material, whether indigenous or introduced, as well as the larger patterns of

vegetation cover of the site. The vegetation at Vanderbilt Mansion National

Historic Site is a diverse mix of native and cultivated plants, including dense

woodlands, open meadows, lawns, specimen trees, and formal gardens. The

patterns of vegetation have remained remarkably stable throughout the history of

the site, defining its historic character and articulating the principles that guided

its design. Additionally, many of the individual trees can be dated to at least the

Vanderbilt period, and some may date as far back as the Hosack or Bard period.

Historic Conditions

Hosack Period: The larger patterns of vegetation at Vanderbilt Mansion National

Historic Site were in place when the property was first developed in the late

eighteenth century. The steep slopes between the river and the top of the terrace were covered by long north-south bands of deciduous woodlands interspersed

with large open meadows. The top of the terrace was mostly open, with lawn and

meadow punctuated with singular or small groupings of trees. The combined

effect of the varied vegetation with the rolling topography created a visual scene

of bucolic ideal, a quality strongly valued in picturesque landscape design and a

perfect starting point for laying out a country estate (Figure 15). Early

descriptions of the properly extolled the exquisite views and prominently

featured the vegetation as an asset of the estate. In 1830, Dr. Hosack's friend Dr. James Thacher described the vegetation of Hyde Park:

The forest trees which surround the domicile are identically the natives which are found in our forest; some of the oaks are a century in age, and all are large and so grouped and intermingled over the lawn as to present at every step the most

fantastic views that can attract the pencil of the artist.

14

Another visitor to Hosack's estate, Thomas K. Wharton, described in 1 832,

. . .the lawns, parterres, walks, and broad winding carriage drives are all kept in the highest order—and nothing can exceed the beauty of the forest groups and

clumps of ornamental trees and shrubs which are disposed with the utmost skill over the whole place. . . 15

78
Introduction

Vegetation was an integral aspect of Parmentier's design for Hyde Park. Parmentier would have utilized existing trees, many of which were planted by

Samuel Bard during his thirty years residency, as well as extensive plantings from

his own nursery in Brooklyn. Vegetation included ornamental trees and numerous shrubs carefully placed throughout the grounds to contrive specific

views and to produce varying sequential experiences.

In an essay he published in 1928, at roughly the same time he was designing the Hyde Park landscape, Parmentier articulated many of the principles he saw as

essential in creating a "modern" picturesque garden. In the essay, titled "Landscapes and Picturesque Gardens," he offers a number of suggestions for

the use of vegetation that give clues to how he may have used plantings at Hyde

Park. According to Parmentier, "the modern style presents to you a constant change of scene, perfectly in accordance with the desires of a man who loves, as he continues his walk, to have new objects laid open to his view." 16 He advocates

screening undesirable prospects and neighboring buildings while emphasizing

appealing distant views of neighboring lands in a way that suggests they are an

extension of the owner's property.

Parmentier favored serpentine drives, but insisted that the "winding should have

a reason—that is to say—some groups of trees should be so placed as to appear to be the cause of it."

17 Following this guidance, Parmentier would have placed

trees along the curves of the entrance drive and other drives in Hyde Park so that they would appear to wind their way through an existing landscape. Other

suggestions in the article include using trees of a deeper green near the house and

of thin and light foliage in the distance to enhance the perception of perspective,

emulating a similar technique used to suggest depth in a landscape painting, and

using ornamental fruit trees for their visual virtues as well as for production.

Hosack's estate also featured a greenhouse with an ornamental garden. As

founder of the Elgin Botanical Gardens in New York City, Hosack was an avid

horticulturalist. Thatcher described Hosack's greenhouses and listed magnolia,

bird of paradise, ficus, and a large collection of pines among their contents. He

also describes the surrounding gardens:

Contiguous to the greenhouse is an extensive ornamental garden, in which is arranged in fine style, a beautiful variety of trees, shrubs and flowers, among

which stands that glory of the forest, the magnolia glauca [sic], bearing large

white flowers, perfuming the atmosphere with a delightful fragrance.

Other descriptions of the ornamental gardens mention flower beds, lawn,

parterres, and shrubs.

19

It is unknown who designed the ornamental gardens around the greenhouses.

Hosack may have laid them out himself, or Parmentier may have included them

in his design for the larger estate, although he has expressed an unmistakable

disdain for parterres.

20

1?
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Langdon Period: While the development at Hyde Park during the Hosack

ownership period was brief and intense, the landscape development during the

nearly sixty years that the Langdons owned the property was more gradual. The

most significant change to the landscape was the aforementioned relocation and

redesign of the formal gardens by Walter Langdon, Jr. in 1875. Otherwise, the

existing vegetation was allowed to mature with no major changes (Figure 16). In

his later days, Walter Langdon, Jr. apparently allowed the condition of the

property to decline. One writer described the grounds in 1896: When Mr. Vanderbilt purchased it. . ., the place was somewhat neglected and run down. Mr. Vanderbilt found a beautiful park all grown up to underbrush. The

lawns were covered with the wild growth that nature puts forth under forest

»21 trees. .

.

Another reporter described the trees in more detail:

The brownstone staircase led to a fine lawn, beyond which was a grove of fir trees. On the east lawn there were also as on the river side some fine trees and all through the park could be seen English elms, maples, lindens, beeches and pines

with occasional tamarack, dogwood and rare specimens of South American and

Japanese trees.

Vanderbilt Period: Vanderbilt's initial flurry of development in the first years

after he bought Hyde Park focused on the construction of buildings, bridges, and

other major structures, but there is evidence that he also planted a considerable

number of new trees around the property. Property surveys in 1901 by Charles

A. Piatt and J. L. Burley show, in addition to large trees existing from the Hosack

and Langdon periods, small trees that were likely planted by Vanderbilt between

1895 and 1900. The arrangement of the new trees largely followed the patterns

established by Vanderbilt's predecessors, characterized by singular or groups of

trees over lawn. Over the rest of Vanderbilt's residency, he continued to add

trees incrementally to the estate in this fashion.

Like the previous owners of Hyde Park, Vanderbilt largely left the major patterns

of woodlands as they were when he acquired the property, with the significant

exception of planting stands of conifers in several places on the property. These

stands consisted of evenly spaced monocultures of white pine, hemlock, or

spruce. Vanderbilt may have simply planted these stands in an effort to establish

forest cover quickly and economically, but it is possible he planted some of these

trees as forays into the practice of forestry, intending to manage and harvest the

trees. Forestry was a young profession in America at that time, and a pursuit of its

practices would have been consistent with the image of a gentleman farmer. By

1938, conifer plantations grew near the main entrance drive, in a band along

Route 9, and in the northwest portion of the property along the river.

The long conifer stand that extended along Route 9 on the eastern boundary of

the property was intended as a screen to block views in and out of the property

and increase the sense of privacy of the estate. This screen was planted in three

20
Introduction

successive efforts separated by a number of years. The oldest, which is closest to

the road and extends from the Great Circle to about halfway to the northern

boundary, was installed around the time the perimeter wall was built in 1898. The second row was planted in 1906 when the Vanderbilts acquired the northern

portion of the property and extends along the west side of the first planting and

then along the highway to the northern property boundary. The third planting

consisted of hemlock trees planted around 1 937 in a double row along the west

side of the previous two groups. The effect was a tiered conifer screen with the

tallest trees along the road and the newer trees toward the property.

Existing Conditions

Although the vegetation at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site has

evolved since the historic period, the larger patterns that help define the site's

historic character are largely unchanged. Existing vegetation can be categorized

by type as woodlands, meadows, lawn, trees over lawn, shrubs, and ornamental

annuals and perennials.

Woodlands: Woodlands occur in long contiguous belts, primarily along the river bank, on the slopes below the terrace, and along the course of the creek (Figure

17). Woodlands include deciduous woodlands, dominated by oaks, maples, and

tulip trees and nearly free of conifers; planted conifer groves consisting of singleaged stands of white pine, hemlock, and spruce; and mixed woodland, located

primarily along the creek. The composition and character of the woodlands

appears to have changed little over the years, but the extent of the woodlands

have increased in recent years, with historical evidence indicating that woodlands

today cover considerably more of the grounds than they did during the historic

period. Aerial photos indicate that woodlands now cover ten to fifteen percent more area than they did in 1938.

Meadows: Meadow grasses and forbs cover nearly twenty-five percent of the

property, and together with woodlands comprises the wilder portions of the property that form a foil for the cultivated park-like areas (Figure 18). The

meadows, which occur in long bands on the slopes below the terrace, are

characterized by both native and exotic grass and forb species between two and

four feet tall. The meadow areas are mowed once or twice a year to maintain

their character, encourage native species, and suppress woody shrubs and trees.

Where the meadows occur on steep slopes, it is difficult or dangerous to mow

them effectively. In these places, woody vegetation has grown up, altering the meadow character. In many places this has impacted the views, especially below

the Mansion and Pavilion. In other places, such as below the formal gardens, the meadows have reverted back to dense woodland.

Lawn: Much of the property is covered by lawns maintained with turf grass mowed regularly to a couple of inches (Figure 19). Lawn areas are concentrated_
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

in the historic core around the Mansion and Pavilion and include the South

Lawn, the East Lawn within the Great Circle, and the North Lawn north of the

visitor parking lot. These lawns are an essential element of the landscape

character, creating an open park-like setting for the estate. In addition to the

large lawns, turf grass can be found throughout the historic core along roads,

around structures, and within the formal gardens.

Trees over lawn: Also referred to as specimen trees, large singular or small

clusters of trees planted over open lawn comprise a significant portion of the

property and are a major character defining vegetation type (Figures 20 and 21). Extant specimen trees date at least to the Vanderbilt period, and many likely date

to earlier periods. It has been speculated that some of the trees, such as the

ginkgo on the South Lawn, may date to the ownership period of Samuel Bard in

the early 1800s (Figure 22).

23

The locations, sizes, and species of trees in the historic core have been recorded

repeatedly over the years. In 1901, Charles Piatt completed a survey for Frederick Vanderbilt which included specimen tree locations and species. A

similar survey was conducted in 1940 as part of the master plan when the

National Park Service acquired the property, and in 1994, a detailed Historic

Plant Inventory was completed that recorded the location and size of specimen

trees and shrubs in the historic core.

The park has in place a methodical plan for the replacement in kind of aging and

failing specimen trees, involving the removal of the tree and the stump and the

replanting of a replacement tree of the same species in the same location. This

process has ensured continuity in the specimen tree composition of the historic

landscape, at least in the recent years in which it has been in place. Although the

replacement in kind of specimen trees has been a goal of the park since its

inception, there were periods when resources did not allow for a strict adherence

of this policy, and a number of trees indicated on the 1940 survey no longer exist.

Shrubs: Planted shrubs are scattered throughout the property and clustered

around the formal gardens, but are not currently abundant enough to represent a conspicuous component of the landscape. Most of the shrubs are broad-leaf

evergreens.

The Historic Plant Inventory for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site completed in 1994 recorded a number of shrubs just outside the garden on the west side alongside the path from the Mansion. It is unknown if these shrubs,

mostly mock orange, forsythia, and lilac, date from the Vanderbilt period or were

planted during National Park Service's tenure. Most of these shrubs have been

removed since the plant inventory was completed. More shrubs were recorded

outside of the western end of the garden. These were mostly mock orange and

privet (Ligustrum sp.). Some of these have been since removed and the remaining

22
Introduction

shrubs are covered in honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.), akebia, and grape vines, which

form large, indistinct mounds.

Other shrubs, including rhododendrons, are located throughout the property.

Clusters of rhododendrons are growing along the drive along Crum Elbow

Creek and near the South Gatehouse. Large rhododendrons grow as foundation

plantings in front of the South Gatehouse.

Ornamental Annuals and Perennials: The vegetation at Vanderbilt Mansion

relied largely on lawns and specimen trees and the natural features, with little

seasonal ornamental vegetation. The exception was in the formal gardens, where

beds were filled with a large variety of annuals and perennials. Today these beds

are maintained by the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association and are planted with new plants each year. The plantings follow the larger patterns

established by Vanderbilt's gardeners, with annuals on the top two garden

terraces planted in single color, uniform geometric beds (Figure 23), perennials in

the next two terraces in mixed variety and color (Figure 24), and roses in the

lower terrace. The varieties planted today are based in part on historical documentation and on the recollections of one of Vanderbilt's gardeners, Alex

Knauss, who in the 1960s drew maps of the planting beds as he remembered

them. The available historical record was incomplete, however, and numerous

substitutions have been made, so that the planting plans today represent a mix of

historic and non-historic plants. The plants that are planted each year, as well as

the condition and overall effect of the plantings, vary due to weather, plant

sources, and available resources.

In addition to the annuals and perennials in the planting beds, the gardens

contain a number of vines, including honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and grape, that

are trained over the arbors and pavilions. These vines are consistent with the use of vines in Vanderbilt's garden, but even with routine pruning these vines grow

lushly in the summer, eventually growing beyond their historic scale and

obscuring the structures beneath them.

Evaluation

The overall patterns of vegetation that characterized the Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site landscape during the historic period are largely intact

today. These include the bands of woodlands and meadows below the Mansion

terrace, the woodlands along the creek, the broad lawns with specimen trees, and

the ornamental plantings in the formal gardens. Although there have been

changes to the elements of these patterns, the vegetation still strongly conveys the

historical significance of the site.

23
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

CIRCULATION

The circulation system of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site evolved over the years, with each successive owner retaining portions of the previous

system while changing it to suit their needs and the prevailing style.

Historic Conditions

Hosack Period: Much of the basic structure of the circulation system was

designed by Andre Parmentier in 1828. Parmentier believed that forms in the landscape should mimic nature, and that straight lines and geometric forms

should be avoided. Accordingly, he laid out the Hosack estate with serpentine

drives that wove their way over the topography and through the vegetation. This

principle was exemplified by the Entrance Drive that, after crossing Crum Elbow

Creek, climbed the hill toward the main house in a sweeping switchback that approached the house obliquely. The drive crossed the open terrace past the

Mansion before curving back toward Albany Post Road to exit the property. A

second drive extended from the Hudson River landing at the south end of the property to the Entrance Drive, following Crum Elbow Creek. Together, these

drives provided the primary experience of the estate landscape, showcasing the

unique natural features and views.

Bard Lane survived from Samuel Bard's residency (and possibly from John Bard's

residency in the late 1700s). This drive extended from Albany Post Road along

the north boundary of the property to the river at Bard Rock.

In addition to the wider drives that could accommodate wagons and carriages were a number of footpaths. One extended along the edge of the terrace from

Crum Elbow Creek in the south, past the Mansion, to a point near Bard Lane. A

second path descended from the terrace rim over the sloped meadows to Bard

Rock.

Langdon Period: As with the spatial organization of the estate, the primary

change to the circulation during the period that the Langdons owned Hyde Park was the change in the north exit to accommodate the new northern boundary.

The majority of the rest of the circulation system otherwise appears to have been

unchanged during the Langdon period.

Vanderbilt Period: Vanderbilt altered the circulation system to suite his needs

and tastes, but retained much of the original system as it was laid out by

Parmentier. The Entrance Drive from Albany Post Road to the Mansion, as well

as the drive along Crum Elbow Creek, were retained. In the early years of his ownership, Vanderbilt constructed a new South Gate and a new drive through

the lower woodlands along the river. When the Sexton Tract was reunited with

the rest of the property in 1906, the Lower Woodland Drive was extended to Bard Rock and the North Gate was moved back toward the northern end of the property. The exit drive was realigned to follow the edge of the terrace toward —
IN I KOIHJC I ION

the North Gate, once again providing sweeping views of the river. In 1910, the

drive that passed in front of the Mansion was realigned to the east, forming the Great Circle.

The surface of the drives during Vanderbilt's ownership was gravel or crushed

stone. Many of the drives, including the Entrance Drive and South Drive,

featured integrated concrete curbs and gutters. Other drives, including the Great

Circle, were lined with cast stone curbs without gutters. Footpaths were also

likely surfaced with gravel or crushed stone.

Existing Conditions

Vehicular Circulation: Today, vehicular circulation within Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site is accommodated by a system of paved drives, entrance

gates, and parking lots. The main entrance is through the gate on the eastern boundary of the property off Route 9. From there, the entrance drive descends

along a straight segment through an allee of sugar maples to the creek, which it

crosses via the White Bridge. From there, the drive splits, with the main

circulation route leading through a wide serpentine arc up the terrace to the Great Circle and the Mansion.

The Great Circle, the roughly circular main drive in front of the Mansion, was

created in 1910 when the existing drive was redesigned to provide a more formal

entry. Today, vehicular circulation from the Main Gate is routed along the

eastern half of the Great Circle, with the western half blocked by moveable

barricades. From the Great Circle, the drive continues north past the visitor parking lot toward the North Gate and Bard Rock. A one-way drive also leads from the two southern entrances (the South Gate and the Coach House entrance)

northward along the creek, connecting to the main drive at the western end of

the White Bridge.

During the Vanderbilt period, the roads were surfaced with crushed stone with concrete curb and gutter combinations or cast stone curbs styled to resemble cut blue stone. Today, paved drives throughout the property are surfaced with a dark gray or black asphalt of a uniform texture and color. The drives are typically

12 feet wide and edged with either concrete curb and gutter combinations, cast stone curbs, or turf shoulders. All of the curbing in the park was recently rebuilt using historically documented materials and design.

Pedestrian Circulation: Pedestrian circulation is accommodated primarily with

gravel foot paths. These include paths that lead from the Pavilion to the Mansion

and from the Mansion past the formal gardens to the South Drive between the South Gate and Coach House entrance. The alignment of the latter, which

follows the edge of the terrace, is the same as it was during the Vanderbilt period

and likely dates back to the earliest development of the property. Paths between

25
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

the formal gardens and the Pavilion have changed alignment in places, but follow

the basic route that they did in the Vanderbilt period.

Two additional footpaths from the Vanderbilt period remain today. One leads from the White Bridge to the Great Circle, basically short-cutting the large arc

that the vehicular drive makes. This path appears to be part of the Parmentier

circulation plan. The path is about four feet wide and surfaced in places with

gravel and other places either with larger stone aggregate or earth. The path is

rutted and eroding, and weeds are growing in the trail matrix. The second path

leads from the northeast corner of the formal gardens to the drive along the

creek, and is of similar character and condition. Neither of these paths has been

maintained to the level that those around the Mansion and formal gardens have,

and they are showing signs of erosion, destabilization, and encroachment of

weeds and turf.

A footpath leads through the forest along the south side of Crum Elbow Creek

from the White Bridge to the Coach House. This path, which appears to date

from the Vanderbilt period, has also been subject to some neglect, and it is washed out and hard to follow in places. In one segment just below the Power

House, the path passes along the steep bank of the creek on a causeway of large

flat flagstones. Many of the stones have collapsed or have been washed away,

making passage along this section difficult. Most of the stones are still present in

the creek bed nearby.

A forest drive that extends from the South Gate northward to Bard Rock was

built by the Vanderbilts in the early twentieth century. Today this drive is closed

to vehicular traffic and functions as a walking trail. The trail is the width of a

single-lane road and thus wider than the footpaths elsewhere in the property. It

is surfaced in dirt and gravel and passes over a number of masonry culverts as it winds along the river bank.

Beyond these pedestrian routes, there is little accommodation for pedestrian

circulation within Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. A short section of concrete sidewalk adjoins the western edge of the visitor parking lot. Pedestrians

traveling elsewhere in the property tend to follow the paved vehicular drives or

their grass shoulders.

Evaluation

The primary change to the circulation since the end of the historic period has

been the surface material, a change from gravel to asphalt necessary to accommodate visitor traffic. Other changes, including the construction of

parking lots and new footpaths, were also done for visitor service. No major

circulation feature present in 1 938 has since disappeared, resulting in a historic

circulation system that is intact today. Furthermore, because earlier circulation

features, particularly those designed by Andre Parmentier, were incorporated —
Introduction

into subsequent estate layouts, the existing circulation system still conveys those

earlier designs. The circulation system at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic

Site contributes to the historical significance of the site.

VIEWS AMD VISTAS

Views are an essential character defining element of Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site. Views of the river and the mountains beyond from the

areas around the Mansion were a primary asset both of the location and the

design of the estate landscape. Drawings, photographs, and descriptions of the

property throughout the historic period prominently feature the dramatic views.

Today, while reduced in places, views continue to characterize the historic

landscape.

Historic Conditions

All Periods: Views to the west from the Mansion were of primary importance

during all of the historic periods. These views conformed to idealized standards

valued by picturesque landscape designers (and the landscape painters they

looked to for inspiration). Such views typically had a foreground, middle ground,

and background and contained a varied landscape of natural features such as

rivers and mountains, forests, meadows or agricultural fields, and large mature

trees. The views from the Mansion offered these characteristics with the

Hudson River and Catskill Mountains in the background, a rolling landscape of

woodlands and meadows in the middle ground, and large specimen trees and

lawn in the foreground.

Samuel Bard was the first to locate his house in 1797 in the place that the Vanderbilt Mansion now occupies. The house was sited at the highest point in

the property immediately on the verge of the steep terrace slope. To the west, the

bands of forest and meadow spread out below the house over an undulating

terrain, beyond which was the broad Hudson River, and in the distance, the

Catskill Mountains. These elements composed an ideal picture of a country

landscape that was so desired by the successive owners of Hyde Park. After

Samuel Bard, David Hosack, Walter Langdon, Sr., and Frederick Vanderbilt all chose the same location for their respective mansions.

Descriptions and drawings from all of the historic ownership periods indicate

that the slope immediately below the house was clear of tall vegetation, providing

unimpeded views from the house and the lawn areas around it. A few large trees were located along the terrace edge to frame views. The primary views were to the southwest along the river and to the northwest, where a small island and a undulation of the eastern bank of the river provided interest to the middle

ground, while the far bank and a series of distant mountains established a background that receded into the distance. Three drawings of this view done

from the same vantage point, one from the Bard period, one from the Hosack —
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

period, and one from the Langdon period, show the view to the northwest to be

essentially unchanged during that time. Furthermore, aerial photographs from

1942 suggest that the view was the same at that time as well.

Other views throughout the property were mentioned in descriptions by Hyde

Park visitors and depicted in drawings. These include views from the ridge that climbs from the southern end of the property up to the house on the terrace, views from the drive that extended from the Mansion northward to the north

exit gate, views from Bard Rock, and shorter views within the property of

features like Crum Elbow Creek, the White Bridge, ponds, lawns, and the

Mansion. While these views did not typically have the prominence of the views

from the Mansion, they nonetheless were essential characteristics of the estate

landscape.

Existing Conditions

The quality and content of the views today are similar overall to those of the

historic period. The primary views continue to be those from the Mansion, from

the Pavilion, and from the overlook drive north of the Pavilion. The patterns of

forest bands and open meadow still characterize the land below the terrace, and

limited development along the opposite river bank has resulted in historically

intact views. Some changes in vegetation, however, have altered historic views to

a degree.

Views today are reduced from historic conditions, primarily by the growth of

trees and brush on the slopes immediately below the terrace edge and the expansion of forested areas along the river. A number of conifers are growing on

the slope between the Mansion and the Pavilion restricting or obscuring views

altogether. Tree-of-heaven and other woody brush has also grown up in thick

obscuring thickets on the slope. Periodic attempts to control the tree-of-heaven

have restored the view for a time, but eventually the trees grow in again and once

again block the view. The band of woodland on the slope below the formal

gardens has also expanded to obscure westward views from the footpath that

passes there, significantly altering the character.

Evaluation

Despite reduction or loss of some of the historic views at Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site, the majority of the historic views are still intact. The views

of the river and mountains from the edge of the Mansion terrace still convey the sense of awe that first drew people to this site. The composition of the views,

with foreground, middle ground, and background, continue to convey the picturesque principles that guided the early development of the estate. Furthermore, lost or compromised views can be recaptured through clearing of

vegetation to restore historic conditions. The views at Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site contribute to the historic character of the landscape.

"28
I\ I Kohl ( I lo\

BUILDINGS AMD STRUCTURES

Through each of the ownership periods at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic

Site the buildings and structures, showcased as the jewels of the property worthy

of their setting, reflected the scale and style favored by the country's upper class through the early twentieth century. The focal point of each iteration of the

estate was the main house, a classically styled mansion built on the highest and

most prominent point of the property. The main house was supplemented by

guest houses, coach houses, and other buildings, bridges, greenhouses and other

garden structures, and ornamental structures located throughout the landscape.

Historic Conditions

Hosack Period: When David Hosack acquired Hyde Park in 1828, he set about

redesigning the estate in the style of an English country landscape with the help

of Andre Parmentier. Although the plan called for a substantial redesign of the

landscape with new roads, outbuildings, gardens, and greenhouses, Hosack

retained Samuel Bard's house, albeit significantly enlarged and remodeled. The

location of Bard's house, perched at the edge of the terrace overlooking the Hudson to the west and a broad level lawn to the east, could hardly be improved

upon, but Hosack added a large wing to each side of the house and a new facade. The house was symmetrical and classically proportioned, but somewhat simple in

its decoration. In addition to the mansion were a number of outbuildings,

including a coach house and stable, "built of stone in a chaste style of Grecian

simplicity," two gate lodges with projecting porticos with Greek Doric columns,

greenhouses, barns, and a gardener's cottage.

24

Consistent with the principles of picturesque landscape design, structures were

used in the landscape as decorative elements to evoke romanticized images of

ancient Greece and Rome. These structures included two round pavilions with

domed roofs and columns, ornamental bridges, and decorative elements such as

a grossly oversized urn atop a large pedestal on one of the knolls in the north

meadow between the mansion and Bard Rock.

Langdon Period: For five years after Walter Langdon, Sr. bought the property,

he and his wife lived in Hosack's house, until it burned in 1 845. The new house,

which Langdon built in the same location, was similar in scale and character to Hosack's house, but with a somewhat more classical style. Notable style changes

include a flat roof with a balustrade parapet and semi-circular porticos on the

north, south, and west facades.

Walter Langdon Sr. died only seven years after purchasing Hyde Park, about the time the new mansion was finished. Walter Langdon, Jr. owned the estate for more than forty years following his father's death, but considering this time span, made few substantial changes to the buildings and structures. Most of the documented changes during this time include changes to the farm property to the
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

east, as well as the addition of the gardens and greenhouses. It isn't known

exactly what became of the ornamental structures Hosack erected, including the

round pavilions and the decorative urn. These features are mentioned in

descriptions of Langdon's property early in his tenure, but are not mentioned in

detailed descriptions in 1 890, not long before Frederick Vanderbilt bought the

estate.

In 1874, Langdon employed the architecture firm of Sturgis and Brigham to design a formal garden complex. The complex consisted of two cottages (a gardeners cottage and a Tool House) connected by a greenhouse, a conservatory,

and enclosing walls. These architectural elements enclosed a series of six terraces

that stepped down the hill, each containing a formal garden of geometric beds.

Vanderbilt Period: After initially planning to remodel and expand the Langdon

house, the Vanderbilts decided the structure was not worth saving and opted

instead for a new house. The employed the firm of McKim, Mead and White to

design the new house as well as many of the other structures that were to be built over the next few years. The first building to be built was a guest house called the

Pavilion, which the Vanderbilts used as a residence while the Mansion was being

constructed. The Pavilion was completed in a mere three months in the fall of

1895. The construction of the Mansion commenced the following summer and

continued until its completion in 1899. McKim, Mead and White designed a number of other buildings for the estate during this time, including the two

Gatehouses, but they were not the exclusive architects for the Vanderbilt estate. The Coach House was designed by the New York architect Robert H. Roberts

and completed in 1897. The engineering firm of W.T. Hiscox designed and built many of the structures associated with Crum Elbow Creek including three dams,

the White Bridge, and the rustic fieldstone Power House. The other rustic

fieldstone structure, the Coach House Bridge, was apparently designed by the

construction firm Norcross Brothers, who built most of the structures at Hyde

Park. Another bridge was built in 1912 to carry Bard Lane over the New York

Central Railroad tracks to Bard Rock.

Vanderbilt employed a series of architects and landscape designers to redesign

the gardens that Walter Langdon, Jr. had built in 1875. The Tool House and the

Gardener's Cottage from Langdon's gardens were retained (although the

greenhouse between them was replaced), as was the potting shed, which was

originally part of one of Landon's greenhouses and was saved and incorporated

into a new greenhouse. Also retained were many of the perimeter walls and the

terraced structure of the gardens. To these were added new greenhouses, walls,

pergolas, pools, and garden pavilions.

Existing Conditions

Today, nine buildings remain from the Vanderbilt period: the Mansion, Pavilion,

Coach House, the two Gatehouses, the Power House, Gardener's Cottage, Tool —
Introduction

House, and Potting Shed. In addition to these buildings, numerous structures remain, including the White Bridge, Coach House Bridge (Rustic Bridge),

Railroad Bridge (Bard Rock Bridge), the subway, three formal gates and stone perimeter wall, an iron fence along the railroad tracks, creek dams, and garden

structures. The most notable losses to the structures at Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site are the three greenhouses, as well as the boat house at Bard

Rock, which were removed by the National Park Service.

The extant buildings of the Vanderbilt estate represent a variety of

complementary architectural styles. The mansion, the centerpiece of the estate and in the most prominent position, is grand and formal, representing classic Beaux-Arts design. Other structures, such as the Gatehouses, the gates, and the perimeter wall, exhibit similar formal and restrained style. The Pavilion is more

understated than the Mansion, both in scale and design, and demonstrates

somewhat more refined Palladian features. The Coach House contrasts these

structures with its more rustic Queen Anne styling, Roman brick walls, stucco,

and half-timber gables. More rustic still are the Coach House Bridge and the Power House, with their exposed fieldstone construction. These structures are tucked along the creek in the deep shade of the forest. Although all of these

structures differ stylistically from each other, all of the structures represent styles

that were popular in Country Place and estate design of the period, and each

building complements its immediate surroundings.

Evaluation

The buildings and structures at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site contribute to the historical significance of the site. The Mansion, Pavilion, Coach

House, bridges, and garden structures in particular are focal points and

organizational elements that strongly reflect the character of the historic period.

Most of these buildings and structures have been well maintained or recently

restored and are in good condition with few non-historic alterations. The loss of

the greenhouses negatively impacts the character and spatial organization of the gardens, but overall does not detract significantly from the integrity of the

landscape.

SUMMARY OF INTEGRITY

Integrity, as defined by the National Register program, is the ability of a property

to convey its historical identity during the period of significance. The Vanderbilt

Mansion property retains all seven aspects of integrity including location, design,

setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The site retains its

historical location, setting, and association with its former property owners,

strongly evoking the historic scene through its extant features, landscape

patterns, and views to the Hudson River. Alterations to the site have been made
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

since the end of the period of significance to accommodate park operations and

visitor services, including the removal of the garden greenhouses, remaining

buildings on the Sexton tract, addition of a visitor parking lot, and removal of

foundation plantings around the mansion. Despite these changes, the defining

features have been retained, thereby preserving the site's ability to convey its

significance. The majority of the buildings and structures at Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site reflect the design, materials, and workmanship of the period of Vanderbilt ownership from 1895 to 1938. These include the Mansion

(1899), the Pavilion (1895), the Coach House and a Power House (1897), two

gatehouses (1898), and two bridges and three dams (1897-1898). The basic

structure of the formal gardens and the two structures associated with the

gardens, the Tool House and the Gardener's Cottage, date from the Langdon

ownership in 1878. Redesigns of the gardens, including changes to the bed

layout, garden organization, and walls, steps, and other structures, were carried out during the Vanderbilt period. Finally, the primary elements of the circulation

system, the basic site layout, and the overall character of the landscape vegetation were established as far back as the 1828 Hosack-Parmentier design. The current landscape is a layered combination of materials from each period and conveys

the site's historic associations and feeling of an early American picturesque

landscape design and an impressive Country Place Era estate.

INTRODUCTION ENDNOTES

1 Order Designating the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde Park, N. Y.,

Dec. 18, 1940-5 F.R. 5282.

2 Patricia M. O'Donnell, Charles A. Birnbaum, and Cynthia Zaitzevsky, Cultural Landscape Reportfor Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Volume 1: Site History,

Existing Conditions, and Analysis (hereafter CLR Volume 1) (Boston: North Atlantic Region Cultural Landscape Program, National Park Service, 1992).

' Robert Page, Cathy Gilbert, and Susan Dolan, A Guide to Cultural Landscape

Reports: Contents, Processes and Techniques (Washington: National Park Service,

1998).

4 CLR Volume 1,187.

' "Master Plan for the Preservation and Use of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic

Site, Mission 66 Edition," United States Department of the Interior, National Park

Service.

' "Final Master Plan, January 1976, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, New

York," United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service. —
I\ I KODl ( I l()\

7 The property was originally patented in 1704 by Peter Fauconnier through a grant

from Sir Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury. Although Fauconnier doesn't appear to have

implemented any physical improvements to the land during his sixty-year ownership,

it is likely that it was he who named the estate Hyde Park in honor of Lord Cornbury,

a century before the nearby town of Stoutenburg was renamed Hyde Park in 1 8 1 2. The name Hyde Park would continue to be used to refer to this particular estate

property throughout its history.

8 Samuel Bard to John Bard from Edinburgh, April 1 1764, quoted in CLR Volume 1,

originally published in John McVickar, A Domestic Narrative of the Life of Samuel

Bard (New York 1822), 56-59.

A. J. Downing, A Treatise on the Theory and Practice ofLandscape Gardening (New

York: A. O. Moore & Co., 1859), quoted in CLR Volume 1.

Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier, July 19, 1896, p.2, quoted in CLR Volume 1,

originally quoted by Charles W Snell, "The Early History of 'Hyde Park' (Vanderbilt

Mansion National Historic Site), 1705 to 1894" (Typescript, 17 February 1955) 60.

1

' Downing, A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening, quoted in CLR Volume 1,291-292.

12 Ibid.

13 Henry Vincent Hubbard and Theodora Kimball, An Introduction to the Study of

Landscape Design (New York: Macmillan Press, 1917), 248.

James Thacher, "An Excursion on the Hudson - Letter II," New England Farmer,

Vol. IX, no. 20 (December 3, 1830), quoted in CLR Volume 1 , 37.

15 Thomas K. Wharton, Diary, Entries, July 1832, cited in CLR Volume 1, 46.

16 Andre Parmentier, "Landscape and Picturesque Gardens," The New American

Gardener, Nineteenth Edition (Boston: Otis, Broaders, & Company, 1847), 185.

17 Ibid.

18 Thacher, "An Excursion on the Hudson," quoted in CLR Volume 1 , 52.

19 Wharton, Diary, Entries, July 1832, cited in CLR Volume 1 , 52.

20 Parmentier, "Landscape and Picturesque Gardening," 185.

1 Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier, July 1 9, 1 896, quoted in CLR Volume 1 , 88.

* Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier, September 1 5, 1 895, quoted in CLR Volume 1 , 88.

23 CLR Volume 1.

24 James Thacher, "An Excursion on the Hudson - Letter II," New England Farmer,

Vol. IX, no. 20 (December 3, 1 830), quoted in CLR Volume 1,31.

33
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

34
Introduction

Figure 1. Map showing the location of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site as well as the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National

Historic Site and Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. The three national park units are managed together as a single administrative

unit, Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites. The Roosevelt Farm and Forest and the Top Cottage properties are part of the Home of

Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site (OCLP 2008).

35
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 2. Vanderbilt Mansion looking south (Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation (OCLP 2008).

Figure 3. View of the White Bridge looking northwest (OCLP 2008).

36
In i Km ii i iion

Figure 4. View of the lower perennial garden in the formal gardens looking north (OCLP 2008).

Figure 5. North Drive looking north (OCLP 2008).

37
Cultural Landscapf Rfport for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Sitf

Figure 6. Crum Elbow Creek looking north with the Power House dam visible upstream

(OCLP 2008).

38
Introduction

Figure 7. "Samuel Bard and His Family on the Terrace of Hyde Park, 1806.

Langstaff, Morristown, New Jersey. Reproduced in CLR Volume 1).

Drawing by John R. Murray. (Courtesy of Mr. Brett E.

Figure 8. Thomas Cole, The Course of Empire: Pastoral. Typical of the Hudson School of picturesque landscape paintings, Thomas

Cole's The Course of Empire: Pastoral presents an idealized nature as utilized by humans, characterized by rolling terrain, open meadows, large, mature trees, and a foreground, middle ground, and background (Image in public domain).

39
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 9. A drawing of the Hyde Park estate by Thomas K. Wharton during the Hosack ownership in 1839 exhibits many of the characteristics present in the Cole painting (New York

Public Library, Manuscripts Division).

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Figure 10. Diagrammatic plan view of Walter Langdon's gardens in 1875 (Traced from an 1897 survey of Hyde Park, CLR Volume 1).

40
Introduction

Figure 11. Vanderbilt Mansion during construction, 1898. Photo by Charles Sylvester Piersaull (Roosevelt Library, no. 43-183-208).

Figure 12. White Bridge looking southwest, circa 1900. Photograph by Charles Sylvester Piersaull (Roosevelt Library no. 43-183-217).

41
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Sitf

Figure 13. View of the pool and pool house in the formal gardens looking south, circa 1930 (Vanderbilt Mansion National

Historic Site (hereafter VAMA) no. V-114).

Figure 14. View of the upper perennial garden looking south, circa 1934 (VAMA no. V-114).

42
Introduction

Figure 15. "Hyde Park, Hudson River." Currier and Ives Print, circa 1835 (VAMA no. 072292).

Figure 16. View of Langdon's House looking north, circa 1890. Photograph by Charles Sylvester Piersaull (Roosevelt Library no. 43-183-

77).

43
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 17. View of woodlands along the banks of the Hudson River looking south from near the Mansion (OCLP 2008).

Figure 18. View of north meadows looking north from the overlook (OCLP 2008).

44
Introduction

Figure 19. View of Vanderbilt Mansion and East Lawn looking west (OCLP 2008).

Figure 20. Specimen trees and the view toward the river looking northwest from near the Mansion (OCLP 2008).

45
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 21. View of the large ginkgo specimen tree, the South Lawn, and the Mansion looking north (OCLP 2008).

Figure 22. The large ginkgo specimen tree and the South Lawn looking south (OCLP 2008).

46
I'- I KOD1 ( I lo\

Figure 23. Perennials on the lower perennial terrace in the formal gardens looking southeast (OCLP 2008).

Figure 24. Solid geometric beds of annuals on the upper annual terrace in the formal gardens looking northeast (OCLP 2008).

47
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

48
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HOSACK FARM

Cultural Landscape Report

V^anderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

tyde Park, NY

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LEGEND

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Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

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National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

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Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

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Formal Gardens

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www.nps.gov/oclp

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Adobe Photoshop CS2. 2008

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Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

2008 Existing Conditions

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SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GI5, 2006

2. USGS Map, 1946 DRAWN BY:

John Hammond, OCLP Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2008

LEGEND

Conifer Trees

Deciduous Trees

Meadow

Water

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Property Boundary

Contours

NORTH

Drawing 6
Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

2008 Existing Conditions

Olmsted

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National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

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LEGEND

E Trees

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Drawing 7
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Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

2008 Existing Conditions

Formal Gardens

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www.nps.gov/oclp

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I. FRAMEWORK FOR TREATMENT

The primary park management goal at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

is to interpret the Vanderbilt ownership period and the associated historical contexts of the Gilded Age, American industrial wealth, and grand country

estates. Since the acquisition of the property by the National Park Service, efforts have been focused on the preservation of the historic character of the buildings

and grounds as Frederick Vanderbilt might have recognized them. Changes to

the landscape to accommodate park operation and visitor services, including

adaptive reuse of the structures, the addition of a visitor parking lot, and updates

to the circulation and utility systems, have been carried out with effort to minimize their intrusion on the historic scene. Management efforts have been

focused on presenting as closely as practicable an image of the grounds during

the Vanderbilts' residency.

This desire to interpret the Vanderbilt ownership through preservation of the

buildings and grounds was articulated repeatedly at the time of the creation of

the National Historic Site. From the time she inherited the property in 1938, Mrs. Van Alen expressed a desire to donate it to a "worthy organization" as a memorial to her uncle. President Roosevelt took up the cause and championed

the site's significance, going so far as to become directly involved in guiding its management goals and practices.

While preservation of the character of the Vanderbilt-era landscape remains the

primary management goal at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, the first volume of the cultural landscape report identified significance of the landscape

that goes beyond the Vanderbilt ownership and extant features and patterns that

help convey this significance. The principles of picturesque landscape design and

the contribution to the landscape of Andre Parmentier, for instance, are still

reflected in the site's organization, circulation, and vegetation. Treatment

principles should take into account the full significance of the property and the

associated qualities of the landscape.

To fully understand the implications of treatment, the sections below define

landscape character areas within the property, present alternative approaches to

treatment, and articulate a preferred treatment approach and a preferred treatment period. This preferred treatment is followed by a list of treatment

principles that support the treatment philosophy for Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site.

63
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREAS

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site features a diverse landscape with a

variety of predominant characters, from the wilder woodland areas to the

manicured gardens and Mansion lawns. These areas not only have divergent

characters, but they also differ significantly in the role each plays in the overall landscape and their management goals and strategies. It is therefore useful to

establish landscape character areas that have similar treatment issues and

approaches. These character areas serve to organize the presentation of the treatment guidelines and tasks. The five landscape character areas at Vanderbilt

Mansion National Historic Site, defined below, are parkland, deciduous

woodlands, meadows, conifer stands, and formal gardens (Drawing 8).

Parkland

The parkland at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site comprises the

designed grounds of the high terrace surrounding the Mansion, Pavilion, and

formal gardens. The parkland exhibits a decidedly open character with mown

lawns and singular specimen trees or small groups of trees. Shrubs are few and

tend to be concentrated in the area of the formal gardens or as foundation

plantings around structures. There are no planting beds outside of the gardens,

and areas beneath the trees are largely open lawn. The parkland provides the

setting for the buildings and main drives, establishes the entry and arrival

experience, and largely defines the overall character of the estate. The

immediacy of the parkland to the main inhabited areas of the estate highlights the

details of the landscape such as the location and species of the trees.

Descriptions of the property throughout its historic period consistently feature

the park-like characteristics of the estate. In 1890, Charles Eliot described the "broad terrace of grass-land, set with numerous and variously grouped and

scattered trees of noble age and stature," and noted that "its strikingly simple,

open and stately effect is greatly heightened by the fact that from every part of it

is visible in the west, beyond and behind all the massive tree trunks, an indefinite expanse of blue distance." " It was in this parkland that the property's various

landscape designers exerted their greatest control, carefully laying out drives and

placing trees according to the principles of picturesque landscape design. The

result was a landscape that was meticulously contrived, but that ostensibly

portrayed an ideal nature.

Woodlands

Deciduous and mixed woodlands occur in long bands throughout the property,

cloaking the slopes of the terrace and lining the banks of the Hudson River and

Crum Elbow Creek. These woodlands consist primarily of deciduous trees with

scattered clusters of conifers. Predominant trees include oaks, maples, beeches,

and tulip trees. The understory is mostly sparse and open, with thickets of small _
Framework for Treatment

trees and woodland understory plants. From within the woodlands, the

character is deep and shady in the summer and open in the winter. From a

distance, the effect is of dense forest.

The attraction of this site for a country estate was from the beginning its singular

natural beauty. The high terrace, slopes, and riverbank were already adorned

with a combination of forest and rolling, open meadows. As the site's developers

carved out the estate grounds, they focused the development on the top of

terrace, leaving the lower areas much as they found them. This was important for

establishing a natural setting for the more manicured estate grounds. The

woodlands provided a connection to the natural world that would have been

important through all periods of the site's development, from the picturesque

and romantic periods of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries through the

Gilded Age of the Vanderbilt ownership.

Meadows

Meadows cover the slopes below the terrace in long bands, characterized by

native and exotic grasses with singular and small clusters of trees at infrequent

intervals. The meadows are bordered by woodlands and by the parkland on the

terrace above. Portions of the meadows are on quite steep slopes.

As part of the picturesque natural setting of the estate, the meadows provide the counterpoint to the deciduous woodlands. Together they create the rolling

patchwork of forest and clearing that exemplifies pastoral landscapes that were

so popular during the historic period. Intended to be viewed from some

distance, the meadows have much the same visual effect as the parkland, with

open areas and scattered specimen trees.

Conifer Stands

Conifer stands are located in various places within the property. While these

have a similar character to the deciduous woodlands, they differ in both

composition and origin. The conifer stands are composed of white pine, spruce, and fir in nearly uniformly aged plantations. The trees are tall and straight and

are closely planted in regular rows. The density of the stands creates a solid mass

of foliage overhead and open, straight trunks beneath. The ground beneath the

trees is blanketed in needle litter and low underbrush, and dead branches and

fallen trees create dense tangles in places.

While the deciduous woodlands represent vestiges of the natural landscape, the

conifer stands were planted for specific effect, namely as screens from the public

areas along the periphery of the property. The primary stand extends for more

than a half a mile along the edge of the property at Route 9. This band of trees, ranging in width from a little over a hundred feet to nearly two hundred feet, was

first planted by Vanderbilt in the early years of his occupancy. Two smaller

stands, one at each end of the Route 9 screen, were planted in similar fashion. A

65
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

small plantation of spruce was planted in the midst of the deciduous forest near Bard Rock sometime around 1940. It is unknown whether this stand was planted

during the last years of Vanderbilt's life or shortly after the National Park Service

acquired the property.

Formal Gardens

The formal gardens, sitting atop the terrace south of the Mansion, comprise a

series of terraces with formal arrangements of geometric beds, small lawns,

ornamental trees and shrubs, walls, fountains, arbors, and garden structures. The

formal gardens are by far the most architectural element of the designed

landscape, combining built structures with ornamental plantings. They are highly

ordered and meticulously contrived, with all pretense of the natural landscape

dropped.

Although the location and layout of the formal gardens changed throughout the

historic period, gardens were an important part of the country estate since

Samuel Bard built his gardens and conservatory in the area that is now the South

Lawn. As was the fashion of the time for country gentlemen, Dr. Bard was keenly

interested in horticulture and in obtaining and growing rare and exotic plants

from around the world. Every owner after Samuel Bard continued the pursuit,

each maintaining his own gardens and greenhouse complex and collecting and

propagating ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers. The gardens were a showcase

for their talent and their means, a place for family leisure and to entertain guests.

TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS

As a National Historic Site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, treatment actions at the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site should

conform to the Secretary of the Interior's Standardsfor the Treatment ofHistoric

Properties (1996), and to the Guidelinesfor the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes

(1996). These guidance documents specify four distinct but interrelated

alternatives for the treatment of historic properties, preservation, restoration,

rehabilitation, and reconstruction, and establish standards, approaches, and

considerations for each. These alternatives allow for the treatment of historically

significant properties while protecting historic material and the intangible

essential qualities that contribute to a property's historic character.

Preservation is defined as the act or process of applying measures necessary to

sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of a historic property.

Work, including preliminary measures to protect and stabilize the

property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of

historic materials and features rather than extensive replacement and new construction.

66
FRAMIW ORK I OR TRHA IMHN I

Restoration is the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and

character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and

reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period.

Rehabilitation is the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving

those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or

architectural values.

Reconstruction is defined as the act or process of depicting, by means of new

construction, the form, features, and detailing of a non-surviving site,

landscape, building, structure, or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location.

From these treatment alternatives, a primary treatment must be chosen to apply

to the property as a whole. The primary treatment ensures consistency in treatment activity throughout the property and provides an umbrella under

which specific treatment actions can be developed. Selection of a primary

treatment is based on the site's significance, level of integrity, and management

goals and intended uses.

The following sections examine the implications of three of the four treatment

alternatives for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. Because the

landscape at Vanderbilt Mansion retains much of its historic fabric and many of

its character-defining features, reconstruction is not considered an appropriate

primary treatment for the landscape as a whole. The three other alternatives -

preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation - are considered broadly for each

character zone to understand how each alternative might be applied to the

specific resources.

PRESERVATION

Preservation seeks to sustain the materials, features, and spatial relationships of

the property in their present state through conservation, maintenance, and

repair. Not to be confused with no action, preservation is the active effort to slow or stop the natural deterioration of features or other changes in the landscape that may negatively affect its integrity. It may involve repair of

damaged features, routine maintenance, and protection and stabilization measures for threatened or declining features. Preservation may also involve the

limited replacement in kind of features that cannot be repaired, but does not

include large-scale replacement of features or the reconstruction of historic

features that have been lost.

The selection of a preservation treatment implies that the character-defining

features of the landscape are intact and portray the historic identity of the

67
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

property effectively as they exist today. With preservation, changes to the

property over time that are significant in their own right are retained. Changes

over time that are not historically significant may also be retained if they are not encroachments that degrade historic character. All interventions to stabilize, conserve, repair or replace need to be undertaken at the appropriate level matching the level of deterioration. New materials are to match old in all aspects

of design, color, composition, and physical and visual compatibility. These

repairs or replacements should also be identifiable upon close inspection and

documented as to scope and conditions requiring the work. Archaeological

resources are generally preserved in place in a preservation treatment.

Parkland

Preservation of the parkland would retain the open character dominated by

mature specimen trees and clumps of trees over open lawn, as well as the

landscape's highly maintained appearance. Preservation would primarily involve

comprehensive and diligent maintenance to the buildings and structures,

circulation features, trees, shrubs, and lawn to ensure a manicured appearance.

All effort would be made to prolong the lives of the specimen trees, including pest

management, pruning for form, health, and safety, and irrigation when needed.

Preservation would also involve the replacement of specimen trees in kind when

they died or had to be removed. Efforts would be made to prevent the

introduction of non-historic vegetation into the parkland, including weeds and

naturally sown trees and the encroachment of woodlands on the parkland's

margins.

Deciduous Woodlands

Preservation of the woodlands would retain their overall composition, extent,

and location. Preservation of these areas would involve the perpetuation of the

current woodland characteristics through forest management practices. These

practices would endeavor to sustain the overall health of the woodland

communities and might involve thinning, control of exotic species, pruning for

safety, and protection of mature trees. Some management of the woodland edges

to reduce the encroachment into unforested areas could be included, but clearing

of land to reclaim historically clear areas or to reinstate lost views would be

outside of the scope of preservation.

Meadows

Under preservation, the meadows would be managed to retain their open

character, prevent encroachment of adjacent woodlands, reduce the incidence of

woody vegetation, and protect and sustain the isolated and clustered trees within

the meadows. This would involve regular but infrequent mowing to maintain the meadows' height and reduce woody vegetation. Mowing may be timed

throughout the year to encourage the natural seeding of native grasses. Measures

68
Framework for Treatment

would also include clearing of meadow edges where encroachment is occurring,

but as discussed above, large areas would not be cleared to restore lost meadows.

Preservation measures would also include pruning or other stabilization actions

to ensure the health of trees within the meadows and replacement in kind of trees

that die.

Conifer Stands

Like in the woodlands, preservation of the conifer stands would be aimed at the

overall health of the stands, with emphasis on their composition, density, and

extent. For the stands intended as visual or auditory screens, such as the pine

buffer along Route 9, efforts should also address the function of the stand as a

screen. Treatment actions might involve the removal of non-historic vegetation

that does not conform to the stands' character, such as the removal of

underbrush or deciduous trees. It would also involve the removal of aging

historic trees that are deemed a hazard and the in-planting of replacement trees

to preserve the stand density. This would best be done on an in-kind and inlocation basis to preserve the density, spacing, and arrangement of the trees. A

preservation treatment alternative would not involve the wholesale removal of

conifer stands, whether it is because the stand itself is not historic or so that an

aging historic stand can be replanted with younger trees.

Because the conifer stands consist of dense plantings of single-aged trees, however, efforts consistent with a strict preservation treatment approach would

likely be ineffective, and more extensive effort would be needed to ensure the

stands' continued viability. The density of the stands would preclude

replacement of individual trees with new trees due to light and nutrient

competition. A more intensive treatment, such as removing a section of a row or an entire row, may need to be undertaken to assure some level of success.

Formal Gardens

In the gardens, preservation would involve the conservation of extant historic

features, such as the two cottages, garden walls, steps, arbors, pavilions, and

walks. The topography, manipulated into steeply sloped terraces and supported

by retaining walls, would be retained and kept in lawn cover for stability. The

perimeter brick walls, pergolas and rose garden pavilion would be maintained

and repaired as needed. The former greenhouses would not be replaced. The

Gardener's Cottage and Tool House would be retained and repaired as needed.

The drainage system could be cleaned and repaired to be fully functional. All treatments provide for the limited and sensitive upgrading of drainage and utility

systems as needed to functional. Interior paths and related stone steps would be

retained and repaired as needed.

The reflecting pool and the rose garden fountain and their related sculptures

would be stabilized and protected from further deterioration as necessary, but

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

would not be significantly retooled or replaced in kind in a preservation

treatment. Display during peak season and removal and storage to a more stable environment during the balance of the year would also be a preservation treatment approach, based on the goal of reducing environmental degradation.

Under a preservation treatment the perennial flower beds and the roses, cherry

trees, vines and other woody plantings would be retained and protected from

damage as they exist. Preservation would also involve the control of invasive and

inappropriate plant materials and the appropriate care and pest management to protect existing materials. Replacement of vegetation in kind is also considered

appropriate when required.

The yearly planting of annuals and perennials in the garden beds would be

appropriate under a preservation alternative. The yearly replacement of

appropriate plant materials could be viewed as a maintenance effort that helps preserve the bed arrangements, discourage weeds and unwanted woody

vegetation, and present a cultivated, manicured appearance that is essential to the garden's historic character. Plant material would be chosen for the goals of

protecting and preserving existing historic fabric and maintaining a character

consistent in style, massing, size, and texture with the historic gardens.

RESTORATION

Restoration involves implementing changes with the goal of accurately

portraying the character-defining features of the landscape at a period in its

history. Restoration may include the removal of features from other periods and

the reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. Substantial

physical and documentary evidence is required and minimal conjecture allowed.

Contemporary alterations or additions are not generally included in this

treatment, though issues such as universal access may be addressed.

While determination of a treatment date or period to help guide

recommendations is desirable for any treatment approach, it is critical in

restoration. Restoration efforts must attempt to bring a property's features and

character as close as possible to a specific time in its history. Elements of the property that were lost or changed before the treatment period are not restored,

and elements that were introduced after the treatment period are removed, even though they may fall within the property's larger period of significance. The goal

of restoration is to create a snapshot of the property in time, avoiding

anachronistic settings of elements that were not concurrently present.

Parkland

Ongoing efforts in the areas around the Mansion, gardens, and main drives have

preserved the parkland landscape to a high degree. Current management

practices include the maintenance of the overall vegetation composition and —
Ik Wll WORK ION I Kl \IMIM

arrangement, the maintenance and stabilization of extant historic trees, and the replacement of failing trees in kind and in location based on historical documentation. However, with examination of the historical record, including

tree surveys, aerial photographs, and historic photographs, it would be possible

to return the parkland even closer to their historic condition.

The missing foundation plantings on the east side of Mansion would be replaced

under a restoration treatment, based on documentation from the Cridland plan

and historic photographs. Specimen trees throughout the parkland and the lawn

areas south, east, and north of the Mansion would be retained and augmented to

replace any missing elements. Known historic trees missing along the ridge would

also be replaced based on historic documentation. A limited number of

additional volunteer plants, not dating to the Vanderbilt-era or replacements for

historic plants since the Vanderbilt-era, would be removed.

At the north side of the Pavilion, the former drying yard would be reconstructed

based on historical documentation. The National Park Service-era pedestrian

paths, signage and lighting would also be removed and the Vanderbilt-era path

system, from the Pavilion to the Mansion to the Formal Garden, would be

restored to its earlier configuration and materials. The remnant path segment

dropping downhill, with its related shrub planting, would also be restored. Archaeological investigation may be required to verify original locations and

materials for these paths.

Drive surfaces could also be restored to their historic gravel surfaces under a

restoration approach. While this would increase the required maintenance on

the roads, it would be essential to accurately restore the parkland to its historic

character.

Deciduous Woodlands

Restoration of the deciduous woodlands would involve reestablishing their

character, composition, and extent during the historic period. This would

primarily involve reducing the extent of the woodlands and reestablishing

meadows to reflect their configuration during the treatment period. Aerial photographs from the end of the period of significance can be used to determine

the historic footprint of the woodlands. Restoration of the woodland extent would not only restore the spatial relationship between the woodlands and the meadows, but would also restore views from the Mansion and grounds that have

been altered since the historic period due to woodland encroachment.

Beyond woodland clearing, treatment actions under a restoration approach

would be similar to those of a preservation approach. The woodlands would be

managed for overall health, the suppression of invasive species, and the removal

of hazard trees.

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Meadows

Restoration of the meadows would involve their reestablishment in areas that have been encroached upon by woodlands since the historic period. It would

also involve the reestablishment of the historic form and character of the

meadows based on historic photographs, aerial photographs, first-hand

descriptions, and scientific information about the native meadow species and

character. In some cases, it might be possible to identify individual trees or groups of trees on the meadows that have been lost and could be replaced.

Historical documentation for the meadows that would guide restoration efforts is not as extensive as for other areas of the grounds.

Conifer Stands

The conifer stands, which were planted during the Vanderbilt period, exhibited a

distinctly different character at that time. The younger trees would have been

shorter and fuller, with sight lines through the stands nearly or completely

blocked by foliage. The effect would have been of a solid mass of green, rather

than the tall, bare trunks that currently filter the views into and out of the estate. There is also evidence that the long screen along Route 9 was planted in three

successive rows, the oldest along the road and the youngest on the side of the

estate. Whether was done for specific effect or if the screen was simply added to over time as the front trees grew taller, it created a distinctive character in the

screen.

As the conifer stands have matured, they have lost the screening effect. To

restore this effect and to recreate the three levels of the trees, the three rows of

pine trees will need to be replaced sequentially, one row at a time. This process would follow the original planting pattern, beginning with the oldest row closest

to Route 9. Photographic views indicate that this sequence could be on a + 40

year cycle, although a more accurate determination of the planting intervals can be obtained through examination of the rings. While the trees would not need to be planted in exactly the same location as the removed trees, the density and

arrangement of the rows should be duplicated in the replanting.

Formal Gardens

Restoration of the formal gardens would be intensive due to the complexity of

the gardens and the large number of features and plants that would be involved.

It would also, however, be one of the more feasible areas to attempt a restoration

given the high level of documentation from the mid to late Vanderbilt period in

the form of photos, drawings, planting plans, and ledgers that recorded plant

purchases.

Many elements of the formal gardens have been lost over time, though recent

efforts have replaced and rebuilt the brick wall surrounds and the Vanderbilt-era

pergolas, pool, and fountains. Restoration would replace missing historic —
Frami \\ ORK 1 OR Tri- ATMLN I

elements such as the greenhouses, a number offences and vine hoops, and many

woody and herbaceous plantings.

Restoration of the formal gardens would include the planting of historically

accurate plants throughout the garden, including bedding plants, shrubs, trees,

hedges, and rose species. Selection of plants would be based primarily on

photographic documentation and the purchase ledgers that indicate plant

varieties and quantities. Other sources that are available include plans drawn

from memory by former Vanderbilt gardener Alex Knauss in the 1960s and

planting plans drawn up by Robert B. Cridland in the 1920s and 1 930s. Since the

former is subject to the limitations of memory after more than thirty years and

the latter are plans rather than as-built records, these sources should be

secondary and substantiated by photographic evidence.

REHABILITATION

The goal of rehabilitation is to bring a property to a state of efficient utility while

protecting those portions of the property that contribute to its significance.

Rehabilitation retains the historic character of a property while allowing limited

changes to meet contemporary needs. These needs may include visitor use,

circulation, accessibility, safety, or reduced maintenance. Under rehabilitation,

extant historic features are retained, repaired, and maintained whenever feasible,

and historic patterns and relationships within the landscape are preserved.

Changes may include the addition of new buildings, rehabilitation of historic

buildings for new uses, the addition or modification of parking or circulation

features, or the introduction of interpretive elements. Rehabilitation may also allow compatible but non-historic uses of the land, such as modern farming and

forestry practices, research and demonstration, or habitat improvement.

Although rehabilitation allows non-historic changes to the landscape, new

additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction must not destroy

historic materials, features, and spatial relationships that characterize the

property. New work must be differentiated from the old and be compatible with

the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to protect

the integrity of the property and its environment.

Of the treatment approaches, rehabilitation offers the most flexibility in meeting

current park needs with existing resources. Rehabilitation seeks a balance

between presenting the historic scene as accurately as possible while responding

to contemporary needs. Compared to restoration, rehabilitation would result in

a less authentic historic scene due to the inclusion of modern elements and uses. Compared to preservation, however, rehabilitation may in some cases result in a more authentic historic scene, since it allows for the replacement of missing

historic features based on historical documentation.

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Parkland

Like restoration, rehabilitation in the parkland would involve the retention and

protection of extant historic features and the repair or replacement in kind of

damaged features and declining or hazardous vegetation. It would also allow for

the selective reinstatement of missing historic features, such as the foundation

plantings around the Mansion or lost specimen trees, to enhance the historic

character. Rehabilitation would allow for changes in the parkland to accommodate visitor or park needs. For instance, roads could continue to be

surfaced with asphalt to minimize maintenance, but they might be surfaced with a

chip-seal or other surface treatment to reduce their visual impact.

Because of the role the parkland plays in the historic character of the Mansion

grounds, it would be difficult for this area to accommodate extensive new

development such as new buildings or expanded formal parking areas without

significant change to the historic character. Adaptive reuse of some of the

structures within the parkland setting, such as the Coach House or Pavilion,

would be allowed provided that they conform to the Secretary's Standards and

they don't significantly alter the exterior appearance of the buildings.

Deciduous Woodlands

Under rehabilitation, the overall location, extent, and visual effect of the

woodlands would be preserved or returned to historic conditions based on

historical documentation. While the woodlands would be managed to maintain

their overall health and character, rehabilitation would allow alternative management practices aimed at increased recreational use, ecological diversity,

habitat improvement, research, or demonstration. This might entail the

construction of new trails or other services within woodlands or meadows, active management to improve forest density and species composition, removal of

invasive species, or the development of interpretive programs to demonstrate

ecological value.

Meadows

Rehabilitation of the meadows would involve many of the actions included under

preservation and restoration. The open character of the meadows and their

location and extent would be maintained or returned to historic conditions.

Woodlands that have encroached into the edges of the meadows since the

historic period would be cleared and returned to meadow species, and woody

shrubs and exotic meadow vegetation would be suppressed throughout the meadows. Individual and small groups of trees within the meadows would be

maintained or replaced in kind. Because of their open character and the visual

contribution the meadows make to the landscape, they could not accommodate

significant new construction, buildings, roads, or parking without impacting their

historic character.

74
I R WW WORK l-'OR'l Kl AIMI.NT

Conifer Stands

The location and character of the conifer stands would be preserved under a

rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation would allow for some changes in the

composition of the stands or in the way the stands are managed. For instance,

fast growing pine trees might be replaced with a slower growing conifer to

increase the period of their inevitable replacement. Alternatively, the stands

might be managed for rapid growth and frequent harvesting, never letting them

reach full maturity. This would maximize the amount of time that the trees are younger and fuller, thus increasing their function as a screen. The cost of the

removal and replacement of the trees could be offset by selling the harvested

trees.

Formal Gardens

In rehabilitation of the formal gardens, all extant historic features would be

preserved and maintained, including the physical features, structures, circulation,

topography, bed layout, and overall organization of the gardens. Rehabilitation

would allow the gardens to be brought closer to their historic conditions through

the replacement of missing features like the statues, arbors, fences, and other

garden furnishings. New greenhouses could be constructed, either in the

location of the historic greenhouses or in the parking and maintenance area just

to the south of the garden boundary to support the horticultural operations of

the park.

Rehabilitation would also allow greater flexibility in the planting of the beds.

While historically accurate species and varieties would be favored, modern

varieties with similar character could be substituted for hard-to-obtain plants or

to address pest or maintenance issues. A larger, more flexible plant palette could

be used to develop a number of rotating planting schemes for long-term interest and variety. Any rehabilitation plan for the gardens should honor the historic

organization of the contents of the beds; i.e. annuals should not be planted in beds that historically contained roses.

Table 1 provides a summary comparison of the treatment alternatives.

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

TABLE 1: COMPARISON OF TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES

Preservation Restoration Rehabilitation

Parkland Preserve existing vegetation

and features or replace in kind.

Reestablish foundation

plantings around the Mansion and specimen trees along the ridge and remove

volunteer trees. Restore

drying yard, path system,

and gravel drive surfaces.

Reestablish foundation plantings that do not negatively impact the structure. Rehabilitate the drive surfaces to achieve the historical appearance that does not require high maintenance. Reuse structures to meet current needs.

Deciduous

Woodlands

Preserve deciduous

woodlands in their current

condition. Sustain overall

forest health but do not

reestablish meadows or lost views.

Restore deciduous

woodlands to their historic extent and character. Remove some woodlands

and reestablish meadows

and views to the Hudson

River.

Rehabilitate forest to promote overall health and historical character as well

as ecological diversity. Remove some

woodlands and reestablish meadows

and views to the Hudson River.

Meadows Retain existing open areas but do not reestablish lost meadows.Restore form of meadows

and meadow species to their

historic extent and

character.

Rehabilitate meadows where feasible to bring back form of meadows and

meadow species.

Conifer

Stands

Sustain overall tree stand

health, replace in kind where

feasible.

Restore density and planting

configuration of historic conifer screen.

Replace as needed and consider

substitute, slower-growing species.

Formal

Gardens

Conserve and stabilize extant features, preserve the character of garden beds.

Restore greenhouses, fences and extensive plantings to

their historic character.

Replace missing features as feasible. Use historic species, but allow for substitution if plants are no longer

available or allow for new species that are disease-resistant.

76
Frami work iorTri atmlni

PREFERRED TREATMENT: REHABILITATION

Based on the level of integrity of the historic landscape, the historical documentation, and park's management goals outlined in the draft General

Management Plan, the preferred primary treatment alternative for Vanderbilt

Mansion National Historic Site is rehabilitation. Rehabilitation of the historic landscape will protect the intact historic character and features while allowing

the park to meet current and future operations and visitor needs. This approach

will provide the flexibility to find the best management practices of the various

landscape components to ensure the endurance of the site's historic character.

While rehabilitation standards allow for change, emphasis will continue to be on

preservation of the extant features and important landscape patterns. Parkland

around the Mansion and other buildings, gardens, and main drives will continue

to be managed for the retention of historic fabric and visual character, with

individual features preserved or replaced in kind. Any changes to the landscape

would be made with minimal visual intrusion on the historic scene. Among other

things, rehabilitation would allow flexibility in the treatment of the gardens;

contemporary resource management practices for the woodlands and meadows,

providing interpretive and recreational opportunities while enhancing ecological

health and species diversity; and adaptive reuse of the buildings like the Coach

House.

The Secretary of the Interior provides standards for the rehabilitation of historic

properties under the authority of the Department of the Interior. The Standards

pertain to historic buildings, related landscape features, and the building's site and environment. The Standards are applied to specific rehabilitation projects in

a reasonable manner, taking into consideration economic and technical

feasibility.

26

1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use

that requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of the

building and its site and environment.

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The

removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that

characterize a property shall be avoided.

3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place,

and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development,

such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other

buildings, shall not be undertaken.

4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired

historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples

of craftsmanship that characterize a property shall be preserved.

6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced.

Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive

feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and

other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of

missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or

pictorial evidence.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of

structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means

possible.

8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be

protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken.

9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new

work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with

the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic

integrity of the property and its environment.

10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be

undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be

unimpaired.

TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY

In accordance with applicable legislation, policy, and park planning, the overall treatment philosophy for the Vanderbilt Mansion cultural landscape is to

preserve and enhance the historic characteristics of the landscape while

managing cyclical and long-term changes inherent in natural systems and land- use practices. Treatment actions will accommodate public use and park

operations and preserve landscape features while rehabilitating, restoring, or

reconstructing lost or altered features to enhance historic character. Park

furnishings and other changes necessary for public use will be inconspicuous and

compatible with the historic estate character of the landscape. Development

adjacent to the park will be screened where feasible with the long-term goal of

restoring the rural setting.

Treatment at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site should be consistent

with the following principles: —
Framfwork for Trf.atmf.nt

• Spatial relationships among and between the built and natural features of

the site should be preserved. Particular attention should be given to the

patterns of open and wooded areas and how these relate to the inhabited

areas and built elements of the site.

Historic visual relationships are essential in establishing the historic scene as well as conveying the compositional principles of picturesque

landscape design. These visual relationships, including views of the

grounds, river, and mountains from the Mansion and terrace edge, visual sequences when moving through the landscape, and the presence or absence of site lines between elements of the property, should be

preserved.

Historic fabric throughout the property should be retained and

preserved whenever possible. Buildings and structures, brick and

stonework, trees, and other physical material that existed on the

property during the period of significance provide a direct link to the

property's past. When retention of historic fabric in situ is not

practicable, removal and replacement of the material should be carefully

considered.

The location, arrangement, and species of the specimen trees on the Mansion grounds were carefully considered by each of the property's owners and landscape designers. Solitary and small groups of trees

contribute strongly to the historic character and should be carefully

managed to prolong their lives. Replacement of declining trees should

be done when and in such a way as to preserve the compositional

characteristics of the landscape.

The estate grounds, especially the more inhabited areas around the Mansion and other buildings, the main drives, and the formal gardens, were designed to exhibit a certain level of care and up-keep. The

grounds and features should be maintained at a level appropriate to this

cultivated aesthetic.

The natural systems of the estate grounds, including the woodlands,

meadows, wetlands, and wildlife, established the setting for the Hyde

Park estate, not only creating the important views from the Mansion but

also providing a characteristically wild experience for the owner or

visitor during walks or drives through the property. Treatment efforts should strive to maintain the health of these natural systems to ensure

their continued viability and contribution to the estate landscape.

Cultivated formal gardens were an essential element of each of the

estate's historic periods. The formal gardens should be kept in a state of

apparent care and cultivation. This would include not only the

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

maintenance of the structural elements, but also the seasonal planting

and maintenance of the planting beds with historically appropriate

annuals, perennials, and shrubs.

While any plantings within the gardens would have to conform to the

character of the historic plantings in style, size, texture, and color, the

plantings would not necessarily need to represent a specific planting

arrangement at a specific time in history. Rather, in keeping with the

historic function and operation of the garden, a larger palette should be

used to develop a number of rotating planting schemes for long-term

interest and variety.

TREATMENT DATE

The character and composition of the landscape at Vanderbilt Mansion National

Historic Site evolved throughout its 110-year period of significance from 1828 to

1938. In order to develop a treatment plan, it is necessary to identify the historic character to which the landscape will be managed. The treatment date provides a

reference to guide treatment efforts by identifying a time during the period of

significance when the landscape reached its height of development and when it

best reflected the characteristics for which it is significant. Further consideration

is given to the level of historical documentation and to the existing conditions.

The determination of a treatment date is informed by the site's history,

documentation, existing conditions, and interpretive goals.

For Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, it is recommended that the

landscape be managed to preserve the character as it had developed through

1938, the year Frederick Vanderbilt died and the end of the period of

significance. In 1938, the landscape retained much of the character it had

exhibited through most of the Vanderbilt ownership. This date incorporates all

of the major changes to the landscape that happened in the later Vanderbilt

period, including changes to the formal gardens and to the site's trees.

Additionally, the following reasons support a treatment date of 1938:

• The CLR Volume 1 indicates that after Louise Vanderbilt died in 1926,

Frederick Vanderbilt spent even more time at Hyde Park. There is little

indication that the property experienced any significant decline in care and maintenance during this period. To the contrary, tree inventories

from the 1940s suggest that Vanderbilt planted numerous trees in the

later years of his residency at Hyde Park, and purchase ledgers for the

estate show that plants and trees for the formal gardens and the estate grounds were purchased throughout the 1930s.

• Significant changes to the landscape in the later Vanderbilt period

include a redesign of the Italian garden by Robert Cridland in about _
Frami w ork I or TREATMENT

1930. The mature evergreen shrubs and hedges that had comprised the

garden since the early twentieth century were replaced with two rows of

flowering cherries and perennial border beds. This design is largely

reflected in the existing garden. The 1938 date accommodates this change.

• When the National Park Service acquired the property in the early

1940s, they carefully documented the landscape in preparation for the

park's master plan. Documentation from this period includes a detailed

tree survey, site base maps, photographs, and verbal descriptions. This

documentation is augmented by a detailed USGS map from 1 946 and

aerial photos from 1936 and 1943. The historical record gives a relatively

complete picture of the character, composition, and condition of the landscape in the early 1940s, and by reasonable estimation, in 1938. The

only period with a comparable level of documentation is the initial construction period of 1895-1906; the record for the intervening years is more fragmented and less complete. This documentation of the

landscape at the end of the period of significance will help reduce

conjecture and allows a higher level of detail and specificity in treatment recommendations.

• Choosing a date at the end of the period of significance allows the use of

the information contained in the estate's purchase ledgers throughout

the 1930s. These ledgers contain records of the purchases of plants for

the formal gardens which, together with the planting plans drawn up by

garden designers Greenleaf and Cridland and the recollections of

Vanderbilt gardener Alex Knauss, provide a more complete picture of

the gardens' contents. This information will allow for treatment of the

gardens in a manner that reflects their cyclical and evolving nature.

• Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site currently retains a high level of historic integrity to the end of the period of significance. Using 1938

as the treatment period will ensure that many of the preservation

practices will continue at an appropriate level of intervention.

Implications of managing toward a 1938 treatment date would allow for the

possibility, for example, the reconstruction of the greenhouses in the formal

gardens or the boathouse by Bard Rock (removed by the National Park Service).

While the 1 938 treatment date emphasizes the character of the landscape at that

time, it does not preclude interpretation of either earlier or later history. Features

lost prior to 1938 can still be interpreted in the landscape through surviving

traces or their physical sites.

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

FRAMEWORK FOR TREATMENT ENDNOTES

25 Charles Eliot, quoted in CLR Vol. 1.

26 U.S. Department of Interior regulations, 36 CFR 67.

82
Site- Wide Treatment Guidelines

II. SITE-WIDE TREATMENT GUIDELINES

Based on the preferred treatment of rehabilitation, this section establishes

general treatment guidelines for the landscape character areas defined in the

previous chapter. These guidelines are applicable within their respective

character areas throughout the property and inform specific treatment tasks described in the following section. The five character areas described below are

parkland, woodlands, meadows, conifer stands, and formal gardens.

Parkland

Treatment of the parkland should focus on the preservation of the historic

character and remaining historic fabric, repair or replacement in kind of failing

elements, and the selective reinstatement of missing elements. Principles of

picturesque landscape design that guided the original design of the parkland,

including a clean, open character, singular specimen trees or small informal

groups of trees, careful composition of views, and an emphasis on sequential

experience, should guide any treatment decisions. Locations and species of

individual trees are essential qualities that should be preserved. The level of

maintenance as well as the level of the treatment actions should be highest in the

parkland areas.

The open park-like character of the historic core should be preserved.

Characterized by a clean, uncluttered appearance, open well-cared-for lawns,

and large specimen trees, the historic core should exhibit a sense of care and

cultivation. This basic pattern should be perpetuated with the maintenance of

both the lawns and the large specimen trees. Non-historic elements should be

limited to only what is necessary and should be included in an inconspicuous or compatible manner.

The existence of large, old specimen trees is an essential part of the site's historic

character. The large trees contribute to the scale of the property, compliment the

grand architecture, and enforce the historic proportions of tree size to the open

space between them. Additionally, their size and visible age enhance the sense of

time passage and the age of the property. The fact that the trees were extant during the historic period enforces the historic associations for which the site is

significant.

All efforts should be made to retain historic specimens for as long as possible. Trees should be considered for replacement only once they are in advanced

decline, pose a safety threat, or pose a potential for damage to other historic

features. Actions to perpetuate trees might include bracing or wiring,

rejuvenative pruning, or removal of hazard branches.

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

When it becomes impossible to retain historic specimen trees, the process

currently in place for their replacement will ensure that the composition and

character of the historic core will endure. Failing specimen trees should be

carefully documented before removal for size, form, age, and species and variety.

Once the tree is removed, the stump should be ground below grade and the hole

filled with soil and compost. After one year, a replacement tree of the same

species should be planted in the same location as the original.

The 1940 survey of specimen trees should be used to determine whether a tree is

historic or not. Trees planted after the 1938 end of the period of significance may

be retained provided they do not detract from the historic character of the

landscape. Historic specimen trees that have been replaced since 1938 with a

different species or in a different location should be assessed for compatibility

with the historic character of the landscape. Non-historic trees that are not

themselves replacements for historic trees should not be replaced when removal

is necessary.

The paved drives throughout the property differ significantly from the historic

character of the crushed stone surface exhibited by the historic drives. The dark,

uniform asphalt produces a modern aesthetic that diminishes feeling of the

historic landscape. Current park needs, including durability and maintenance,

winter snow plowing, and accommodation of the volume of visitors the park

experiences, however, make a return to gravel or crushed stone impractical.

A hard surface that has the durability of asphalt but that more closely resembles

the lighter stone surface of the historic period would meet park needs while

enhancing the site's historic character. Such surfaces include chip-seal or other

asphalt surface that features a large, light-colored aggregate surface, or a bound

stone aggregate. The drives have recently been resurfaced and will not need to be

repaved again for a number of years, but when they do, such an alternative

surface should be considered.

The concrete curb and gutter combination that edges the entry road and part of

the drive along Crum Elbow Creek as well as the cast stone curbs around the

Great Circle and in other areas were recently remade using historical documentation. These curbs should be maintained and repaired or replaced in kind when necessary.

Deciduous Woodlands

Treatment of the woodlands should strive to preserve their role as natural elements of the landscape. Management should be aimed at maintaining healthy

forest communities, protecting mature trees, managing overall composition and

density, and controlling exotic species. Attention should also be given to managing the extent of the forested land, with particular consideration for the

spatial arrangement of the landscape and the quality and composition of views.

84
Site-Wide Treatment Guidelines

Location, size, and type of individual trees are less important in the forested areas than the overall effect of the woodland masses.

Deciduous woodlands should be managed for overall health and species

composition. Invasive species should be removed where feasible and native

species encouraged.

Meadows

The meadows should be maintained to preserve their open character and their

relationship with the woodlands. Meadow species should be sustained and

woodland trees and shrubs suppressed. Attention should be given to the location

and extent of the meadows and to the role they play in the composition of views

from the upper terrace. Individual trees that occupy the meadow slopes are important elements as focal points within the meadows and should be preserved

or replaced in kind.

Yearly or twice-yearly mowing should be timed to encourage self seeding of

desirable annual species. Where woodland has been cleared, meadow should be

restored by seeding of native annual grasses and forbs. Diligent attention will

likely be needed for a period of time to ensure the cleared areas are not quickly

reclaimed by the forest.

Concerted effort should be made to maintain meadow species on the steep slopes

below the Mansion and Pavilion. The brush and trees, particularly tree-of- heaven which grows densely in places, should be removed and treated to prevent

return. Frequent mowing of these areas will be needed to keep them free of

unwanted vegetation.

Larger individual trees and groups of trees in the meadows should be retained. It

is known from photographs and drawings that trees dotted the meadows during

the historic period, but there are no surveys that documented trees in these

outlying areas. The 1 943 aerial photo and photos taken in 1 940 for the master

plan should be consulted to help determine the number, location, and species of

the meadow trees.

Conifer Stands

Treatment of the conifer stands should address their original intent and function

within the landscape. Like the woodlands, individual trees are not as essential as

the overall effect. Important characteristics of the woodland stands include their

location and extent, the uniform age of the trees, the spacing and arrangement of

the trees, and the exclusion of deciduous species. The primary effect of screening

views and noise from adjacent lands should guide treatment of the conifer stands.

The conifer stands within Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site differ in

significant ways from the deciduous woodlands and should be managed for their unique characteristics. The stands were planted either all at once or in discrete

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

phases, resulting in mono-species and mono-aged stands. Trees in such stands

tend to grow tall and straight, but may exhibit some structural weakness,

especially as they age. The uniform age of the stands also mean that the trees in the stand will reach the end of maturity and begin to decline at about the same

time.

Conifer stands should be managed for overall stand health and character. Hazardous trees and trees that have fallen should be removed, and the

understory should be kept free of invasive species such as Norway maple.

Because of poor growing conditions in the dense stands and to preserve the

uniform age of the stands, individual trees should not be replaced in kind as they

die or are removed. Rather, the stand as a whole should be removed and

replaced when appropriate, using the same species and layout of the original

stand.

Formal Gardens

In the treatment of the formal gardens, plant species and variety choices, location

within the garden, and arrangement within each bed is important. As would have

been the case during the historic period, particular attention should be paid to

the colors, texture, and timing of the blooms and foliage of the garden plantings,

ensuring that the gardens produce interest throughout the season. The historical record should be consulted to ensure authenticity of the content, arrangement,

and overall style of the gardens. The formal nature of the gardens together with

the composition of annuals and perennials dictate a high level of maintenance to

present a well-kempt appearance.

The formal gardens are currently being maintained by the Frederick W.

Vanderbilt Garden Association (FWVGA). This maintenance includes the

seasonal planting of annuals and perennials, the mowing of lawns, pruning of

vines and shrubs, and control of weeds. This has kept the gardens in overall good

condition and maintained a character appropriate for an estate formal garden.

Numerous elements, however, have been lost since the historic period and

current plantings are in some instances at odds with the historic character. Reestablishment of garden elements such as walls, fences, hedges, and shrubs and

a cohesive plan for seasonal plantings will enhance the historic character of the

garden.

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Treatment Tasks

III. TREATMENT TASKS

The following section provides specific treatment tasks associated with

rehabilitation of the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site landscape. The

recommended treatment tasks have been developed within the context of the

general treatment philosophy and principles outlined for the property as a whole

and the five landscape character areas of the park. To help organize these tasks,

the park has been further divided into ten treatment zones based on spatial and

functional characteristics. The ten treatment zones, as well as the landscape

character areas that comprise them, are delineated in Drawing 8. The individual treatment tasks are indicated on Drawings 9 and 10, which divide the property

into north and south, as well as Drawings 11-16, which provide more detailed

plans for some of the treatment zones.

TREATMENT ZONE 1: MAIN GATE AND ENTRANCE DRIVE

Treatment Zone 1 comprises the Main Gate, Entrance Drive and maple allee, White Bridge, and the main pond on either side of the bridge (Drawing 11). Character-defining features within this area include the Main Gatehouse and its yard area; the Main Gate dressed stone walls, piers, urns, and iron gates; the

semicircular asphalt turnout from Route 9 and the planting areas along the east

side of the gate wall; the Entrance Drive from the Main Gate to the White Bridge;

and the White Bridge itself. Vegetation features include the double row of sugar maples that line the Entrance Drive, as well as a number of large specimen trees of other species.

The landscape in Treatment Zone 1 is characterized by parkland. Treatment

within this zone should focus on maintaining the open and well-kempt character

of the parkland, maintaining (or reestablishing) the intended character of the

maple allee, and perpetuating the health and vitality of the extant specimen trees. Furthermore, actions should be taken to reestablish the historic character of the entrance plantings at the Main Gate. The following treatment tasks are recommended for Treatment Zone 1.

BUILDINGS AMD STRUCTURES

Task 1.1: Preserve Main Gate Piers, Walls, and Iron Work.

The Main Gate structures, comprising dressed stone walls and piers with a rubble

core, iron gates, and stone urns, have been a prominent feature of the Vanderbilt

Estate since they were built in 1 898. The Main Gate, together with the Main

Gatehouse, were the only that most of the public ever saw of the private estate. The Main Gate was repaired in about 1 998, including repair and replacement of

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

parts of the iron work and repointing of the stone. Harsh elements, however,

have continued to deteriorate the front gate since then. To prevent the need for major repair work, the gates should be inspected carefully and monitored

regularly for rust and deterioration and repaired as needed. Rust should be

removed when found and the iron repainted to retard further rust, and rust stains should be cleaned from the stone faces. Mortar should be inspected for cracks

and repaired as necessary to prevent damage from freezing water.

Encroaching vegetation poses an additional risk of damage to the gate elements.

Moss and dead leaves on the tops of the walls and piers and along the stone joints can stain the stones and hold moisture against the mortar. Weeds that become

established on or near the gate elements can cause damage from their roots. To

prevent damage to the structures, remove weeds and moss currently growing on

the piers and urns and keep all structures free of vegetation and debris. Prune

tree branches away from the Main Gate features (Figure 25).

Task 1.2: Preserve White Bridge.

The White Bridge, designed by W.T. Hiscox and Co. and constructed in 1897,

spans Crum Elbow Creek on the Entrance Drive, creating an elegant approach to

the estate. Said to be one of the first steel and concrete bridges to be erected in

the country, it is a Melan single-arch bridge.

The White Bridge was restored in 1998 using both new and original material

(Figure 26). Continue to monitor the condition of the bridge, making repairs and

replacements in kind when necessary. Keep the bridge free of weeds, moss,

lichens, and stains.

Task 1.3: Preserve Cast Stone Curb.

Cast stone curbs were used in several places on the estate during Vanderbilt's

residency, including the Main Gate. The curbs were restored around 2000, but

they continue to suffer damage, cracking, and chipping (Figure 27). Repair

sections of the curb using compatible materials and construction. As some of this damage is perhaps being caused by snow plows, snow removal methods and

practices should be assessed to reduce further damage to these structures.

VEGETATION

Task 1.4: Reinstate Main Gate plantings.

The plantings that once adorned the Main Gate have been lost since the historic

period. The only two trees that remain, Colorado blue spruces (Picea putigens),

are overgrown from the original low shrubs that occupied the planting beds along

the gate walls.

There is little documentation indicating exactly what was planted in the Main

Gate beds. No plan drawings have been located for the Main Gate, and no
Trf.atmf.nt Tasks

information is known about who designed the plantings. One of the few possible

references to this planting was in a correspondence between Vanderbilt and

Superintendent Herbert Shears in 1924:

1 think Cridland's estimate is more than I care to spend on main entrance

planting. If nothing better turns up, I will accept the Poughkeepsie Nursery Co.

bid for $400.00. I think putting in all yews anyway is too somber an effect in that place and would prefer a variety.

This appears to refer to the Main Gate plantings, although "main entrance" may

refer to other areas along the Entrance Drive or to the Mansion foundation

plantings, for which Cridland had developed a planting plan the year before.

A photograph from the 1930s of the Main Gate provides our best record of the

character of the plantings (Figure 28). The photo shows a variety of mainly

conifer shrubs planted in the beds along the gate walls. Although it is not possible

to determine the plant species from the photograph, the shrubs have a variety of

forms and sizes, from young upright trees about four feet high to small conical

trees and lower mounding shrubs.

The reinstatement of the Main Gate plantings should take several factors into account. The lack of historical documentation precludes an authentic

restoration, however, the character of the plantings can be reasonably

reproduced based on the historic photo. Any new plantings must also accommodate the harsh conditions present at the Main Gate and along Route 9, including heat, wind, drought, winter road salt, and snow removal. Finally,

consideration should be given to the ultimate height of the plants. Originally,

trees were planted that had mature heights much greater than what was intended

for the location. It is doubtful that the shrubs were intended to get much taller than the gate wall at their tallest. As was common in a time when dwarf varieties were less numerous and less available than today, it was likely that the intention was to remove and replace the trees as they grew too big. This practice is evidenced at the Main Gate by the two overgrown spruces that remain.

Replant the beds with a variety of dwarf and slower-growing conifer plants

reflecting upright, conical, mounding, and spreading habits. Variety should be

sought in height, form, color, and needle shape, with plants planted either singly or in small groups. At least five different species or cultivars should be used to

create the desired variety in the planting. Plants should be chosen for character,

suitability to the location and its constraints, small maximum size, or slow

growth. Some suggested species include Taxus canadensis, Picea pungens, Picea

orientalis 'Nana', Chamaecyparis obtusaJuniperus chinensis, and Pinus mugo.

Before reinstatement of the entry plantings, the beds at the face of the entry walls should prepared by first removing the salt-laden soils. Excavate to a depth of

three feet and install a gravel drainage layer of three inch depth with filter fabric before refilling the planters with fertile, well drained topsoil. After the plants are

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

installed, provide irrigation as needed until they are well established, and ensure

that snow removal and storage practices do not damage the plants. Continue to monitor the health and viability of the plants, replacing poor performers with

other suitable varieties. Remove and replace plants as they reach a height of

about six feet.

Task 1.5: Prune historic trees for form and health.

Large specimen trees and small clusters of trees comprise an essential

characteristic of the historic landscape. The trees range in ages from around

eighty years to more than two hundred years old. The trees provide a direct link

to the past and instill a character of age and maturity to the landscape. These

trees face issues that are inevitable in trees of advanced age, including poor

structure, declining vigor, dieback, and windthrow. While these trees can not be

preserved forever, efforts should be made to prolong their life and their contribution to the historic landscape as long as feasible.

Prune historic specimen trees to maintain form and promote health and

longevity. Remove dead branches and weak or diseased wood, as well as crossing

branches and other formal irregularities, but limit the extent of pruning of mature

trees to maintain balance between the canopy and roots. Ensure that pruning

actions are consistent with best practices for the maintenance of individual tree

species.

The large oak to the west of the gate wall should be managed to ensure that it does not threaten the structure of the Main Gate. It is appropriate for branches

to overhang the gate, as is evident in Figure 28, but branches that are in contact with the gate walls, piers, or urns should be cabled, supported, or removed.

Task 1.6: Monitor maple allee; replace all trees when loss is fifty percent.

The formal allee of sugar maples (Acer saccharum) is a major character-defining

feature of the main entrance and should be managed as a single feature.

Historically, the allee was characterized by a double row of about ten pairs of

maple trees of the same age spaced evenly between the main gate and the White

Bridge (Figure 29). Today, at least twelve of the original trees survive and have

matured into large specimens with trunk diameters of between thirty and forty

inches. Some of the trees have been lost and have been replaced in kind with

young trees, with the younger trees varying from small saplings of about threeinch trunk diameter to young trees with a diameter of ten inches or more. By

virtue of the extant historic trees, the feature still reads as a formal allee of mature

maples, but a continued policy of replacement in kind of individual trees as they

die will continue to degrade this effect (Figure 30).

To preserve the historic character of the allee, the trees should be all replaced at

the same time, resulting in a unified feature of single-aged trees. This should be

done when the feature no longer reads as an allee, or when about half of the __ _____
Treatment Tasks

remaining historic trees are lost, or when about six original trees remain. In the mean time, however, it is not desirable to have gaps in the allee, so trees should be

replaced in kind as they are lost.

Continue to monitor the remaining historic trees, pruning as necessary to prolong their viability and removing trees that cannot be maintained or that pose

a safety hazard. As the trees are removed, replace the trees in kind. At the point

when the feature no longer reads as an allee, all of the remaining trees should be

removed and replanted together. Young trees that have recently been planted

and are the same size as the new trees being planted may be retained, but midaged trees that are larger than the new trees should be removed and replaced.

This will result in an allee of twenty trees (ten on each side) of the same size. Use

the current tree-replacement procedure of removing the trees, grinding the stumps, and replanting in the same location. Prune trees along the margin of the

adjacent wooded area to ensure that the new trees are not shaded or crowded.

Task 1.7: Manage pond edge vegetation. Suppress invasive species and reinstate

emergent vegetation.

Crum Elbow Creek was controlled with dams creating ponds, pools, and runs from the earliest periods of development at Hyde Park. It is unknown what the exact configuration of the creek and ponds was during the earlier ownership

periods, but the current configuration dates at least to the beginning of

Vanderbilt's residency, when the White Bridge and the dams were built in 1897. The two ponds flanking the bridge, created by the White Bridge dam and the

Power House dam, create a striking visual scene that complements the

architecture of the bridge. Images from the historic period show that the pond

around the White Bridge featured ornamental vegetation along its edge. Figure

31 shows emergent vegetation similar to arrowhead (Sagittaria sp.) and perhaps

irises on the shore.

Today, the pond lacks ornamental aquatic and emergent vegetation along its

edge. Lawn is mowed to the pond edge, and weeds colonize the pond banks and

areas that aren't mowed (Figure 32). To recapture the historic character of the pond, reinstate aquatic vegetation along the shoreline of the main entrance pond,

including both emergent and shore species. Suppress invasive species and woody

vegetation such as tree-of-heaven from shoreline and around bridge abutments.

Several aquatic species were listed in the purchase ledgers between 1902 and

1938. It is not known whether these were intended for the ponds, the pools in

the garden, or for the greenhouses. All of the species listed are non-native, and

some, including milfoil {Myriophyllum proserpinacoides), are known to be

invasive. The ponds at Vanderbilt Mansion are within a matrix of critical aquatic

habitat including the Hudson River, smaller creeks, and ponds. In order to avoid

introducing potentially invasive species into open waters, it is not recommended

that the historic species be reintroduced to the ponds. To reinstate the historic

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

character of the ponds, plant native aquatic and emergent species along the

shoreline of the entrance pond. Plants should have showy flowers and

ornamental foliage. Suggested species include common arrowhead (Sagittaria

latifolia) and blue flag iris (Iris versicolor).

Task 1.8: Preserve fern masses along woodland edge.

An understory of New York fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) and hayscented

fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) carpets the slope on the south side of the entrance drive in Zone 1 and inside the south bend along Bard Lane in Zone 8

(Figures 33).

28 The purchasing records indicate that the Vanderbilts bought

hundreds of ferns, but most orders were small and of "assorted ferns," thus they were most likely for the greenhouses and floral displays. Documentation is

lacking on the origin of these plantings along the entrance drive and Bard Lane. However, both ferns are common woodland species in the region and these areas

offer ideal growing conditions for ferns—partial to heavy shade and moist soil. The fern masses should be preserved. In these same areas non native invasive

Oriental bittersweet and poison ivy are growing on the sunny perimeter of the woods and should be removed by mechanical and chemical treatments.

Task 1.9: Rehabilitate spring flowering bulb plantings in lawn areas and in woodland edge.

The purchasing records indicate that the Vanderbilts ordered a large number of

bulbs and groundcovers, but documentation is lacking on the locations where

these were planted. Spring flowering bulbs are currently found in three

locations. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) grow to the east of the pond in the grove of

trees and lawn area near Route 9 (Figures 35 and 36). Siberian squill (Scilla

siberica) grows between the pavilion and the overlook. Grape hyacinth (Muscari

botryoides) grows on the west side of the road between the parking lot north exit and the overlook (Zone 3). Daffodils also grow to the southwest of the mansion

(Zone 8).

29

In 1902 the Vanderbilts ordered a particularly large number of bulbs and

groundcovers: 5,000 crocus, 2,000 snowdrops, 1,000 blue grape hyacinths, 2,600

daffodils, 1 ,000 Siberian squill, 1 ,000 spring starflower, and 2,000 lily-of-thevalley. Large orders followed in 1903 but thereafter diminished, with the exception of tulip orders in the 1 920s. Most of the bulbs ordered in 1 902-03 were small bulbs and groundcovers typically used for adding color to woodland

edges, thus were likely planted throughout the grounds.

Many larger bulbs ordered by the Vanderbilts were likely for the formal gardens.

A photograph of the lower perennial garden in c. 1916 shows the outer beds filled with daffodils.' In an interview with Alex Knauss, gardener for the Vanderbilts,

he described the annual task of digging up bulbs and tubers for storage in the root

cellar." The purchasing records indicate that the Vanderbilts ordered over 7,000

^2
I Kl \l Ml \ I I \SKS

tulip bulbs in 1920s, but most were ordered as 1 00 of a particular variety. An

exception was a single order of 2,900 tulips in 1924. Some spring bulbs purchased

in smaller quantities, which may have been incorporated into the garden beds.

32

The treatment of bulbs in the formal gardens is addressed in a separate volume.

The existing bulb and groundcover plantings throughout the Vanderbilt Mansion

grounds should be rehabilitated to improve their blooming. Existing plantings

should be preserved. Hardy bulbs, such as daffodil, squill, and grape hyacinth

require partial sunlight and a moist well drained soil to bloom each year. After

flowering, the foliage of bulbs in lawn areas needs to die down naturally rather than be cut, thus spring mowing should be delayed in areas with spring-flowering

bulbs until the foliage lies down, or 2 to 3 weeks after blooming. While a high

phosphorus fertilizer benefits bulbs, surface applications should not be applied

adjacent to the pond. Ideally existing bulbs would be dug up, divided, and the

soil amended, and the bulbs replanted. Divisions are best done when the foliage

dies down and the bulb enters a dormant period. 33 If additional bulbs are added,

they should be of the species and colors identified in the purchasing ledgers and

should be added where bulbs of that species are currently present in Zones 1, 3 and 8.

CIRCULATION

Task 1.10: Replace drive surface with chip-seal or stabilized aggregate when

repaving is necessary.

During the historic period, the drives throughout the estate were surfaced with

gravel or crushed stone. The current use of dark, uniform asphalt for the park

drives is out of character with the historic landscape (Figures 37 and 38). Resurfacing the drives with a material that is lighter in color and coarser in

texture will give the roads a character that is more in line with historic conditions.

Consideration should be given to using a chip-seal surface or stabilized aggregate

that will be closer in color, texture, and character to the historic gravel drives, but

will have the durability and safety needed for park circulation. This may either be

done as a top dressing on existing roads or at a future time when life-cycle

replacement necessitates the resurfacing of the drives.

CONSTRUCTED WATER FEATURES

Task 1.11: Manage pond depth.

The pond is filling up with silt through natural succession accelerated by a dramatic increase in development in upstream areas since the historic period. If

corrective action is not taken, the pond will soon become a shallow bog. Such a change would alter the historic character of the entry area dramatically. Ideally

the pond should be dredged to increase the depth and maintain its footprint and

character. There may be other methods of either reducing the silt in the pond or

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

at least slowing its accretion. Efforts upstream from the park may be pursued in coordinated with the town's conservation administrator to reduce the inflow of

silt. A hydrologist or other specialist should be consulted and the appropriate

action taken to prevent the loss of this important feature. Dredging of the pond

may be planned in conjunction with repairs to the White Bridge dam.

SMALL-SCALE FEATURES

Task 1.12: Reduce signage at Main Gate.

Current signs and traffic control devices, whether affixed to the Main Gate

Structures or used temporarily to control traffic, are incompatible with the

historic character of the Main Gate. While signage is needed to for visitor safety

and information and to identify the park, efforts should be made to reduce the

visual impact of these signs. For example, a large National Park Service

arrowhead sign, approximately two feet by three feet, affixed to the

southernmost pier of the Main Gate should be removed or incorporated into the

park identification sign (Figure 39). Temporary traffic control features, such as orange traffic cones, should be used only when needed and promptly removed to reduce the visual clutter at the Main Gate.

TREATMENT ZONE 2: MANSION GROUNDS

Treatment Zone 2 comprises the core of the former estate property, including the Mansion and Pavilion, the lawns and specimen trees around the Mansion, the Great Circle and the Entrance Drive between the White Bridge and the Great

Circle, and the landscape surrounding the formal gardens (Drawings 9 and 10). Character-defining features of this area include the nearly level topography

which unifies the area, the extant specimen trees dating from each owner period,

the spatial organization of open area and informal tree groupings, the placement

and character of the mansion and Pavilion, and the distinctive organization of the

drives. The notable tree collection is concentrated in the South Lawn, Great

Circle, and Pavilion areas and includes the large ginkgo tree, a multi-trunk

weeping birch, and a number of other notable trees.

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

The treatment of the major buildings at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic

Site, including the Mansion and the Pavilion, should be undertaken in accordance with a comprehensive plan based on Historic Structure Reports or in

consultation with a historical architect. Treatment recommendations for these

structures will not be addressed in the CLR.

94
Treatment Tasks

VEGETATION

Task 2.1: Preserve specimen trees. Replace dying and hazard trees in kind and in location.

Large specimen trees and small clusters of trees comprise an essential

characteristic of the historic landscape. The trees range in ages from around

eighty years to more than two hundred years old. These trees are invaluable

contributors to the park's historic character and significance, creating the important spatial relationships, conveying a sense of age, and providing a direct

link to the historic period. These trees face issues that are inevitable in trees of

advanced age, including poor structure, declining vigor, dieback, and windthrow.

While these trees can not be preserved forever, efforts should be made to prolong

their life and their contribution to the historic landscape as long as feasible.

Every effort should be made to retain and nurture the park's specimen trees.

Preservation efforts should be made in accordance with best practices for the treatment of mature historic trees, and should include pruning for health, form,

and safety and cabling when necessary. Care should be taken not to over prune

mature trees thereby creating an imbalance between the roots and canopy. Tree

roots should be protected from compaction by heavy equipment.

As the trees reach a point where they can no longer be maintained or they pose a

significant safety hazard, they should be removed and replaced in kind and in

location. The park should continue its current procedure of removing the tree, grinding the stump, and replanting in the same location. Prominent and rare specimens should be propagated in anticipation of replacement to ensure the

preservation of genetic material.

Task 2.2: Repair damaged lawn areas.

Turf grass was a major landscape component during the historic period,

contributing strongly to the character of the parkland areas. Several areas around

the Mansion that see concentrated visitor use have suffered damage to the turf

grass (Figure 40). Repair these areas by aerating the soil and reseeding with a

suitable turf grass species. Protect the areas until they have become well

established.

Task 2.3: Reinstate Mansion foundation plantings.

In 1923 Robert Cridland designed plantings for the front of the Mansion.

Cridland's plan was very specific, both in species and variety as well as plant

height and number (Figure 41 ). Although it is not known when exactly the

plantings were installed or whether they were installed exactly as Cridland had

designed them or as a variation of his design, by the end of the historic period,

well established conifer shrubs adorned the Mansion facade. Images of the Mansion in the 1940s show plantings that could well have been those that

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Cridland designed, but by that time they no longer reflected the character that Cridland had intended (Figures 42 and 43).

The reinstatement of the Mansion foundation plantings is being proposed here as an optional treatment task. Doing so would enhance the historic character of the

landscape, returning it closer to its condition in 1938. However, planting shrubs

along the front of the Mansion would also introduce a number of issues,

including the potential for damage to the Mansion structure from roots and

moisture and an increase in the resources required to prune and maintain the

plants.

If the reinstatement of the foundation plantings is undertaken, the 1923 Cridland

plan should be used as a guide for both plant species and arrangement. Most of

the shrubs should be kept low beneath the bottom of the windows, with the

exception of the taller columnar forms specified in the plan. As in the Main Gate

plantings, slow-growing or dwarf substitution varieties may be used to reduce

maintenance and delay the eventual need to replace overgrown plantings

(Drawing 12).

Task 2.4: Reinstate shrubs around formal gardens.

There are two sources of detailed planting plans for the flowering and evergreen

shrub plantings around the rose garden. In 1910, Thomas Meehan and Sons

designed the loggia garden, known today as the rose garden, as an eastern extension to the original formal garden terraces (Figure 44). The plans included a

diverse planting of shrubs along the outside of the enclosing fence. In 1916, the shrub plantings were altered and augmented by Robert Cridland (Figure 45).

Cridland's plan included a replanting of the north and east sides of the garden,

while along the south side, the Meehan plantings were retained. These plans are complete with plant species and variety, and in the case of the Cridland plan,

quantity and size of the plants. The existence and layout of these plantings is confirmed in the 1930s aerial photo of the garden (Figure 46).

Today, only a few remnant shrubs remain from these plantings, and these have

become overgrown and choked with vines and invasive plants. There are also a number of junipers around the rose garden pavilion, as Cridland calls for in his

plan, but it is unknown at this time if these are original plants or if they have been

replaced since then. In either case, these are overgrown and in poor health.

To reinstate the full shrub planting around the rose garden, the existing shrubs

should be removed and the area planted completely with new plants. The

Cridland and Meehan plans should be used as a guide for plant selection and

placement. The composite of the two plans, as it would have been planted after

1916, is shown in Drawing 13.

If the shrubs around the rose garden are not to be reinstated at this time, the

alternative is to stabilize and rejuvenate the existing shrubs. This would entail %
Treatment Tasks

removing the vines and invasive plants and pruning the shrubs to improve form

and health. Shrubs should be protected, mulched, and kept free of vines.

Task 2.5: Preserve redbud and dogwood grove.

The redbud and dogwood grove is located prominently on the east-facing slope

just south of the formal gardens. As a landscape feature, the grove bore an

orchard-like character of evenly spaced trees with an open understory. During

the spring, the blossoms on the trees would have created a striking effect.

Today, the trees in this grove continue to suffer health issues related to their advanced age and from competition from invasive species in the understory,

which not only compete with the trees for resources but also detract from the

historically open character of the grove (Figure 47). Continued efforts are needed to prevent the growth of vines and woody plants in the grove and

encourage the growth of meadow grasses and forbs beneath the trees. This

would involve seasonal mowing as well as some hand removals of troublesome

plants. Seeding with an understory grass may help establish desired species and

discourage unwanted plants.

The trees themselves should receive appropriate preservation efforts to ensure

their health and longevity, including pruning and cabling where necessary. Replace in kind any dead and missing trees and those that can not be sustained.

Task 2.6: Rejuvenate rhododendron.

Several rhododendron plantings are located in the vicinity of the formal gardens

and along the drives (Figures 48, 49, and 50). See also Zone 8 for azalea plantings west of the walk between the formal gardens and mansion.

The purchasing records indicate that the Vanderbilts ordered manv

rhododendron and azaleas between 1 903 and 1 926, including 400 small Amoena

azaleas (Rhododedron xKurume 'Amoena') in 1903 (most likely for the formal

gardens), 50 hybrid rhododendron of assorted colors in 191 1, 75 rosebay

rhododendron {Rhododendron maximum) in 1914, 36 rhododendron in 1916, 12 rhododendron in 1917, and 42 rhododendron in 1926.

Two groups of rhododendrons are located near the intersection of the entry

drive with the road to the Gardener's Cottage. A healthy grouping is located to

the north of the service drive to the Gardener's Cottage and a declining planting

is located to the south of the service drive amidst other plantings. The plantings

are composed of Catawba rhododendrons {Rhododendron catawbiense), which

bloom with mixed colors in late May to early June. A plan representing the garden area 1938 shows the former extent of the rhododendron plantings.'

4 The

plantings should be rejuvenated and the existing plants propagated by the

layering method in order to expand the plantings to their former size to screen

the service drive.

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Another Catawba rhododendron plantings is located between the South Drive

and Crum Elbow Creek, opposite the formal gardens and redbud and dogwood

grove. This planting is representative of several groupings along the South Drive.

One grouping is further down the South Drive, about halfway to the South Gate

in Zone 4, and the other is near the South Gate House. Based on the entries in

the purchasing records, it is likely that these plantings were added during the

Vanderbilt period. Each planting should be rejuvenated to improve its health and

appearance. Remove encroaching vines and invasive vegetation and prune the

rhododendron as needed for health and form. The plantings along the South

Drive are not well documented in the first volume of the Cultural Landscape

Report (1992) and partially documented in the Historic Plant Inventory (1995) as they are at the edge of the historic core.

35 An inventory and associated map of the

plantings along the South Drive and around the South Gate House is needed to

aid in ongoing preservation maintenance. The ordering records and historic

plant inventory indicate that at least two species are present, Catawba, which

blooms in late May to early June, and Rosebay, which blooms in early June. A

more detailed inventory will indicate where each species is located.

CIRCULATION

For treatment of the drive surfaces, including the Entrance Drive and the Great

Circle, see Task 1.6.

Task 2.7: Restore pedestrian circulation paths.

Two pedestrian circulation paths are in need of repair to restore their historic

character. The first extends from the White Bridge to the Great Circle and the

second from the northeast corner of the formal gardens to the South Drive

(Figure 51). Both of these paths date to the historic period, and the first dates as

far back as Parmentier's layout for the estate grounds. Today the paths are

suffering from loss of surface material, lack of edge definition, and encroachment

by vegetation.

Restore these paths using quarter-inch-minus crushed stone at a width of two

feet. Use stabilized fill where the paths have eroded to bring the path bed to

grade. Gullying and erosion of path material should be prevented by crowning

the path surface, creating drainage dips, or installing subsurface checks to direct water away from the path. Maintain the paths to suppress grass and weeds.

TREATMENT ZONE 3: NORTH LAWN, NORTH DRIVE, AND

NORTH GATE

Treatment Zone 3 contains the large lawn area north of the Great Circle, the

North Drive between the Pavilion and the North Gate, as well as the North Gate

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Treatment Tasks

itself (Drawing 10). The area immediately west of Route 9 containing the white

pine buffer is discussed in Treatment Zone 6 below.

The dominant character-defining feature of this zone is the North Drive, lined

with sugar maples, that winds northward toward the North Gate and Bard Rock.

To the left of the drive, the ground drops off steeply, offering some of the most

dramatic views on the property; to the right, the broad North Lawn opens up, dotted with solitary trees. This zone also contains the largest non-historic

addition to the landscape, the visitor parking lot, which occupies the southern

third of the original north lawn.

BUILDINGS AMD STRUCTURES

Task 3.1: Preserve North Gate Piers, Walls, and Iron Work.

The north gate was constructed in 1906 after Vanderbilt acquired the Sexton

Tract in the same style but of slightly simpler design than the main gate. Like the

main gate, the North Gate is subjected to impacts from the elements, such as

excessive and persistent moisture, moss and weed growth, and vegetation

encroachment. Appropriate action should be taken to preserve the structural elements of the North Gate. The discussion of Task 1.1 describing the issues and

actions associated with the preservation of the Main Gate applies to the

preservation of the North Gate as well.

VEGETATION

Task 3.2: Reinstate North Gate plantings.

As was the case with the Main Gate, the North Gate also featured ornamental

plantings in the beds along the gate walls. Although there are no known

photographs of the North Gate plantings, the existing spruce trees in the beds

today suggest that the North Gate was planted in a similar fashion as the Main

Gate (Figure 52). Reinstatement of the North Gate plantings should be

undertaken with the same parameters as the Main Gate plantings, using the same

species arranged using the same guidelines. See Task 1.3 for further discussion.

Task 3.3: Repair turf grass at overlook.

The turf grass at the overlook is suffering from compaction due to concentrated

visitor use (Figure 53). Repair these areas in the early spring or late summer by

aerating the soil, taking care to prevent damaging the roots of shade trees, and

reseeding with a suitable turf grass species. Protect the areas until they have

become well established.

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Task 3.4: Rehabilitate spring flowering bulb plantings in lawn areas and in woodland edge.

In the spring Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) grows between the pavilion and the

overlook and grape hyacinth {Muscaribotryoid.es) blooms on the west side of the

road between the parking lot north exit and the overlook See Task 1.9 for further

discussion.

CIRCULATION

The circulation in Treatment Zone 3 has changed in character since the historic

period, primarily to accommodate increased use and visitor access. The

significant changes include the main visitor parking lot, angled parking along the

North Drive, hard surfacing of the North Drive with smooth black asphalt, and

timber-and-cable traffic guards along the road. Although these changes alter the

drive's historic character, they have been done in a largely compatible fashion

and are needed to provide adequate visitor service.

The North Drive accommodates a considerable amount of pedestrian traffic of

people walking between the visitor parking lot and Bard Rock. This is a popular

walking route, offering some of the most dramatic views of the property. In the

absence of a suitable footpath, most visitors walk on the road, which, although not ideal, is mitigated by the slow traffic speed, one-way direction, and moderate

to light volume on most days. Construction of a dedicated pedestrian path would

be difficult due to the proximity of trees and the edge of the steep slope to the

road edge. Construction of such a footpath would require realignment of the

road in places to provide enough room. Furthermore, a footpath along the road

would increase the overall width of the road bed, markedly altering its historic

character (Figures 54, 55, and 56).

In an effort to balance historic character, visitor services, and the needs of the

park, it is recommended that the existing configuration of the North Drive, the

main visitor parking, and the angled parking at the overlook be retained.

For discussion of the road surface, please see Task 1.6 above.

TREATMENT ZONE 4: SOUTH GATE AMD SOUTH DRIVE

Treatment Zone 4 includes the South Gate, South Gatehouse, and the portion of

the South Drive between the South Gate and the redbud and dogwood grove

south of the formal gardens (Drawing 14). Like the Main Gate and the North

Gate, the South Gate and South Drive is characterized by parkland, with mown

lawn and specimen trees lining the road. A short segment of approximately 500

feet of the South Drive is characterized by deciduous woodland. Along this

section, the drive passes through forest with no landscaped areas on either side.

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I hi atmf.nt Tasks

BUILDINGS AMD STRUCTURES

The treatment of the major buildings at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic

Site, including the South Gatehouse, should be undertaken in accordance with a comprehensive plan based on Historic Structure Reports or in consultation with

a historical architect. Treatment recommendations for these structures will not be addressed in the CLR.

Task 4.1: Preserve South Gate Piers, Walls, and Iron Work.

The south gate was constructed at the same time as the main gate in 1 898. Issues impacting the South Gate are similar to those of the other two gates, and

appropriate action should be taken to preserve the structural elements of the South Gate. The discussion of Task 1 . 1 describing the issues and actions

associated with the preservation of the Main Gate applies to the preservation of

the North Gate as well.

VEGETATION

Task 4.2: Reinstate South Gate plantings.

Unlike the Main Gate and the North Gate, the South Gate did not have a mixed

conifer planting, but was planted with a continuous low hedge ofJapanese

barberry (Berberis thunbergii.) with Boston ivy {Parthenocissus tricuspidata)

covering the walls and gate piers. These plantings have been lost since the

historic period. To enhance the historic character of the South Gate, reinstate

the plantings, using Figure 57 as a guide. Japanese barberry has a tendency to escape cultivation and is considered a on-native invasive species. A substitute

species may be used to reduce the impact of invasive species in the natural areas

of the park. Suitable substitutions may include boxwood (Buxus serpervirens),

mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), inkberry (Ilex glabra), or Japanese holly (Ilex

crenata). Maintain the clipped hedge with a maximum height of eighteen to twenty-four inches. Prior to planting, the beds should be prepared in a manner

described in Task 1.3.

Task 4.3: Remove South Gatehouse plantings and reinstate yews.

Documentation for plantings at the South Gatehouse is sparse. The only located

photo from the historic period is a 1 899 Charles S. Piersaull photo, taken shortly

after the building was completed, that does not show any foundation plantings at

all (Figure 58). A photo from 1 956, nearly twenty years after the end of the

historic period, shows a number of small foundation plants of a variety of species

along the front and sides of the South Gatehouse (Figure 59 and 60). Two site

surveys from the historic period include the South Gate are. The First, a J.S. Burley survey from 1 899, shows two yews flanking the entrance walk to the Gatehouse, adjacent to the road (Figure 61 ). These were likely installed short 1\

after the building was completed and after the Piersaull photo was taken. The

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second survey was done in conjunction with the 1941 master plan and does not

indicate any plantings in front of the Gatehouse. There may have been no

plantings at the time, or the survey may not have been at a sufficient scale to record them.

The existing rhododendron shrubs at the front of the South Gatehouse are not

historic and are overgrown well beyond the scale of any historic plantings (see

Figure 60). All foundation plantings along the front of the South Gatehouse

should be removed to restore the simpler and more open character of the

building's fa9ade. The front of the building may be left unplanted with

foundation shrubs, or the two yews recorded on the Burley survey may be

reinstated. To reinstate the yews, plant one on each side of the entrance walkway, approximately four feet from the edge of the walkway pavement and

four feet from the edge of the drive. Maintain these to a maximum crown

diameter of four feet and a maximum height of six feet.

Task 4.4: Rejuvenate rhododendron.

The large rhododendron at the intersection between the South Drive and the

road along the river is being encroached by vines and other vegetation. The

rhododendron likely dates to the Vanderbilt period (see Task 2.6) and should be

rejuvenated to improve its health and appearance. Remove encroaching vines

and invasive vegetation and prune the rhododendron as needed for health and

form (Figure 62).

CIRCULATION

Task 4.5: Remove temporary auto shelter.

Non-historic and incompatible structures and features near the South Gatehouse

include a Quonset-hut-style temporary auto shelter. This feature is conspicuous

and incongruous with the historic landscape (Figure 63). Remove the Quonsethut-style auto shelter adjacent to the South Gatehouse and remove asphalt

paving. If parking is desired for residents of the South Gatehouse, provide gravel

surface parking space for one vehicle in the current location. Surfaced parking

space should be no larger than nine feet by eighteen feet.

SMALL-SCALE FEATURES

Task 4.6: Remove incompatible small-scale features from the front of the South

Gatehouse.

Non-historic incompatible elements in front of the South Gatehouse, including

incompatible drainage structures and lawn ornaments, detract from the historic

character of the South Gatehouse. The current General Management Plan

addresses the storage of outdoor equipment, garden furnishings, car parking, and

other personal affects within high visibility areas to minimize visual intrusion of

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1 ki a i mi nt Tasks

cars and other modern elements into the historic scene. In accordance with this guidance, incompatible features such as lawn ornaments should be removed from

the front of the South Gatehouse. Remove the white drain pipe that feeds roof

drainage to the street gutter, addressing roof drainage so that the pipe is not

necessary (Figure 64).

Task 4.7: Move bicycle sign.

A road sign indicating no bicycles are allowed on the Lower Woodland Drive is

currently located prominently near the South Drive in front of a historic juniper

tree. In order to make this sign less conspicuous, it should be relocated further from the paved drive and closer to the gated entrance to the Lower Woodland

Drive (Figure 65).

TREATMENT ZONE 5: COACH HOUSE AMD COACH HOUSE

MEADOW

Treatment Zone 5 includes the Coach House and the adjacent meadow, as well as

the entrance drive and parking lot, and the row of trees along River Rd (Drawing

15). The entrance at the coach house has functioned, both historically and

currently, primarily as a service entrance and is a less formal entrance than the

Main Gate, South Gate, or North Gate. Nonetheless, the areas directly around

the Coach House and the entrance drive were consciously designed and are

characterized by parkland landscape character area.

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

The treatment of the major buildings at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic

Site, including the Coach House, should be undertaken in accordance with a comprehensive plan based on Historic Structure Reports or in consultation with

a historical architect. Treatment recommendations for these structures will not be addressed in the CLR.

VEGETATION

Task 5.1: Reduce lawn area and reinstate meadow on either side of the Coach

House Entrance Drive.

There is no evidence that significant areas around the Coach House were

maintained as lawn. Consistent with other drives in the estate, the entrance drive

at the Coach House was likely bordered by a narrow mown band, with the remainder of the area maintained as meadow. Convert much of what is maintained as lawn area on either side of the entrance drive to meadow,

maintaining a five-foot band of mown turf grass on the drive's shoulders.

Meadow areas should be mowed two times a year in the late spring and early fall

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

to encourage a mix of native grasses and wildflowers and to discourage woody

vegetation.

Task 5.2: Remove and replace failing trees in-kind.

Three white pine trees historically grew along the south facade of the Coach

House. One of these trees has recently been replaced, and the other two are of an advanced age and in declining health (Figure 66). Remove and replace the two

remaining trees in kind. The replacement trees should match the one already

replaced in age and variety so that the three trees grow similarly.

Task 5.3: Replant the two spruce trees on the west side of the Coach House.

Photographs and aerial photographs from the historic period indicate that two

large spruce trees were planted on the west faqade of the Coach House (Figure

67). While the species of the trees is unknown, the trees exhibit the branching

habit and density of Colorado blue spruce. To reinstate these spruce trees, plant one Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) in the planting bed in front of each of

the Coach House wings.

Task 5.4: Reinstate lost sugar maple trees.

A row of historic sugar maple trees line the southern boundary of the estate on

the inside of the stone wall along River Road. While the majority of these trees

survive today, some have been lost, resulting in gaps in the row. Plant sugar maple trees to replace missing trees, using the spacing of existing trees to determine the number and location of missing trees (see Drawing 15).

TREATMENT ZONE 6: CONIFER SCREEN

Treatment Zone 6 comprises the long conifer screen along Route 9 between the

North Gate and the Main Gate, as well as the subway (Drawing 16). The screen

consists of mature white pines and hemlocks and forms a visual barrier between

the estate and the road and creates an important enclosure for the open areas of

the Mansion grounds.

BUILDINGS AMD STRUCTURES

Task 6.1: Stabilize and repair the subway.

The subway, used by the Vanderbilts to travel from the estate property to the

farm property under Route 9, is suffering from damage and deferred

maintenance. The walls of the subway are cracked and spalling, and are being

impacted from adjacent trees. Weeds and invasive woody vegetation is growing

in the earthen floor of the subway. Immediate action is needed to prevent further

deterioration of the subway structure (Figures 68 and 69).

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Treatment Tasks

The subway walls should be stabilized and repaired. Add temporary structural support where the walls are in danger of collapse until necessary repairs can be

made. Repair cracks, spalling concrete, and damaged core structures to prevent water infiltration and weed growth in the walls. Remove trees growing along the outer perimeter of the structure that are impacting the walls' structural integrity.

Remove weeds and woody invasives from the subway floor and walls, and surface

the floor with compacted gravel to inhibit new weed growth.

Ultimately the subway should undergo restoration work to repair and rebuild the

walls using original or compatible materials and methods.

VEGETATION

Task 6.2: Replace the conifer screen along Route 9.

The stand on the eastern boundary of the property along Route 9 was planted as

a screen to increase the privacy of his estate. The screen was planted in three

successive phases, the earliest along the road in about 1898 and the next in 1906. These two phases were white pines planted in regularly spaced rows. In photographs from the 1940s, the different ages of these two rows are evident, but

today the trees are the same size and the different ages are not discernible (Figure

70). The third phase of planting was of Canadian hemlocks in about 1937. This row is clearly discernible today, both by the different species and by the younger

age.

The entire screen is beginning to show signs of age and decline, particularly the

white pines that are now over a century old. Some have already been lost to wind

throw, and others have needed to be removed for safety concerns. Safety is of

particular concern along Route 9, as falling trees pose a serious threat to drivers. Furthermore, the taller trees exhibiting an open character below high canopies no longer function as a dense screen as they were originally intended. Therefore,

the screen should be removed and replanted in kind, following a schedule that

will replicate the original three-level arrangement.

To replace the screen, it should first be removed in its entirety. While a phased

removal is a management option, it is not recommended as the amount of site disturbance would be greater and the competition between mature trees and

seedlings would hamper growth of the screen. Establishing the entire screen in continuous rows will result in a screen that is more in character with the original

screen during the Vanderbilt period.

Clear and remove all of the pine and hemlock trees from the North Gate to White

Bridge (see Drawing 1 6). Replant the screen, beginning with the easternmost row

of pines along Route 9 and following the existing spacing and arrangement. After

a period of about ten years, plant the second row of pines along the inside of the

first row. Finally, after another ten year interval, the hemlocks should be

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

replanted. Careful documentation of the location and species of all of the trees should be completed before their removal so that the stand's layout can be

replicated with the new plantings. While this schedule does not duplicate the

original timeline of planting, it does replace the entire screen over a twenty year

period, maximizes the survival chances of the new trees, and results in a

historically appropriate three-level screen.

This process for replacement of the conifer screen applies to the densely and

regularly planted pines and hemlocks along Route 9. Immediately west of the

Great Circle, between it and the conifer screen, is an area planted with large pines

less densely and irregularly planted. While these irregularly planted trees at first glance appear to be part of the screen, their arrangement and character are

different from the screen and should be treated differently. Beneath these trees,

the ground is maintained as open lawn, giving it the character of parkland. These

trees should not be considered part of the conifer screen and should be treated

individually as specimen trees. Retain these trees and replace them in kind and in

location when necessary.

TREATMENT ZONE 7: CRUM ELBOW CREEK

Treatment Zone 7 includes Crum Elbow Creek and the woodland around it between the South Gate and the White Bridge (Drawing 9). The predominant

landscape character type in this zone is deciduous or mixed woodland, with the

exception of the conifer stand just south of the Main Gate and entrance maple

allee. Within this zone, there are a number of structures, including the Power

House, Coach House Bridge, and two dams.

BUILDINGS AMD STRUCTURES

The treatment of the major buildings at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic

Site, including the Power House, should be undertaken in accordance with a comprehensive plan based on Historic Structure Reports or in consultation with

a historical architect. The Power House, in particular, because it is not in regular

use, is suffering from deferred maintenance issues and structural problems. The

building should be stabilized and maintained to prevent structural deterioration.

Task 7.1: Stabilize and repair Power House retaining wall.

The Power House retaining wall was constructed as part of the Power House to

retain the steep slope above the creek. It is of the same construction and

materials as the Power House. The retaining wall shows considerable damage

and deterioration (Figure 71 ). Stones are loose and the mortar is cracked

throughout the wall, and sections of the wall are leaning or have collapsed

altogether. Seeping water down the hillside continues to undermine the wall and

makes failure of significant portions of the wall likely.

T06
Treatment Tasks

The retaining wall at the Power House should be immediately stabilized to prevent further deterioration. Use support structures to shore up sagging and

leaning sections of the wall. Collect and stock pile stones that have fallen from

the wall to be used in repairs or restoration. In some places the slope below the

wall should be stabilized. Once the wall has been stabilized, it should be repaired

using original or compatible materials and methods.

VEGETATION

Task 7.2: Manage deciduous woodland for overall health and species

composition.

Crum Elbow Creek and its woodland setting feature prominently in descriptions

of the property from the earliest visitors in Samuel Bard's and David Hosack's

ownership periods through the end of the Vanderbilt ownership period. The

mostly deciduous woodlands provide a distinctly different character from the more open parkland areas near by. The woodland vegetation along Crum Elbow

Creek should be managed to maintain its historic character. Invasive trees,

shrubs, and vines should be removed throughout the woodland area between the South Gate and the Main Gate. Removal methods should protect the intact

forest, and would include hand removal using a weed wrench for smaller

diameter plants and cut and paint with herbicide for larger plants. Following

removal, invasive species should be monitored and removed regularly. Overall

the forest should be managed to create a well kempt appearance.

CIRCULATION

Task 7.3: Repair and preserve the footpath between the White Bridge and the

Coach House.

The path that follows the creek along the east side from the White Bridge to the Coach House provides an experience unlike any other place in Vanderbilt

Mansion National Historic Site (Figure 72). There is little documentation of this

path, but it is likely that it dates to at least the Vanderbilt period. The path

includes a number of small culverts constructed of large flat stones to convey

runoff across the path.

Today, the path is in good condition for much of the route, but numerous places

have been washed out on the slopes above the creek. These sections are

impassible and prevent a complete trip between the White Bridge and the Coach

House. The path should be repaired and maintained as a pedestrian route for

visitors. The planned conversion of the Coach House from maintenance facilities

to visitor service building as indicated in the current General Management Plan

enhances the potential of this trail as a visitor amenity. To reinstate the path,

damaged sections of the trail should be repaired and the drainage issues addressed to prevent continued damage. The path should be maintained to provide safe and convenient access to visitors.

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

The historic route of the path from the White Bridge veered to the west at the

Power House, descending the slope to the bank of the creek. Along this very

steep section of bank, the path traveled along a causeway constructed of large,

flat stones on the eastern edge of the creek. The stones that made up this portion

of the path are largely still along the creek bank, although some have been

washed away and the path is not currently passable (Figure 73). Consideration

should be given to repairing the causeway this portion of the path along the creek

using the original stones, supplemented with compatible materials if not enough

of the stones remain. Plans for its repair should be done in consultation with

appropriate specialists, including stone masons and hydrologists, to determine

the feasibility of reinstating the path here.

If repair and use of the stone causeway is not feasible, a new portion of footpath

should be constructed above the Power House, descending the slope to the

south, and reconnecting to the historic alignment. The new portion of path

should match the historic path in width, materials, and character.

NATURAL SYSTEMS AMD FEATURES

Task 7.4: Stabilize slope and correct drainage.

The slope above Crum Elbow Creek on the east side is suffering damage in

several places from poor drainage and erosion. Broken or exposed clay pipes in

this area are evidence of a previous drainage system, but the system does not appear to be functioning today (Figure 74). The result of the poor drainage is boggy areas, slick exposed muddy slopes, and drainage ruts and gullies. The

drainage should be corrected both for the health and character of the forest and

to facilitate the maintenance of the creek footpath.

A comprehensive solution to the drainage problem should be developed in

consultation with appropriate specialists. Methods may include the installation

of perforated drain pipes, gravel trenches, or other appropriate methods. All new

drainage elements should be covered with biodegradable geotextile fabric and

soil to conceal them from view.

Eroded areas and exposed slopes should be stabilized using appropriate

techniques, including biodegradable textiles, such as jute mesh, and stabilizing

woodland understory plant material. All stabilization efforts should be concealed

to preserve the historic character of the forest.

TREATMENT ZONE 8: LOWER WOODLANDS AND MEADOWS

Treatment Zone 8 is the largest and most diverse treatment zone at Vanderbilt

Mansion National Historic Site, comprising all of the woodlands and meadows

between the Mansion terrace and the railroad tracks along the river, and a

Tos
Treatment Tasks

portion of the former Sexton Tract (Drawings 9 and 10). This includes a long

continuous band of deciduous woodland along the river, two meadows covering

the rolling slopes below the Mansion and on the northern portion of the

property, as well as the steep slopes directly below the Mansion and formal

gardens. This portion of the estate composes the middle ground of all of the major views from the Mansion terrace toward the river, and so management of

these views will largely involve treatment tasks in Zone 8. The treatment zone

also includes the upper portion of the Curtis/Sexton estate (the lower portion is

in the Bard Rock area). Prior to removal by the Vanderbilts in 1 905, the area included greenhouses, farm structures, a Carriage House, Coachman's Cottage,

and the Superintendent's Cottage, and the foundation of the Curtis/Sexton house

"Torham," which burned in 1899.

56

BUILDINGS AMD STRUCTURES

Task 8.1: Preserve stone walls, retaining walls, and archeological remnants of

buildings and structures associated with the former Curtis/Sexton estate.

A stone wall along Bard Lane, a retaining wall near the former Gardeners cottage,

andrcheological remains and vegetation associated with the former Curtis/Sexton

estate should be preserved. Features include the foundation of the Sexton Coachman's Cottage, materials from the Sexton Superintendent's Cottage just inside

the north property line at the juncture of Bard Lane and the road paralleling the

railroad, the cellar foundation and steps of the Vegetable Gardener's Cottage, and

associated plantings (Figures 75 through 78).

37

VEGETATION

Task 8.2: Remove vegetation on the slope below the Mansion and Pavilion.

Some of the most important views at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

are from the areas around the Mansion and Pavilion toward the river and

mountains to the west. During the historic period, these views were open and

sweeping, with a limited number of specimen trees directly on the edge of the

terrace to frame the views. The slopes below the Mansion and Pavilion were free of obscuring trees and brush. Today, the difficulty in keeping these steep slopes

mowed has led to recurring colonization by trees and shrubs, especially dense

thickets of tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima). Periodic efforts to remove the

tree-of-heaven, including one completed recently, are effective in the short term

in opening up the views, but the plants eventually return to once again obscure

the views (Figure 79).

Diligent efforts to suppress the tree-of-heaven and other brush on the slopes

below the Mansion and Pavilion should continue. Hand removal with a weed

wrench may be effective for smaller plants, while larger plants should be cut and

painted with herbicide. Other methods of keeping the slopes clear may be

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

explored for feasibility, including the use of sheep or goats in moveable pens. Portions of the slopes that are not too steep to mow should be mowed on a schedule to suppress woody vegetation and encourage meadow species.

Task 8.3: Remove conifer trees below the Pavilion.

There are five or six conifer trees on the slope between the Pavilion and the

Mansion that appear to have grown up since the historic period. These trees block significant portions of the views from this area and should be removed

(Drawing 9).

Task 8.4: Clear woodlands from the slope to the west of the formal gardens to 1938 footprint.

The slope below the formal gardens was open meadow during the historic

period, providing a significantly different character than the densely forested

slope today. The path that climbs the ridge from Crum Elbow Creek in the south

to the formal gardens would have offered views of the river to the west through a

line of specimen trees that grew along the top of the slope (Figure 80). Since the

historic period, the slope was not mowed and the forest grew up, blocking the

views and casting the path into deep shade. Today, the forest is composed mostly

of Norway maples with scattered large tulip trees and other species (Figures 81 and 82).

To reestablish the open character of the path along the top of the slope and to

help reestablish the overall spatial organization of the estate, the forest on the

slope to the west of the formal gardens should be cleared. See Drawing 9 for the

extent of the clearing. Clear and grub the area, retaining mature tulip trees and

any trees above twenty-four inches diameter as specimen trees. After clearing the

area will need to be managed aggressively to suppress the reestablishment of the

forest species and opportunistic species that will try to colonize the disturbed

area. Plant and encourage meadow species with regular mowing or with the use

of sheep or goats in the steepest areas.

Task 8.5: Clear woodlands south of the formal gardens to 1938 footprint.

Like the slopes below the formal gardens, the area directly to their south between

the edge of the ridge and the South Drive has grown up from open meadow with

clusters of trees into dense woodland (Drawing 9). To restore the open character

and historic spatial organization, this area should be cleared, leaving the largest

trees as specimens. Clear and grub the woodland, leaving mature tulip trees and

any tree greater than twenty-four inches diameter. After clearing, manage the

area to suppress woody vegetation and invasive species and encourage native

meadow species.

IK)
Treatment Tasks

Task 8.6: Reduce woodlands to 1938 footprint. Remove invasive species, vines,

and all trees under twelve inches diameter.

The bands of deciduous woodlands along the river are an essential element of the

historic landscape, but they have increased in extent since 1938, reducing the amount of meadow and obscuring important views. Woodland areas should be

reduced to their historic footprint based on a 1943 aerial photograph, and the

cleared areas restored to meadow (Drawings 9 and 10). Clear and grub all

vegetation in the target areas and manage the areas to suppress woody vegetation

and encourage meadow species.

In addition to reducing the woodlands to the 1 938 footprint, the remaining

woodlands should be managed for overall health and species composition. Along

the woodland perimeter, remove all invasive trees and vines and all trees under

twelve inches diameter. In the woodland interior, invasive species should be

targeted for removal, including Norway maple (Acer platanoides), tree-of-heaven

{Ailanthus altissima), and Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus). Removal of

sapling trees under one and one-half inches diameter can be done by hand with a weed wrench. Larger trees should be cut and painted with herbicide to limit

resprouting.

At the north end of the band of woodland along the river is a stand of spruce that

reflects the characteristics of other conifer stands in the property. The trees, planted during the Vanderbilt period, are evenly spaced and of the same age. Remove dead and hazardous trees from the stand, but do not replace them.

Manage the understory to remove other woodland species and invasives,

especially in gaps left by deadfall. When the stand must be replaced, clear the

entire stand together and replant using the same species and replicating the

original layout.

Task 8.7: Maintain meadows with semiannual mowing and removal of woody

vegetation. Preserve large trees within the meadow in kind.

The broad swaths of meadow on the slopes between the river and the Mansion

terrace are one of the primary vegetation types at Vanderbilt Mansion National

Historic Site. Together with the bands of woodlands along the river, the

meadows composed the important views that were so valued by all of the owners

at Hyde Park. Today, most of the meadow area is maintained with regular

mowing to suppress woody vegetation. The most significant impact to the meadows is encroachment of the adjacent woodland areas and the transition of some of the steeply sloped areas from meadows to woodlands. The meadows are

also being impacted by the colonization of invasive species in the meadow

interiors.

The reclamation of meadows that have transitioned to woodlands is covered in Task 8.5 above. Once the woodlands have been cleared, reseed with native

111
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

meadow grass species and monitor regularly to suppress the resurgence of the woodland vegetation.

Maintain existing meadows and newly reclaimed meadows with annual mowing

to suppress woody shrubs and trees. The number and timing of each mowing

should be developed in consultation with a natural resource specialist to encourage native grasses and meadow forb species and discourage invasive nonnative meadow species. The meadow vegetation should be composed primarily

of grasses maintained to a height of between one and three feet.

Large extant trees in the meadows should be retained and replaced in kind when

they die or must be removed.

Task 8.8: Rejuvenate azaleas along the west side of the walk between the formal

gardens and mansion.

The purchasing records indicate that the Vanderbilts ordered many azaleas between 1903 and 1934. The largest quantity was 400 small Amoena azaleas (Rhododendron x Kurume) in 1903, which may have been for the formal gardens.

Other orders included some eighteen different varieties, though quantities only

ranged from six to fifteen plants.

38

The Historic Plant Inventory (1995) indicated that only three azaleas remain in

the historic core of the mansion grounds. These torch azaleas (Rhododendron

kaempferi) are located to the west of the walkway between the mansion and

formal gardens. Although this variety is not recorded in the purchasing ledgers,

these azaleas should be preserved or replaced in kind.

Task 8.9: Preserve vegetation associated with the former Curtis/Sexton estate.

In addition to preserving the building and structure remnants from the

Curtis/Sexton estate identified in Task 8.1 above, the plantings associated with

the Vegetable Gardener's Cottage should be preserved.

39 Cultivated plant species

that have naturalized in the area include hosta and day lily. Preserve these species

in proximity to the building foundation, but remove cultivated species that spread into the surrounding woodlands.

Task 8.10: Preserve conifer stand and fern understory on former Curtis/Sexton

estate.

Preserve the stand of conifers on the hill adjacent to the former site of the

Curtis/Sexton home and coachman's cottage. As detailed in Task 1.8, preserve

the understory of New York and hayscented ferns but remove Oriental

bittersweet vines and poison ivy.

Task 8.11: Rehabilitate spring flowering bulb plantings in woodland edge.

Preserve daffodils growing to the southwest of the mansion. See Task 1.9 for

further discussion.

7T2
Treatment Tasks

CIRCULATION

Task 8.12: Preserve Lower Woodland Drive.

The unpaved drive in the lower woodland along the river was used for access to Bard Rock and as a pleasure drive during the Vanderbilt period. The southern

portion of this drive was constructed in around 1898, and the northern portion

about eight years later when Vanderbilt acquired the Sexton Tract. Today it is closed to vehicular traffic, but is used as a pedestrian route (Figure 83). Retain

this feature as a pedestrian route between the South Gate and Bard Rock.

Maintain the drive at its current width of sixteen feet with a gravel surface,

making repairs when necessary.

Task 8.13: Repair drainage structures on Lower Woodland Drive. Repair and

preserve stone headwalls.

Lower Woodland Drive contains a number of large culverts with mortared stone headwalls (Figure 84). While not conspicuous from the road, these headwalls

demonstrate the quality materials and workmanship embodied in even utilitarian

structures during the historic period. Several of the drainage culverts that convey

water across the Lower Woodland Drive are blocked or otherwise in need of

repair. The resulting improper drainage threatens further damage to the drive

itself. Repair or replace the culverts as needed to restore proper drainage. New

culverts should be inconspicuous from the drive to be compatible with the

historic character. Stone headwalls should be repaired or rebuilt as needed.

Repairs should be made with original or compatible materials and methods.

TREATMENT ZONE 9: BARD ROCK

This treatment zone includes the Bard Rock area with its rock outcrops,

meadows, and woodlands (Drawing 10). Located in the northwest corner of the

property, Bard Rock featured prominently in early descriptions and was

significant as a deep-water river landing.

Part of the Sexton Tract, the Vanderbilts purchased the land in 1905, reuniting

the estate grounds as they had been during the Hosack ownership. The

Vanderbilts demolished the numerous buildings in the Bard Rock area including

the Boat Captain's cottage, a pumphouse, outbuilding near the boat house, and

road to the shore, as well as several buildings up the hill to the east. Only the Boat

House at Bard's Rock was retained (see Figure 55), which was subsequently

removed by the National Park Service in 1953.

40

Today the area serves as a picnic area and hiking destination and is one of the only places within the park that visitors can gain such proximity to the river.

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

The Bard Rock area is characterized by the rock outcrops, meadow, and open

tree cover that filters views of the river. This area is dominated by the presence of

the river, which surrounds Bard Rock on three sides. A few features are visible from the historic period near the boat landing and nineteenth century subsurface

artifacts from the Sexton period have been documented.41 A parking lot provides

visitor parking and tables and garbage cans accommodate picnicking.

VEGETATION

Task 9.1: Reduce woodlands to 1938 footprint.

The woodlands have increased in area since the historic period and should be

cleared to regain the open character and historic spatial organization of Bard

Rock. See Drawing 10 for the extent of clearing. Clear and grub the target areas,

retaining any tree above twenty-four inches diameter. Manage the area to suppress invasive species and the resurgence of the woodland vegetation and to encourage meadow species. Also clear trees below twelve inches diameter and all

invasive trees and vines from the margins of the remaining woodland.

CIRCULATION

Task 9.2: Preserve Bard Lane, boat house road trace, scenic loop trace, and

walking paths.

Prior to the Vanderbilt purchase of the Bard Rock area, the land was part of the

Sexton tract, which contained a fashionable late 1800s estate. Circulation

features in the Bard Rock area included Bard Lane extending downhill to Bard

Rock, a service drive turning south to numerous outbuildings, and a crossing over

the railroad. After the rail road crossing, the drive forked with a short scenic loop

extending south from Bard Lane to the bank of the river with two circular areas

that could have served as settings for sculpture or plantings. There is no further documentation on this loop. The other fork led past a Boat Captain's Cottage to

a boat house and landing with numerous walking paths throughout the Bard

Rock area.

42 When the Vanderbilts purchased the property in 1905, they

demolished all of the buildings except for the Boat House, which stood until 1953

and abandoned the short scenic loop and many of the paths. Despite, their apparent disuse during the Vanderbilt period, many of the drive and path traces

are extant and still used.

In 1964, the National Park Service improve Bard Lane, upgraded the Bard Rock

area, and opened the area to the public with a 25-car parking lot and lawn area with rustic benches. All that remained from the Vanderbilt period was a boat

hook, a ring attached to Bard Rock, a trace of the Boat House foundations, and a

drive trace to the boat house site.

The draft General Management Plan (2008) identifies this area as part of the

"Cultural Landscape Preservation Zone," within which character-defining

114
Treatment Tasks

features including the roads, trails, stone walls and archeological site should be

preserved. Under the preferred Alternative Two, the park would collaborate

with partners to designate the Bard Rock area as an undeveloped "day use" site on the Hudson River Water Trail to promote river-related access and

interpretation.

Bard Lane, the drive traces, and paths should be preserved as the Bard Rock area

is popular for passive recreation. Bard Lane is one of the oldest extant features on the property and highlights the early connection to the Hudson River as well

as the introduction of the railroad along the river corridor.

SMALL-SCALE FEATURES

Task 9.3: Preserve historic iron features.

Historic iron features associated with mooring boats at Bard Rock, including the

iron boat hook and the iron eyelet, should be preserved (Figures 85 and 86). Treat the features to remove rust and paint with rust-inhibiting paint.

TREATMENT ZONE 10: FORMAL GARDENS

The formal gardens are by far the most complex portion of the Vanderbilt

Mansion National Historic Site cultural landscape (Drawings 5 and 7). The

gardens contain numerous structures and features with a range of origin dates

from 1875 to 1932. The history is intricate, with several designers effecting

multiple changes throughout the historic period. Plantings in the garden varied

from season to season, and the plant palette used over the years included

hundreds of varieties of annuals, perennials, vines, ivies, roses, trees, and shrubs. Treatment guidance for the formal gardens should be developed holistically with

consideration for structural and vegetative features together. The complexity of

the formal gardens warrants a thorough and focused treatment plan to address

the issues comprehensively.

This CLR for park-wide treatment of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

is being accompanied by a separate report that focuses on treatment of the formal

gardens. In this report, some of the broad issues and treatment approaches are

outlined for the formal gardens area, but specific treatment tasks will be included

in the formal gardens treatment plan. The tasks in the formal gardens treatment

plan will elaborate on and supplement the information provided here.

BUILDINGS AMD STRUCTURES

The structural elements of the garden, including the walls, steps, pergolas,

pavilions, pools, and pathways, date as far back as Walter Langdon's garden in

1874. The vast majority of the structural elements that were present in 1938 are

still there today. Three buildings - the Gardener's Cottage, the Tool House, and

ITT
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

the Potting House - remain, as well as the pavilions, pergolas, and most of the

walls. The notable exception is the greenhouses, all of which have been removed

since the end of the historic period. Due to the expense of construction as well as

the resources needed to maintain them, it is not recommended that the

greenhouses be rebuilt, unless the park has a specific need or desire to do so. If

that is the case, one or more of the green houses may be reconstructed in their

original locations using original designs. If the decision is made to build a new

greenhouse that is different in design from the historic greenhouses, it should not be placed in one of the historic locations, but should be in a less conspicuous

location, or preferably, off site.

Portions of the brickwork on the extant walls and structures show signs of

surface erosion and loss of pointing. Some structures have been impacted to the point that their structural integrity is significantly compromised and collapse is

possible. Immediate efforts should be made to stabilize these areas, slow the rate of erosion, and repair them where feasible. Where walls must be rebuilt, historic

material should be reused as much as possible, and new material should be

chosen to match color and character of the historic materials.

VEGETATION

During the historic period, the formal gardens were as much defined by

vegetation elements as structural ones. Such elements included hedges that separated spaces, shrubs that created mass, and vines that softened hard surfaces. With the exception of the vines that currently cover walls and pergolas, most of

these vegetative elements have been lost, and the spatial relationships and overall

character of the garden has changed as a result. Notable hedges that have been

lost include the double hedge that separated the lower annual bed terrace and the

lower perennial garden terrace and the hedge along the top of the retaining wall

between the upper and lower perennial gardens. Several evergreen shrubs in the

perennial garden have also been lost, including juniper and arborvitae shrubs.

The reestablishment of these elements will help restore some of the spatial

organization and historic character of the gardens.

Vines, including honeysuckle, trumpet vine, akebia, and grape vines currently cover a number of elements, including walls, fences, and pergolas. During the

historic period, such vines and ivies covered nearly every structural element in

the garden, creating a very lush and mature character and softening the hard

surfaces of the built features. Historic photos show vines and ivy on the walls of

the Tool House and Gardener's Cottage, the fences and walls, pavilions, and

pergolas. Vines should be maintained on such features today and reintroduced

where they no longer grow. Diligent maintenance, including pruning to maintain

health and prevent over growth, will be needed to control existing and new vine

plantings.

116
Treatment Tasks

Seasonal Plantings

The seasonal planting of herbaceous annuals and perennials in the garden beds is

critical to maintaining the historic character of the gardens. Of primary

importance is that the beds in the garden be planted and cared for every year in a

fashion that is compatible with historic conditions. This would include following

the historic arrangement of the beds, planting each bed in the appropriate

category of plants (annuals, perennials, roses), and ensuring that the species and

varieties chosen conform to the style, height, texture, and color that would have

been used in the gardens during Vanderbilt's residency. The gardens are

currently being maintained in such a way, largely through the dedicated and

donated efforts of the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association (FWVGA).

Beyond merely being faithful to an overall character, however, steps can be taken

to bring the garden closer to its original condition through the careful choice of

plant varieties based on historic documentation. The purchase ledgers that were

kept for the Vanderbilt estate contain information about many of the species and

varieties that were purchased from the turn of the twentieth century through the

1930s. This information, together with historic photos and the recollections and

drawings of Alex Knauss, a long-time Vanderbilt gardener, can help create a

palette of plants that were used in the historic period. Using the historic plant

palette and general guidelines for the arrangement of the gardens will result in a

planting plan that is reasonable accurate to the historic conditions while

providing flexibility needed to create and maintain a vibrant and engaging, but

manageable, garden.

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Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

TABLE 2: TREATMENT TASKS AMD PRIORITIZATION

Task ID Task Name Priority

l=High

2=Medium

3=Low

Related Tasks/Notes

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

1.1 Preserve Main Gate piers, walls, and iron work. 3.1,4.1,1.3,1.4,1.12

1.2 Preserve White Bridge.

1.3 Preserve cast stone curb. 1.1,1.4

3.1 Preserve North Gate Piers, Walls, and Iron Work. 1.1,4.1,3.2

4.1 Preserve South Gate Piers, Walls, and Iron Work. 1.1,3.1,4.2

6.1 Stabilize and repair the subway.

7.1 Stabilize and repair Power House retaining wall. 7.4

8.1 Preserve stone walls, retaining walls, and archeological

remnants of buildings and structures associated with the

former Curtis/Sexton estate.

2 8.9,8.10

VEGETATION

1.4 Reinstate Main Gate plantings. 2 1.1,3.2,4.2

1.5 Prune historic trees for form and health. 1 1.6,2.1

1.6 Monitor maple allee; replace all trees when loss is fifty

percent.

1 1.5,2.1

1.7 Manage pond edge vegetation; suppress invasive species

and reinstate emergent vegetation.

1 1.11

1.8 Preserve fern masses along woodland edge . 1

1.9 Rehabilitate spring flowering bulb plantings in lawn and

in woodland edge.

2 3.4,8.11

2.1 Preserve specimen trees. Replace dying and hazard trees

in kind and in location.

1 1.5,1.6

2.2 Repair damaged lawn areas. 1 3.3

2.3 Reinstate Mansion foundation plantings. 3 2.4

2.4 Reinstate shrubs around formal gardens. 3 2.3

2.5 Preserve redbud and dogwood grove. 1

2.6 Rejuvenate rhododendron. 1 4.4,8.8

3.2 Reinstate North Gate plantings. 2 3.1,1.4,4.2

3.3 Repair turf grass at overlook. 1 2.2

118
Treatment Tasks

TABLE 2: TREATMENT TASKS AMD PRIORITIZATION

Task ID Task Name Priority

l=High

2=Medium

3=Low

Related Tasks/Notes

3.4 Rehabilitate spring flowering bulb plantings in lawn

areas and in woodland edge.

2 1.9,8.11

4.2 Reinstate South Gate plantings. 2 4.1,1.4,3.2

4.3 Remove South Gatehouse plantings and reinstate yews. 2

4.4 Rejuvenate rhododendron. 1 2.6,8.8

5.1 Reduce lawn area and reinstate meadow on either side of

the Coach House Entrance Drive.

2

5.2 Remove and replace failing trees in-kind. 1

5.3 Replant the two spruce trees on the west side of the Coach House.

2

5.4 Reinstate lost sugar maple trees. 1

6.2 Replace the conifer screen along Route 9. 1

7.2 Manage deciduous woodland for overall health and

species composition.

1

8.2 Remove vegetation on the slope below the Mansion and

Pavilion.

1 8.3

8.3 Remove conifer trees below the Pavilion. 1 8.2

8.4 Clear woodlands from the slope to the west of the formal

gardens to 1938 footprint.

2 8.5,8.6,9.1

8.5 Clear woodlands south of the formal gardens to 1938

footprint.

2 8.4,8.6,9.1

8.6 Reduce woodlands to 1938 footprint. Remove invasive

species, vines, and all trees under twelve inches diameter.

2 8.4,8.5,9.1

8.7 Maintain meadows with semiannual mowing and

removal of woody vegetation. Preserve large trees

within the meadow in kind.

1

8.8 Rejuvenate azaleas along the west side of the walk

between the formal gardens and mansion.

1 2.6,4.4

8.9 Preserve vegetation associated with the former

Curtis/Sexton estate.

1 8.1,8.10

8.10 Preserve conifer stand and fern understory on former

Curtis/Sexton estate.

1 8.1,8.9

8.11 Rehabilitate spring flowering bulb plantings in woodland

edge.

2 1.9,3.4

9.1 Reduce woodlands to 1938 footprint. 2 8.4, 8.5, 8.6

119
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

TABLE 2: TREATMENT TASKS AMD PRIORITIZATION

Task ID Task Name Priority

l=High

2=Medium

3=Low

Related Tasks/Notes

CIRCULATION

1.10 Replace drive surface with chip-seal or stabilized

aggregate when repaying is necessary.

3

2.7 Restore pedestrian circulation paths. 1

4.5 Remove temporary auto shelter. 1

7.3 Repair and preserve the footpath between the White

Bridge and the Coach House.

2

8.12 Preserve Lower Woodland Drive. 1 8.13

8.13 Repair drainage structures on Lower Woodland Drive.

Repair and preserve stone headwalls.

1 8.12

9.2 Preserve Bard Lane, boat house road trace, scenic loop

trace, and walking paths.

1

CONSTRUCTED WATER FEATURES

1.11 Manage pond depth. 2 1.7

SMALL-SCALE FEATURES

1.12 Reduce signage at Main Gate. 1 1.1

4.6 Remove incompatible small-scale features from the front

of the South Gatehouse.

1

4.7 Move bicycle sign. 1

9.2 Preserve historic iron features. 1

NATURAL SYSTEMS AND FEATURES

7.4 Stabilize slope and correct drainage. 1 7.1

120
I Kl \l Ml \ I I \sl*s

TREATMENT TASKS ENDNOTES

27 Frederick W. Vanderbilt to Herbert Shears, April 26 (1924), on file at Vanderbilt

Mansion National Historic Site.

28 http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/ferns/index.html, accessed July 2009.

29 Notes on existing conditions from correspondence, David Hayes, VAMA, to Margie Coffin Brown, OCLP, March 31, 2009.

30 CLR Volume 1,1992, p. 152.

CLR, Rieley and Associates, 1988, p. 28; Interviews of Alex Knauss by National Park

Service staff, 1971 and 1975.

" Montebretia (Crocosmia masoniorum and c. crocosmiiflora): 100 in 1902 and 100

in 1921.

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus sp.): 500 in 1902 and 450 in 1903.

Iris (Iris sp.): 700 in 1903, 100 in 1915, 100 in 1919, and 150 in 1926.

Michael Dana, Paul Pecknold, and Cliff Sadof. "Flowering Bulbs.'Turdue

University Cooperative Extension Service, Department of Horticulture, June 2001.

Online: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/ho-86.pdf, accessed July 2009.

34 "Historical Information Garden Plan of 1938, Part of the Master Plan, Drawing

NHS-VM-3016, September 1965."

For Historic Plant Inventory documentation, refer to notes Rhododendrons for Area 5, which includes notes on rhododendrons by the South Gate House and Coach

House.

"Plan of Torham, Estate of the late Samuel B. Sexton, near Hyde Park, Dutchess

County." Benjamin Brefoort, Civil Engineer, n.d., VMHNS, no. V-244. in CLR Vol 1

,

98.

37 CLR, 1992,246.

38 Orders included: 5 Empereur de Brisel azaleas in 1913, 5 Vervaeneana azaleas in 1910 and 5 in 1913, 5 Schryveriana azaleas in 1910 and 5 in 1913, 10 Niobe white

azaleas in 1910 and 10 in 1913, 5 Memoire de Louis Van Houtte azaleas in 1910 and 5

in 1913, 10 Breuhard Andreas white azaleas in 1910 and 10 in 1913, 5 Ernst Thiers

azaleas in 1910 and 5 in 1913,6 Firelight azaleas in 1927,6 Yellow Frost azaleas in

1 927, 6 Yellow Normandie azaleas in 1 927, 1 5 Hindiflora azaleas in 1 927, 6 Normandie Early azaleas in 1927, 5 Sacountala azaleas in 1910 and 5 in 1913,6 Henri

121
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Vincent azaleas in 1927, 6 Charles Jolly azaleas in 1927, 6 Bacchus azalea in 1927, and

an unknown quantity and species in 1934.

39.CLR, 1992,246.

40 CLR, 1992, 128.

41 CLR, 1992,246.

42 Ibid.

122
Tri a i ment Tasks

Figure 25. View looking northwest of the Main Gate piers and urns with encroaching limbs, moss, and weeds (OCLP 2008).

Figure 26. View looking northeast of the White Bridge, showing recent restoration work. Construction associated with the Route 9 bridge is visible in the background (OCLP 2008).

123
Cultural Landscape Rfport for Vandfrbii t Mansion National Historic Sitf

" """ •:—t

.v' 1^|

1

3 ^ f ~^

-

• W *

ft

"

Figure 27. Damaged cast stone curb at the Main Gate (OCLP 2008).

Figure 28. View of the Main Gate circa 1930s, looking northwest. The photo shows a variety of mostly

conifer shrubs planted irregularly in front of the gate walls. Note that none of the shrubs extends above or fully obscures the wall (Hyde Park Historical Society).

124
Trfatmfnt Tasks

Figure 29. View of the White Bridge and the maple allee looking east toward the Main Gate, circa 1900. Photo by Charles Sylvester

Piersaull (VAMA V-2504).

Figure 30. View of the White Bridge and the maple allee looking east toward the Main Gate, 2008. Orange construction netting associated with Route 9 Bridge construction is visible at left (OCLP 2008).

125
Cultural Landscape Report for Vandf.rbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 31. View of entrance pond. White Bridge and the White Bridge dam looking north from South Drive, showing aquatic and emergent vegetation along the near bank, circa 1900 (Hyde Park Historical Society).

Figure 32. View of the entrance pond and Route 9 bridge looking north from the White Bridge, 2008. Ailanthus and other woody

vegetation is evident in the foreground of the photo, and weeds and tall grasses are growing along the water edge beyond the mowable area. The photo also shows algae and other undesirable plants growing in the center of the pond as a result of increased silt and decreased depth (OCLP 2008).

126
Trkatment Tasks

Figure 33. View east of ferns in the woodland understory near the main gate (OCLP 2009).

Figure 34. View south of dense understory of New York ferns to the south of the entrance drive (OCLP 2009).

127
Cultural Landscape Report for Vandfrbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 35. Dark green foliage of bulbs that no longer flower in the lawn by the main entry gate that slopes down to the creek near the pond. (VAMA 2009).

Figure 36. Daffodil flowering along the wooded edge between the main entry gate and pond (VAMA 2009).

128
Trfatmfnt Tasks

Figure 37. View of the Entrance Drive and maple allee, 1926 (VAMA).

mSyt^i^^'BPf^r^S

Wmm

*rZt** f^ilr ' r i ^IS wk 1 f'A

1 11 '£»

^'fosiNIM'* si i skm

Figure 38. View of the Entrance Drive and maple allee, 2008 (OCLP 2008).

129
Cultural Landscape Rfport for Vandfrbii t Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 39. Oversized National Park Service arrowhead sign affixed to the Main Gate, looking south (OCLP 2008).

Figure 40. View of damaged lawn areas west side of the Mansion, looking north (OCLP 2008).

130
TRF ATMFNT TASKS

FOUNDATION — OlANTIN

• Hyde • Pas k - jn-Hud.i on • N °Y°

- „ #;v\&~ «!—

.

- I ^H ,**r Mr

^,<<1.-.., M.JK>

Figure 41. Plan drawn by Robert Cridland for the Mansion foundation plantings, 1923 (VAMA).

131
Cultural Landscape Repori for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 42. View of the Mansion looking west, showing the foundation plantings, circa 1940s (VAMA no. V-18).

Figure 43. View of the Mansion foundation plantings looking north, circa 1940s (VAMA no. V-1980).

132
Treatment Tasks

E -' «

I ' '

- S'ivrr RSKK

Figure 44. "Garden Plan prepared for F.W. Vanderbilt, Esq.. Hyde Park, N.Y.," specifying the shrubs planted along the outside of the wall by Thomas Meehan and Sons, 1910 (VAMA no. V-170A).

133
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

li r

-o . o o=p=

*—«" •- •'•

)S¥i*

^

l \(Ji-©

Figure 45. "Planting Plan for Garden Plat, Estate of Fred'k W. Vanderbilt Esq., Hyde Park, N.Y.," by Robert Cridland 1917 (VAMA no.

V-121).

134
Treatment Tasks

Figure 46. Aerial view of the formal gardens and surrounding landscape, circa late 1930s. Photograph by New York Daily News and

published in Dr. Bard of Hyde Park, J. Brett Langstaff, 1942, reproduced in CLR Volume 1.

135
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbii.t Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 47. Dogwood and redbud grove south of the formal gardens looking north, showing dense vines and underbrush (OCLP 2008).

Figure 48. View looking north of a cluster of rhododendrons near the intersection of the entrance dr The grove consists of approximately eighteen plants in fair condition (OCLP 2009).

ad to the formal gardens.

136
I hi \i \n \i Tasks

Figure 49. A single rhododendron in need of rejuvenative care remains to the south of the road to the formal gardens (OCLP 2009).

Figure 50. View looking east of grove of rhododendrons between the South Drive and Crum Elbow Creek. The rhododendrons are covered in vines (OCLP 2009).

137
Cultural Landscapf Rfport for Vandfrbilt Mansion National Historic Sitf

Figure 51. View looking east from the north pergola in the northeast corner of the formal gardens toward South Drive. The historic footpath that leads from the north formal gardens to South Drive is faintly visible in the center of the photo (OCLP 2008).

Figure 52. North Gate, showing remnant spruce from historic gate plantings (OCLP 2008).

138
I HI \ I Ml \ I I \SKS

Figure 53. Damaged lawn area under the bench at the overlook north of the Mansion, view looking southwest (OCLP 2008).

Figure 54. North Drive looking north, circa 1907. Photograph by Charles Sylvester Piersaull (Roosevelt Library no. 43-183-227).

139
Cultural Landscape Rkport for Vandf.rbilt Mansion National Historic Sitf

Figure 55. North Drive looking north, 1941 (VAMA V-731).

Figure 56. North Drive looking north, 2008. Although the character of the road has been changed somewhat from its historic conditions by the enlarged gravel shoulders and cable and post traffic guards, the road still displays much of the character that is evident in the

historic photos above. Additional elements, however, such as curbs or footpaths, would significantly alter the drive's historic character (OCLP 2008).

140
Trim mi \i I asks

Figure 57. South Gate, showing Boston ivy and barberry hedge, circa 1960 (National Park Service, Harpers Ferry).

Figure 58. South Gatehouse without foundation plantings, 1898 (VAMA).

141
Cultural Landscapf Report for Vandfrbiit Mansion National Historic Sitf

Figure 59. South Gatehouse, showing low foundation plantings, 1956 (VAMA V-153).

Figure 60. South Gatehouse looking west, showing overgrown foundation plantings (OCLP 2008).

142
I k i \i \n \i Tasks

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Figure 61. "South Entrance, F.W. Vanderbilt Esq., Hyde Park, N.Y.," circa 1898 (VAMA).

143
Cultural Landscapf Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 62. View of South Drive looking north, showing rhododendron covered in vines (OCLP 2008).

Figure 63. View of South Drive looking north, showing incompatible temporary parking shelter (OCLP 2008).

144
I'm \l Ml M I \SKS

Figure 64. Downspout drain pipe and lawn ornaments at the South Gatehouse (OCLP 2008).

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Figure 65. Bicycle sign in front of a historic juniper near the entrance to the Lower Woodland Drive (OCLP 2008).

145
Cultural Landscape Report for Vandf.rbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 66. View of the Coach House south elevation looking north, showing the two historic white pine trees that are in decline. The

third replanted tree is visible behind the white trailer (OCLP 2008).

. v^jF"

***v?• -."W*

Figure 67. View of the Coach House west elevation with two large spruce trees in front, date unknown. The species of the spruce is unknown, however, the trees exhibit the branching habit and density of Colorado blue spruce (VAMA V-3120).

146
TREATMENT! I \sks

Figure 68. View of the subway looking west, showing invasive vegetation, including a large ailanthus growing at the base of one of the

walls (OCLP 2008).

Figure 69. View of one of the subway walls, showing cracking and spalling (OCLP 2008).

147
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 70. View of the conifer screen looking east, showing the three-tiered planting, 1941. The photo shows a row of mature white pines with a row of younger white

pines in front of them. In front of those two rows is a newly-planted row of Canadian hemlocks (VAMA V-742).

Figure 71. View of the Power House retaining wall with a collapsed portion in the lower left of the photo (OCLP 2008).

148
Iki \l\ll M I \SKS

Figure 72. View of the path along Crum Elbow Creek looking south from the White Bridge. While there is no historical documentation of this path, its location, construction, and the

materials used suggest that it dates to the historic period. The path is currently in poor

condition in places and is underutilized (OCLP 2008).

149
Cultural Landscapf Report for Vandfrbiit Mansion National Historic Sitf

Figure 73. View of Crum Elbow Creek looking north. The remnants of the stone causeway

associated with the path from the White Bridge to the Coach House are visible along the

right side of the photo (OCLP 2008).

150
Iki \l Ml Nl I ASKS

Figure 74. Broken clay drain pipe near the Power House (OCLP 2008).

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Figure 75. View looking west of the dry laid field stone wall along the north side of Bard Lane (OCLP 2009)

151
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 76. View looking north of a collapsed section of the dry laid fieldstone wall north of Bard Lane. The collapsed sections are

routinely restacked by park maintenance staff (OCLP 2009).

Figure 77. View looking south from the Gardener's cottage site to the steps and retaining wall along the north side of Bard Lane near the

railroad bridge. Hosta carpets the understory (OCLP 2009).

152
Iki vimim I \st

Figure 78. View looking northeast from Bard Lane of railroad line, fence, and day lilies growing near the Gardener's cottage site (OCLP

2009).

Figure 79. View looking northwest from the Mansion, showing ailanthus and other brush obscuring the view (OCLP 2008).

15?
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 80. Aerial photo from 1943, showing a narrow row of trees (arrow) but no forest on the slopes

below the formal gardens (OCLP 2008).

154
lid \l Ml \ I I \Sks

Figure 81. View of the footpath along the ridge south of the formal gardens looking north, showing the current dense forest character (OCLP 2008).

Figure 82. View of the footpath between the Mansion and the formal gardens looking south. Historically clear or filtered views to the west (right of the photo) are currently obscured by dense forest (OCLP 2008).

155
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Figure 83. View of the Lower Woodland Drive looking south, showing the deep wooded character of the drive (OCLP 2008).

Figure 84. Stone headwall and culvert on Lower Woodland Drive. The culverts and headwalls along the Lower Woodland drive convey

the exceptional workmanship in even the most utilitarian structures (OCLP 2008).

156
Iki a i ment Tasks

Figure 85. The iron boat hook at Bard Rock is currently unprotected from the elements and is covered in a layer of rust (OCLP 2008).

Figure 86. The iron eyelet affixed to Bard Rock is also being impacted by rust (OCLP 2008).

157
Oittural Landscape Rf.port for Va^frbii.t Mansion National Historic Sitt

158
Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

Treatment Zones and

Landscape Character Areas

|f

Olmsted

Center

National Park Service Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 DRAWN BY:

John Hammond, OCLP Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2008

LEGEND

Landscape Character Areas

Parkland

Deciduous Woodlands

Conifer Stands

Formal Gardens

Treatment Zones

1 Main Gate and Entrance Drive

2. Mansion Grounds

3. North Lawn, Overlook Drive, and North Gate

4. South Gate and South Entrance Drive

5. Coach House and Coach House Meadow

6. Conifer Screen

7 Crum Elbow Creek

8. Lower Woodlands and Meadows

9 Bard Rock

10. Formal Gardens

Drawing 8
Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

Treatment Zones and

Landscape Character Areas

^R%«*

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservatic www n ps.gov/oclp

DRAWN BY:

John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS3. 2008

LEGEND

Landscape Chara -

Deciduous Woodlands

Conifer Stands

Formal Gardens

Treatment Zones

1 Main Gate and Entrance

2 Mansion Grounds

3 North Lawn. Overtook

4 South Gate and Sooth Ei

5 Coach House and Coach

6 Conifer Screen

7. Crum Elbow Creek

8 Lower Woodlands am

9 8ard Rock

10 Formal Gardens

Drawing 8
Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

Treatment Plan

South Portion of Property

Olmsted

Center

1 "

•

National Park Service Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006

2. USGSMap, 1946

3. Aerial Photograph, 1943 DRAWN BY:

John Hammond, OCLP Adobe Photoshop CS2, 2008

LEGEND

Existing Conifer Trees To Be Retained

Existing Deciduous Trees To Be Retained

Existing Trees To Be Cleared

Treatment Zone Boundary

"v. , Footpath

Drawing 9
Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

Treatment Plan

South Portion of Property
?duce woodlands to 1938 footprint

Task8JI-3: Repair drainage structures on Lower Woodland Drive. Repair and preserve stone

,'— headwalls. }

For south portion of property Drawing 9 Task 8.12: Preserve Lc

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

Treatment Plan

North Portion of Property

V

Olmsted

Center

National Park Service Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006

2. USGSMap, 1946

3. Aerial Photograph, 1943 DRAWN BY:

John Hammond, OCLP Adobe Photoshop CS2, 2008

LEGEND

Existing Conifer Trees To Be Retained

Existing Deciduous Trees To Be Retained

Existing Trees To Be Cleared

Treatment Zone Boundary

Footpath

Contours

Drawing 10
Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, New York

Treatment Plan

North Portion of Property

iBb Olmsted it Center V wi -

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for La

www.nps.gov/oclp

idscape Preservation

SOURCES

1 Aerial Photograph NYGiS

2 USGSMap. 1M6

1 Aerial Photograph. 1913

2006

DRAWN BY:

John Hammond, OCLP

Adobe Photoshop CS2. 2008

LEGEND

^V Existing Conffa Trees To Be Retained

J Existing Detirfu —.«-«

Existing Trees To 8e Cleared

f

"~*~ ^J Treatment Zont Boundary

PSi J Footpath
Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, NY

Treatment Plan

Treatment Zone 1: Main Gate and Entrance Drive

%?

Ol MST1 D

National Park Service Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation www nps gov/oclp

SOURCES

1. Aerial Photograph NY GIS. 2006

2 USGS Map. 1946

3 Aerial Photograph, 1943

DRAWN BY

John Hammond, OCLP Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2008 NORTH

Drawing 1

1

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, NY

Treatment Plan

Mansion Foundation Planting ^

Olmsted

Center

National Park Service Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservatio www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES 1 Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006 2 USGSMap, 1946 3 Aerial Photograph. 1943

DRAWN BY

John Hammond, OCLP Adobe Photoshop CS3. 2008

NORTH

Drawing 12

Planting Key

1. Pinus mugho, 2' 2.5'

2. Juniperus communis, 1.5'-2'

3. Juniperus communis, 3'-4' A Symphoricarpos racemosus, 3'A'

5. Hex crenata, 1.5'-2'

6. Symphoricarpos racemosus, 3'-4'

7. Ilex crenata, 1 5'-2'

8. Phiiadelphus grandiflora. 5'-6'

9. Juniperus pfitzenana, 3'-4' 10. Deutzia 'Pride of Rochester,'

11. Cornus a/ba, 3'-4' 12. Ilex crenata, 1.5'-2' 13. Euonymus alatus, 3'-4'

14. Aralia pentaphylla. 3'-A' 15. Viburnum lantana, A'-S'

16. Viburnum dentatum, 4'- 17. Ligustrum ibota. A' -5' 18. /?A)usaromaf/ca3'-4'

19. Deutzia 'Pride of Rochester,'

20. Crafeagus oxycanfba, 5'-6' 21. Oareagus oxycantha. 5'-6' 22. Pyrus japonica, 5'-6' 23. Spirea vanhouttei, 3'-4' 24. Phiiadelphus coronaris, 5'-6' 25. Symphoricarpos racemosus, 3'-4' 26. Weigela 'Eva Rathke,' 3'-4' 27. ^6>es balsamea, 3'-4' 28 Forsythia suspensa, 3'-4' 29. Hex crenata, 1.5'-2' N

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hvde Park, NY

V

( i

National Parle Service Olmsted Center for Landscape Preser www.nps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1 Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006

2 USGSMap, 1946

3 Aerial Photograph, 1943

DRAWN BY

John Hammond, OCLP Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2008

Treatment Plan

©

Rose Garden Surrounding Shrubs

Drawing 13

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hyde Park, NY

Treatment Plan

Treatment Zone 4: South Gate and South Drive

ir

Olmsti i! ( ENTER

National Park Service Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation www nps gov/oclp

SOURCES 1 Aerial Photograph NY GIS, 2006 2 USGSMap, 1946

3. Aerial Photograph, 1943

DRAWN BY

John Hammond, OCLP Adobe Photoshop CS3, 2008

Drawing 14

Task 5.1: Reduce lawn area and reinstate meadow on either side of the Coach House

Entrance Drive.

Task S.2: Remove and replace failing trees

in-kind.

Task 5.3: Replant the two spruce trees on the west side of the Coach House.

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hvde Park, NY

V

Ol MM ! D Cf N n k

National Park Service Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation wwwnps.gov/oclp

SOURCES

1 Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006

2 USGSMap. 1946

3 Aerial Photograph. 1943

DRAWN BY

John Hammond, OCLP Adobe Photoshop C53, 2008

Treatment Plan

Treatment Zone 5: Coach House and Coach House Meadow Drawing 15

c

X

*

Task 6.2: Retain pine trees and replace in kind as needed

Task 6.1: Stabilize and repair the subway.

Task 6.2: Replace the conifer screen along Route 9.

Cultural Landscape Report

Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site

Hvde Park, NY

$?

Oi ms n h Center

National Park Service Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation www nps.gov/oclp

Treatment Plan

Treatment Zone 6: Conifer Screen

SOURCES

1 Aerial Photograph: NY GIS, 2006

2 USGSMap, 1946

3 Aerial Photograph. 1943

DRAWN BY

John Hammond, OCLP Adobe Photoshop CS3. 2008

LEGEND

Row 1, White Pine Row 2, White Pine Row 3, Canadian Hemlock

Pines to be treated as specimen trees

'^F NORTH

Drawing 16

Rl I I Kl \< I s

REFERENCES

Birnbaum, Charles and Christine Capella Peters, editors. The Secretary ofthe

Interior's Standardsfor the Treatment ofHistoric Properties with Guidelinesfor the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes. Washington, D.C.: United States Department

of the Interior, National Park Service, 1996.

Hubbard, Henry Vincent and Theodora Kimball, An Introduction to the Study of

Landscape Design. New York: Macmillan Press, 1917, 248.

National Park Service. NPS-28 Cultural Resource Management Guideline (\ 1 June

1998).

'Master Plan for the Preservation and Use of Vanderbilt Mansion

National Historic Site, Mission 66 Edition," United States Department of the

Interior, National Park Service.

_. "Final Master Plan, January 1976, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, New York," United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, January

1976.

_. The Secretary ofthe Interior's Standardsfor the Treatment of Historic

Properties with Guidelinesfor the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes. National Park

Service, 1996

National Park Service, Northeast Region. "Draft General Management Plan,

Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites." Final internal review draft, March

2009.

O'Donnell , Patricia M., Charles A. Birnbaum, and Cynthia Zaitzevsky, Cultural

Landscape Reportfor Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Volume 1: Site

History, Existing Conditions, and Analysis. Boston: North Atlantic Region Cultural

Landscape Program, National Park Service, 1992.

O'Donnell , Patricia M., Barbara Wilson, Peter Vieretto, and Cynthia Zaitzevsky,

"Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Volume 2: Landscape Preservation Treatment Recommendations." Boston:

V77
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

North Atlantic Region Cultural Landscape Program, National Park Service, Draft

1994.

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation in partnership with the Arnold

Arboretum of Harvard University. "Historic Plant Inventory for Vanderbilt

Mansion National Historic Site." Unpublished plan, 1994.

Page, Robert R., Cathy A. Gilbert, and Susan A. Dolan. A Guide to Cultural

Landscape Reports: Contents, Process, and Techniques. Washington: National

Park Service, 1998, second printing 2005.

Parmentier, Andre. "Landscape and Picturesque Gardens," The New American

Gardener, Nineteenth Edition (Boston: Otis, Broaders, & Company, 1847), 185.

Rieley and Associates, Rudy J. Favretti, and Reuben M. Rainey. Vanderbilt

Mansion National Historic Site Cultural Landscape Report, April 1988.

Secretary of the Interior's Standardsfor the Treatment ofHistoric Properties. 36

CFR Part 68, 1996.

Vanderbilt Purchasing Records. Vanderbilt National Historic Site

Archives, 1902-1938.

178
Appf.ndix l: Chronology

APPENDIX 1: CHRONOLOGY

Year

1705

Ownership

Peter Fauconnier

1746

1764

Peter Fauconnier

John Bard

1764-1768 John Bard

Description Source

Sir Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury, then Governor of New VM CLR 1 p. 5 York, granted the patent for the land that would

eventually include Hyde Park to a group of four partners

in 1705. Peter Fauconnier, one of the four, was the patentee of the Hyde Park land. Although Fauconnier

held onto the land for more than forty years until his death in 1746, there is no evidence that he made any

physical improvements on the land.

Upon Fauconnier's death, his property passed to his VM CLR 1 p. 5 daughter, Magdalene Fauconnier Valleau.

By 1764, Dr. John Bard had inherited through his wife, VM CLR 1 p. 6 Suzanne Valleau, most of the Fauconnier patent. In addition, he proceeded to purchase land that had since been sold by Fauconnier.

Shortly after acquiring the land, Bard established a farm VM CLR 1 p. 9 on the east side of what would become Albany Post Road. A description of the property from 1768 includes reference

to a farm house, barn, and an orchard of 500-600 apple

trees. The description also mentions woodlands, swamps,

upland meadows, and the large flat rock that would

become known as Bard Rock.

1772 John Bard

1797-1799 Samuel Bard

In 1772, John Bard built a house, known as the Red House, on the farm property east of Albany Post Road. The house

would stand until 1875 when it was torn down.

The first known development on the west side of Albany

Post Road was the house built by Samuel Bard. Unlike his predecessors, Samuel was keenly interested in the scenic aspects of Hyde Park. The west side of Albany Post Road,

with its limited level ground, steep slopes and ravines, and

belts of woodland, was unsuited for farming. These

qualities, however, made it the ideal location for a house

and pleasure landscape. The house was built at the edge

of the land table overlooking the rolling slopes, parkland,

and woodland that descended to the river.

VM CLR 1 p. 6

VM CLR 1 p. 14

1799 John Bard

1799-1821 Samuel Bard

Upon John Bard's death in 1799, Hyde Park passed to his son, Dr. Samuel Bard.

In addition to the house, Samuel Bard developed Hyde

Park to eventually include several outbuildings and a garden and greenhouse. The road system included a road

or footpath from Hyde Park Landing at the south end of the property to the house, a central drive from Albany

Post Road to the house, and Bard Lane, a road from

Albany Post Road to Bard Rock. The exact composition

and layout of Samuel Bard's estate is not known.

VM CLR 1 p. 11

VM CLR 1 p. 18

179
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Year Ownership

1799-1821 Samuel Bard

1828 David Hosack

1829-1830 David Hosack

Description Source

During Samuel Bard's tenure at Hyde Park, he collected VM CLR 1 p. 18 and planted numerous rare and exotic plants and trees. Records indicate his pursuit or acquisition of locust tree seeds and grass seeds for the landscape, as well as fruits and flowers for his greenhouses. It is conjectured that the

large ginkgo tree on the South Lawn dates from early in S. Bard's ownership, possibly from the turn of the nineteenth

century, although this date has not been substantiated. It

is unknown which if any of the landscape trees present

today date from the Samuel Bard period.

Samuel Bard died in 1821, and in 1828 his long-time friend VM CLR 1 p. 29

Dr. David Hosack bought Hyde Park from Bard's heirs.

Hosack retained the services of architect Martin Thompson VM CLR 1 p. 31 to substantially remodel and rebuild Samuel Bard's house. The enlarged house was described at the time as having a spacious beautiful lawn on the east side.

1829-1830 David Hosack A coach house was built north of the house. The house,

built of stone in a Greek style, was 60 feet by 40 feet. The

coach house was in the vicinity of the current Pavilion.

VM CLR 1 p. 31

1829-1830 David Hosack A greenhouse was built south of the house. The

greenhouse consisted of a central portion and two wings,

and measured about 1 10 feet long and 20 feet deep.

Plants kept inside included a collection of pines, Magnolia

grandiflora, strelitzia, farnesiana, and Ficus elastica.

VM CLR 1 p. 31

1829-1830 David Hosack

1829-1830 David Hosack

A gate lodge was built at each of two gates to the

property. Designed by Martin Thompson, the lodges were

probably located near the current gate lodges.

With Thompson designing the buildings, Hosack employed

Andre Parmentier to lay out the grounds of his estate. Parmentier established the circulation system of the park,

altering it considerably from the Bard period. Current

circulation that dates from the Hosack period includes the main entrance from Albany Post Road across the creek, the

serpentine drive from the creek bridge nearly to the main

house drive, and the drive from the river gate along Crum

Elbow Creek. It also appears that the footpath that runs along the top of the ridge from near the present Coach House to the main house also dates from Parmentier's

plan.

VMCLR 1 p. 31

VM CLR 1 p. 33

1829-1830 David Hosack Parmentier's plan would have certainly included the

planting of trees and plants in the estate grounds. The

landscape of the upper park and the grounds around the house was likely a combination of planted trees and trees retained from the Bard period as well as naturally

occurring trees. It is possible that some trees that were in place or planted at the time of Parmentier's design remain

today, but without aging the trees by coring (or counting

rings on felled trees) it is impossible to tell which, if any, of the extant trees date to that period.

VM CLR 1 p. 37

1829-1830 David Hosack Several ornamental structures were placed throughout the

pleasure grounds, including two circular pavilions, one

near the southern entrance and one at Bard Rock, and a

colossal urn atop a plinth.

VM CLR 1 p. 44- 46

1835 David Hosack In 1835, David Hosack died suddenly from a stroke. His heirs deeded 60 acres on the northern end of the property

to his widow and sold the Red House and farm to John A. Degraff.

VM CLR 1 p. 55

180
Al'I'lNDIX 1: CHRONOLOGY

Year

1840

Ownership

Walter Langdon

1845-1847

1847

1849

Walter Langdon

Walter Langdon, Jr.

Walter Langdon, Jr.

1872 Walter Langdon, Jr.

1872 Walter Langdon, Jr.

1874-1875 Walter Langdon, Jr.

1875 Walter Langdon, Jr.

1883 Walter Langdon, Jr.

Source

VM CLR 1 p. 63

Description

John Jacob Astor purchased the remainder of the Hosack

estate (south of the acres deeded to Mrs. Hosack and west

of Albany Post Road) in 1840 and gave the estate to his daughter, Dorothea (Astor) Langdon and her husband

Walter.

After the Hosack house burned in 1845, the Langdons

built their own house on the same site.

Walter Langdon died in 1847, leaving the estate to his children. Over the next five years, Walter Langdon, Jr. bought out the interest of his siblings so that by 1852, he was the sole owner.

Walter, Jr. purchased Crum Elbow Creek and land to its VM CLR 1 p. 64

south.

VM CLR 1 p. 64

VM CLR 1 p. 64

Walter, Jr. purchased the Red House and farm.

In 1872 the barns and their contents of hay and grain

burned and were rebuilt.

In 1874, Langdon employed the architecture firm of

Sturgis and Brigham to design a formal garden complex.

The complex consisted of two cottages (a gardeners

cottage and a Tool House) connected by a greenhouse, a conservatory, and enclosing walls. These architectural elements enclosed a series of six terraces that stepped

down the hill, each containing a formal garden of geometric beds. Of these elements, the Gardener's Cottage and the Tool House, as well as some of the brick walls and terraces, remain today.

Walter, Jr. tore down the Red House in 1875.

The Langdons' new barns were struck by lightning and

again burned to the ground in 1883. New barns were

built in 1884.

1895

1895

1896-1899

Frederick Vanderbilt Frederick Vanderbilt purchased Hyde Park in 1895.

Frederick Vanderbilt

Frederick Vanderbilt

1897

1897

Frederick Vanderbilt

Frederick Vanderbilt

The first structure to be completed by the Vanderbilts was

the Pavilion. Designed by McKim, Mead, and White, the

Pavilion was used as a residence for the Vanderbilts while they rebuilt the Mansion.

The Vanderbilts initially intended to renovate the Langdon

house, but when it was discovered that the house had

severe structural problems, they decided to rebuild it in its entirety. The new house was located in the same place as

all of the previous houses, and while it resembled the Langdon house in general appearance, it featured the

latest in modern conveniences, including electricity, plumbing, and central heat.

Designed and constructed by W. T. Hiscox, the White

Bridge was built to carry the main entry drive over Crum

Elbow Creek.

The double-arched bridge at the Coach House was

designed and built by Norcross Brothers. It was

constructed of reinforced concrete with cobble-stone

facing.

VM CLR 1 p. 64

VM CLR 1 p. 64

VM CLR 1 p. 66

VM CLR 1 p. 64

VM CLR 1 p. 74

VM CLR 1 p. 114

VM CLR 1 p. 114

VM CLR 1 p. 114

VM CLR 1 p. 114
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Year Ownership

1897 Frederick Vanderbilt

Description Source

Four new dams were constructed between 1895 and 1900, VM CLR 1 p. 1 14

including the dam at Albany Post Road, the dam under the White Bridge, the Power House dam, and the lower dam

near the Coach House.

1897 Frederick Vanderbilt In 1897 and 1898, two pump houses were built. One, a

rustic stone power house on the east side of Crum Elbow

Creek near the dam, is extant. The other was located on

the lower road near the river and the Sexton Tract boundary line. These were both by W. T. Hiscox.

VM CLR 1 p. 118

1897

1898

Frederick Vanderbilt

Frederick Vanderbilt

The Coach House was designed by New York architect VM CLR 1 p. 1 18 Robert H. Robertson and built by Norcross Brothers.

In 1898, the gates and stone wall around the entire estate VM CLR 1 p. 1 18 were completed. The latter was the work of a local mason, Henry Myers.

1898 Frederick Vanderbilt Two gatehouses were designed by McKim, Mead, and

White and built by Norcross Brothers. The contract also included a third gatehouse, but it is unknown whether it was ever built or where its location was to have been.

VM CLR 1 p. 118

1898 Frederick Vanderbilt Shortly after Vanderbilt bough the property, some

changes were made to the estate's system of drives. Existing drives - from the south entrance to the main

entrance along Crum Elbow Creek, from the main

entrance to the house, and from the house northward - were improved with a crushed stone or gravel surface and

formed concrete gutters. When the new mansion was

under construction, the main drive passing directly in front

of the house was reshaped and the drive leading past the

Pavilion to the north gate was straightened, reflecting more Victorian values of form and symmetry. New drives include the lower woodland drive along the river bank

that extended from the south gate to just south of what

was then the northern boundary of the property.

VM CLR 1 p. 108

1898-1901 Frederick Vanderbilt A survey of the estate's trees conducted by Piatt and

Burley shows over fifty trees that appear to be very small and were probably planted after the Vanderbilts bought

the property.

VM CLR 1 p. 118

1901 Frederick Vanderbilt Despite repairs made only a few years earlier to the Langdon farm buildings, in 1901 they were replaced with

a new farm group.

VM CLR 1 p. 128

1902-1904 Frederick Vanderbilt James L. Greenleaf developed plans for an Italian style garden on the eastern two terraces of the formal gardens.

The linear space was oriented along a north-south axis, about 320 feet long and 90 feet wide. The space was

enclosed on the north by a pergola and on the south by an

aquatic plant pool and pavilion. Framing elements

included walls, piers, iron work, trellis elements, and a

circulation system of walks and steps. The plantings in the

Italian garden included perennial flowers and shrubs, such

as f lox and irises, vines, and massed evergreen shrubs. A

tall trimmed cedar hedge divided the garden into two

distinct spaces. The character of this garden was dense and lush, especially in the 1910s and 1920s when the

plantings had matured.

VM CLR 1 p. 146

182
Appendix l: Chronology

Year Ownership

1905 Frederick Vanderbilt

Description

In 1905 plans were put forward by the Pierson-Sefton Co.

for simple twin palm houses intended to replace the

conservatory built thirty years prior. The two palm houses were located on the top terrace in the northwest corner of the garden.

Source

VM CLR 1 p. 135

1906 Frederick Vanderbilt

1906 Frederick Vanderbilt

In 1905, Vanderbilt acquired the northern portion of the VM CLR 1 p. 128

estate that consisted of 64 acres that had been withheld

by David Hosack's heirs when the property was sold to Walter Langdon. This reconstituted the original estate property as it had been known by Hosack and the Bards. Shortly after acquiring the tract, Vanderbilt set out to reorganize the northern portion of his estate to reflect the new boundaries. This included the removal of nearly all of the structures that had been built on the Sexton tract in the intervening years, as well as the relocation of the

north gate. Both the lower woodland drive and the upper

drive past the Pavilion were extended into the new land, connecting to Bard Rock and the north gate respectively.

Two gates were removed after the Vanderbilts acquired VM CLR 1 p. 128

the Sexton tract: the north gate Walter Langdon had

installed when he purchased the land and the main gate

of Torham, as the Sexton estate was known. A new gate was constructed further north near the northern border of the property with flanking stone pillars and integrated

into the newly extended stone perimeter wall.

1906 Frederick Vanderbilt In 1906 an underground drive, referred to as the subway, was constructed beneath Albany Post Road between the

estate property and the farm lands.

VMCLR 1 p. 132

1906 Frederick Vanderbilt In 1906 the Vanderbilt extended the pine screen into the newly acquired Sexton tract. The trees, planted in tight rows, extended along the road from the new north gate

to where the old gate had been and then along the inside (west) margin of the pine screen that had been planted a number of years before. This created a second layer of younger trees along the inside of the screen.

VM CLR 1 p. 132

1907 Frederick Vanderbilt In 1907 the Pierson U-Bar Co., likely a successor form of the Pierson-Sefton Co., developed drawings and

construction details for the greenhouse between the

Gardener's Cottage and Tool House. This greenhouse was

generally referred to as the carnation house.

VM CLR 1 p. 138

1908

1910

Frederick Vanderbilt

Frederick Vanderbilt

The Pierson U-Bar Co. also designed a large two-wing VM CLR 1 p. 138 greenhouse, called the rose house, to replace the four Langdon greenhouses on the southwest terrace.

In 1910, the sweep of the drive directly past the house was VM CLR 1 p. 132

realigned eastward to form a more circular configuration.

This reconfiguration, often referred to as the Great Circle, doubled the size of the Mansion lawn.

1910 Frederick Vanderbilt In 1910, the firm of Thomas B. Meehan and Sons designed

the loggia garden, an eastward extension of the garden on a lower level that was later known as the Rose Garden. The garden featured geometric planting beds, a circular fountain, and a pavilion, as well as walks, steps, and

enclosing fence and piers. The planting plan developed by

Meehan and Sons originally featured a variety of shrubs and perennials, similar in character to the Italian garden

immediately to the west. It is unknown what exactly was

planted at that time, since historic images of the garden

date from after 1916 when the garden was replanted with

roses.

VM CLR 1 p. 154

183
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Year Ownership

1916-1934 Frederick Vanderbilt

Description

In 1916, the Vanderbilts engaged Robert B. Cridland as garden designer. Over nearly twenty years, Cridland developed a number of plans for the formal gardens. These plans, some of which were executed and some were

not, dealt primarily with the garden plantings. The overall structure of the gardens remained much as it had been

established between 1875 and 1910.

Source

VM CLR 1 p. 157

1916 Frederick Vanderbilt In 1916, Cridland developed an overall plan for the gardens that included a redesign and new plantings for nearly every garden area from the top terraces near the greenhouses to the new loggia garden. The only part of

this that appears to have been executed was the lower

half of the perennial garden near the pool and pavilion.

The planting plan featured 22 conical arborvitae shrubs and perennial plantings.

VM CLR 1 p. 157

1916 Frederick Vanderbilt Sometime after he developed the overall planting plan for the formal gardens, Cridland developed a new plan for the loggia garden that specified that it be planted nearly

entirely in roses. The roses, including standard roses, climbing roses, and hybrid tea roses, were arranged by

color rather than by cultivars.

VM CLR 1 p. 158

1919 Frederick Vanderbilt In 1919, an iron fence was installed atop the entire length

of the perimeter wall. This fence was removed during

World War II in support of wartime scrap drives.

VM CLR 1 p. 132

1922 Frederick Vanderbilt Cridland developed plans in 1922 to that altered the

structural elements of the garden along the western edge

of the perennial garden. These changes included wire

arches, pergolas, retaining walls, and plantings. Greenleaf had designed this area as a continuous trellis wall with window openings into the perennial garden. Cridland's design featured hedges that framed both sides of the walk

and were joined overhead with a trellis over the steps, and

a series of vine-covered wire arches.

VM CLR 1 p. 164

1922 Frederick Vanderbilt Another Cridland design of 1922 involved remodeling the pergola at the north end of the perennial garden. The

design reused the brick piers developed by Greenleaf, but

replaced the peaked rafters with a series of ogee curved members.

VMCLR 1 p. 164

1923 Frederick Vanderbilt In 1923, Cridland developed a plan for foundation

plantings at the front of the Mansion. The plan featured

tall columnar junipers and mounded massings of yews.

VM CLR 1 p. 177

Ca. 1930 Frederick Vanderbilt In an undated design believed to date to the early 1930s, Cridland remade the perennial garden, replacing the lush evergreen shrubs with a more simplistic design. The new

design comprised a double row of flowering cherries over lawns flanking the walk. Narrow beds of perennials fronted retaining walls along each of the lawns. The

design produced a strikingly different character than the

previous plantings, which had by that time become

mature and overgrown.

VM CLR 1 p. 164

184
Al'I'UNniX2:CHARACrHR-Dl FINING FEATURES

APPENDIX 2: CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES

Feature Year Ownership Extant? Description

Buildings and Structures

Farm house, barn, 1764-1768 John Bard

orchard; east of Albany

Post Road

No The farm complex east of Albany Post Road was

developed in the early years of John Bard's ownership.

The complex contained a farm house, barn and and

orchard of 500 to 600 apple trees. No extant elements

of this early farm have been identified.

Red House 1772 John Bard No The Red House was built by John Bard on the east side of Albany Post Road near the farm complex in 1772. The house would stand until 1875 when it was torn down by Walter Langdon.

Bard House 1797-1799 Samuel No

Bard The first known development on the west side of Albany Post Road was the house built by Samuel Bard. The house was built at the edge of the terrace overlooking the rolling slopes, parkland, and

woodland that descended to the river. The house was

remodeled and substantially rebuilt by David Hosack in 1829. In 1845, during Walter Langdon Jr.'s residency, the house was destroyed by fire.

Bard Outbuildings 1799-1821 Samuel

Bard No In addition to the house, Samuel Bard developed HydePark to eventually include several outbuildings and a garden and greenhouse. None of these structures is known to have survived beyond the end of the nineteenth century.

Hosack Coach House 1829-1830 David Hosack No A coach house was built north of the house. The

house, built of stone in a Greek style, was 60 feet by 40

feet. The coach house was in the vicinity of the current

Pavilion.

Hosack Greenhouse 1829-1830 David Hosack No A greenhouse was built south of the house. The

greenhouse consisted of a central portion and two

wings, and measured about 1 10 feet long and 20 feet deep. Plants kept inside included a collection of pines,

Magnolia grandiflora, strelitzia, farnesiana, and Ficus

elastica.

Hosack Gate lodges 1829-1830 David Hosack No A gate lodge was built at each of two gates to the

property. Designed by Martin Thopmpson, the lodges were probably located near the current gate lodges.

Hosack Landscape

Structures 1829-1830 David No

Hosack

Several ornamental structures were placed throughout

the pleasure grounds, including two circular pavilions, one near the southern entrance and one at Bard Rock,

and a colossal urn atop a plinth.

Langdon House 1845-1847 Walter No

Langdon

After the Hosack house burned in 1845, the Langdons

built their own house on the same site.

Langdon Barns 1872 Walter Langdon,

Jr.

No In 1872 the barns and their contents of hay and grain

burned and were rebuilt. These structures were struck by lightening and again burned to the ground in 1883. New barns were built in 1884.

185
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Feature

Tool House

Year Ownership Extant? Description

1875 Walter Yes The Tool House and Gardener's Cottage were part of Langdon, the formal gardens complex that was designed by

Jr. Sturgis and Brigham for Walter Langdon, Jr. in 1874-

1875. Originally these two buildings had a green house that spanned the distance between them,

referred to as the grapery. In 1907, Vanderbilt had this greenhouse replaced with a new one, thereafter called the carnation house. The carnation house is no longer

extant, but the Tool House and the Gardener's Cottage

remain. The Tool House is the westernmost of the two

structures.

Gardener's Cottage 1875 Walter Langdon,

Jr.

Yes The easternmost of the two structures built by Sturgis

and Brigham in 1875.

Pavilion 1895 Frederick Yes The first structure to be completed by the Vanderbilts Vanderbilt was the Pavilion. Designed by McKim, Mead, and

White, the Pavilion was used as a residence for the

Vanderbilts while they rebuilt the Mansion.

Mansion 1896-1899 Frederick Vanderbilt Yes The Vanderbilts initially intended to renovate the Langdon house, but when it was discovered that the house had severe structural problems, they decided to

rebuild it in its entirety. The new house was located in the same place as all of the previous houses, and while

it resembled the Langdon house in general appearance, it featured the latest in modern

conveniences, including electricity, plumbing, and

central heat.

White Bridge 1897 Frederick Yes

Vanderbilt Designed and constructed by W. T. Hiscox, the WhiteBridge was built to carry the main entry drive over Crum Elbow Creek.

Coach House Bridge 1897 Frederick Yes

Vanderbilt The double-arched bridge at the Coach House wasdesigned and built by Norcross Brothers. It was

constructed of reinforced concrete with cobble-stone

facing.

Dams 1897 Frederick Yes

Vanderbilt

Four new dams were constructed between 1895 and

1900, including the dam at Albany Post Road, the dam

under the White Bridge, the Power House dam, and

the lower dam near the Coach House.

Powerhouse 1897 Frederick Yes

Vanderbilt

In 1897 and 1898, two pump houses were built. One, a

rustic stone power house on the east side of Crum

Elbow Creek near the dam, is extant. The other was

located on the lower road near the river and the Sexton Tract boundary line. These were both by W. T. Hiscox.

Coach House 1897 Frederick Yes

Vanderbilt The Coach House was designed by New York architect Robert H. Robertson and built by Norcross Brothers.

186
Appendix 2: Character-Defining Features

Feature Year Ownership Extant? Description

Perimeter Wall and 1898 Frederick Yes In 1898, thee

Gates Vanderbilt estate were c

In 1898, the gates and stone wall around the entire estate were completed. The latter was the work of a

local mason, Henry Myers. In 1906 when the

Vanderbilts acquired the Sexton tract, they removed two existing gates: the north gate Walter Langdon had

installed when he purchased the land and the main

gate of Torham, as the Sexton estate was known. A

new gate was constructed further north near the northern border of the property with flanking stone

pillars and integrated into the newly extended stone perimeter wall.

In 1919, an iron fence was installed atop the entire length of the perimeter wall. This fence was removed

during World War II in support of wartime scrap drives.

Gatehouses 1898 Frederick Yes Two gatehouses were designed by McKim, Mead, and

Vanderbilt White and built by Norcross Brothers. The contract

also included a third gatehouse, but it is unknown

whether it was ever built or where its location was to have been. The gatehouses remain today much as they were during the historic period.

Farm buildings 1901 Frederick Yes Despite repairs made only a few years earlier to the

Vanderbilt Langdon farm buildings, in 1901 they were replaced with a new farm group. The remnants of these

buildings remain today, but are outside of the park

boundary.

Palm Houses 1905 Frederick No In 1905 plans were put forward by the Pierson-Sefton Vanderbilt Co. for simple twin palm houses intended to replace the conservatory built thirty years prior. The two palm

houses were located on the top terrace in the northwest corner of the garden.

Subway 1906 Frederick Yes In 1906 an underground drive, referred to as the

Vanderbilt subway, was constructed beneath Albany Post Road

between the estate property and the farm lands. The

subway remains today, but it is not used and is gated

beneath the road. The wing walls on the west side are

deteriorating, with the concrete surface cracked and

flaking in places, revealing the bricks beneath. Water

seepage and wall spalling are also an issue with the wing walls. The soil drive that passes through the subway is covered with weeds, including a tree-of- heaven growing from the base of one of the walls.

Carnation House 1907 Frederick No In 1907 the Pierson U-Bar Co., likely a successor form of Vanderbilt the Pierson-Sefton Co., developed drawings and

construction details for the greenhouse between the Gardener's Cottage and Tool House. This greenhouse was generally referred to as the carnation house.

Rose House 1908 Frederick No The Pierson U-Bar Co. also designed a large two-wing

Vanderbilt greenhouse, called the rose house, to replace the four Langdon greenhouses on the southwest terrace.

187
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Feature Year Ownership Extant? Description

Potting Shed 1898 Frederick Yes The brick Potting Shed in the southwest corner of the

Vanderbilt gardens was originally part of the two-winged

greenhouse built here by Vanderbilt in 1908, referred to as the rose house. The brick portion comprised the western half of the western wing of the greenhouse.

When the greenhouse was removed the brick portion was retained and is extant today.

Circulation

Samuel Bard Drives and

Landscape Layout 1799 Samuel Yes The road system developed by Samuel Bard for his Bard estate grounds included a road or footpath from Hyde

Park Landing at the south end of the property to the

house, a central drive from Albany Post Road to the

house, and Bard Lane, a road from Albany Post Road

to Bard Rock. The exact composition and layout of Samuel Bard's estate is not known. Elements of Bard's road system were incorporated into subsequent

layouts. The road from Hyde Park Landing to the house likely followed the creek and the ridge, a route

that has been followed by a footpath ever since. Bard Lane is also extant today, but the rest of the circulation was significantly changed in the 1829 Parmentier

design.

Hosack/Parmentier

Drives and Landscape

Layout

1829-1830 David Yes Hosack employed Andre Parmentier to lay out the Hosack grounds of his estate. Parmentier established the

circulation system of the park, altering it considerably

from the Bard period. Current circulation that dates from the Hosack period includes the main entrance from Albany Post Road across the creek, the serpentine

drive from the creek bridge nearly to the main house

drive, and the drive from the river gate along Crum

Elbow Creek. The footpath that runs along the top of the ridge from near the present Coach House to the main house, probably in place to some extent from the Bard estate, was incorporated into Parmentier's plan.

Vanderbilt Drive System 1898 Frederick Yes Shortly after Vanderbilt bough the property, some

Vanderbilt changes were made to the estate's system of drives. Existing drives - from the south entrance to the main

entrance along Crum Elbow Creek, from the main

entrance to the house, and from the house northward

- were improved with a crushed stone or gravel surface and formed concrete gutters. When the new mansion was under construction, the main drive passing directly

in front of the house was reshaped and the drive leading past the Pavilion to the north gate was

straightened, reflecting more Victorian values of form

and symmetry. New drives include the lower woodland drive along the river bank that extended

from the south gate to just south of what was then the northern boundary of the property.

In 1905 when the Vanderbilts acquired the Sexton

tract, both the lower woodland drive and the upper

drive past the Pavilion were extended into the new

land, connecting to Bard Rock and the north gate

respectively.

In 1910, the sweep of the drive directly past the house was realigned eastward to form a more circular configuration. This reconfiguration, referred to as the Great Circle, doubled the size of the Mansion lawn.

188
API*! \l)l\ 2: Cll \RA( ITR-Dl I IM\(. Fl A I URI s

Feature Year Ownership Extant? Description

Vegetation

Bard Landscape

Plantings

1799-1821 Samuel Unknown During Samuel Bard's tenure at Hyde Park, he collected Bard and planted numerous rare and exotic plants and

trees. Records indicate his pursuit or acquisition of

locust tree seeds and grass seeds for the landscape, as well as fruits and flowers for his greenhouses. It is conjectured that the large ginkgo tree on the South Lawn dates from early in S. Bard's ownership, possibly

from the turn of the nineteenth century, although this date has not been substantiated. It is unknown which

if any of the landscape trees present today date from

the Samuel Bard period.

Hosack Landscape

Plantings 1829-1830 David Yes Parmentier's plan would have certainly included the Hosack planting of trees and plants in the estate grounds. The

landscape of the upper park and the grounds around

the house was likely a combination of planted trees and trees retained from the Bard period as well as naturally occurring trees. It is possible that some trees that were in place or planted at the time of Parmentier's design remain today, but without aging

the trees by coring (or counting rings on felled trees) it

is impossible to tell which, if any, of the extant trees date to that period.

Langdon Formal Gardens 1874-1875 Walter Yes Langdon,

Jr.

In 1874, Langdon employed the architecture firm of

Sturgis and Brigham to design a formal garden

complex. The complex consisted of two cottages (a gardeners cottage and a Tool House) connected by a greenhouse, a conservatory, and enclosing walls. These architectural elements enclosed a series of six terraces that stepped down the hill, each containing a formal garden of geometric beds. Of these elements, the Gardener's Cottage and the Tool House, as well as some of the brick walls and terraces, remain today.

Trees 1898-1901 Frederick Yes

Vanderbilt A survey of the estate's trees conducted by Piatt andBurley shows over fifty trees that appear to be very

small and were probably planted after the Vanderbilts bought the property.

Perennial Garden

Plantings 1902-1904 Frederick NoVanderbilt James L. Greenleaf developed plans for an Italian style garden on the eastern two terraces of the formal

gardens. The linear space was oriented along a north- south axis, about 320 feet long and 90 feet wide. The

space was enclosed on the north by a pergola and on

the south by an aquatic plant pool and pavilion.

Framing elements included walls, piers, iron work,

trellis elements, and a circulation system of walks and

steps. The plantings in the perennial garden included

perennial flowers and shrubs, such as flox and irises, vines, and massed evergreen shrubs. A tall trimmed

cedar hedge divided the garden into two distinct spaces. The character of this garden was dense and

lush, especially in the 1910s and 1920s when the

plantings had matured.

189
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Feature Year Ownership Extant? Description

Pine Screen 1906 Frederick Yes In 1906 the Vanderbilt extended the pine screen into Vanderbilt the newly acquired Sexton tract. The trees, planted in tight rows, extended along the road from the new

north gate to where the old gate had been and then

along the inside (west) margin of the pine screen that had been planted a number of years before. This created a second layer of younger trees along the

inside of the screen. A third layer of hemlock trees was

planted along the west side of the screen around 1938.

Rose Garden Plantings 1910 Frederick No In 1910, the firm of Thomas B. Meehan and Sons

Vanderbilt designed the loggia garden, an eastward extension of the garden on a lower level that was later known as the Rose Garden. The garden featured geometric

planting beds, a circular fountain, and a pavilion, as well as walks, steps, and enclosing fence and piers. The planting plan developed by Meehan and Sons

originally featured a variety of shrubs and perennials,

similar in character to the Italian garden immediately

to the west. It is unknown what exactly was planted at that time, since historic images of the garden date from after 1916 when the garden was replanted with

roses.

Formal Garden Plantings 1916-1934 Frederick No In 1916, the Vanderbilts engaged Robert B. Cridland as Vanderbilt garden designer. Over nearly twenty years, Cridland developed a number of plans for the formal gardens. These plans, some of which were executed and some

were not, dealt primarily with the garden plantings.

The overall structure of the gardens remained much as

it had been established between 1875 and 1910. In 1916, Cridland developed an overall plan for the gardens that included a redesign and new plantings

for nearly every garden area from the top terraces near the greenhouses to the new loggia garden. The

only part of this that appears to have been executed was the lower half of the perennial garden near the

pool and pavilion. The planting plan featured 22

conical arborvitae shrubs and perennial plantings.

Rose Garden Plantings 1916 Frederick No Sometime after he developed the overall planning

Vanderbilt plan for the formal gardens, Cridland developed a new

plan for the loggia garden that specified that it be

planted nearly entirely in roses. The roses, including standard roses, climbing roses, and hybrid tea roses, were arranged by color rather than by cultivars.

Arborvitae Hedges 1922 Frederick No Cridland developed plans in 1922 to that altered the

Vanderbilt structural elements of the garden along the western edge of the perennial garden. These changes included wire arches, pergolas, retaining walls, and plantings. Greenleaf had designed this area as a continuous trellis wall with window openings into the perennial garden.

Cridland's design featured hedges that framed both

sides of the walk and were joined overhead with a

trellis over the steps, and a series of vine-covered wire

arches.

Foundation Plantings 1923 Frederick No In 1923, Cridland developed a plan for foundation

Vanderbilt plantings at the front of the Mansion. The plan featured tall columnar junipers and mounded massings

of yews.

190
Appendix 2: Character-Defining Features

Feature Year Ownership Extant? Description

Cherry Walk (Perennial

Garden) Plantings

Ca. 1930 Frederick Yes In an undated design believed to date to the early Vanderbilt 1930s, Cridland remade the perennial garden,

replacing the lush evergreen shrubs with a more

simplistic design. The new design comprised a double row of flowering cherries over lawns flanking the

walk. Narrow beds of perennials fronted retaining

walls along each of the lawns. The design produced a strikingly different character than the previous

plantings, which had by that time become mature and

overgrown.

Formal Gardens Structures

North Pergola 1903 Frederick Yes In 1903, James L. Greenleaf designed a pergola for the

Vanderbilt north end of the perennial garden. The pergola

consisted of a brick wall and large brick and stone piers

topped with a peaked chestnut timber arbor. In about

1922, Robert Cridland redesigned the timber arbor for the pergola with a flat top and ogee curved members

at the southern steps.

Pool Pergola 1903 Frederick Yes The pool pergola at the southern end of the perennial Vanderbilt garden, also designed by Greenleaf in 1903, is a twopart timber pergola that wraps around either side of the aquatic plant pool. The curved pergolas meet in the middle at the pool house.

Pool House 1903 Frederick Yes

Vanderbilt The roofed pool house on the southern end of theperennial garden was part of the Greenleaf plan for the garden.

Rose Garden Loggia 1903 Frederick Yes

Vanderbilt The loggia at the eastern end of the rose garden waspart of the 1910 design by Thomas Meehan for that garden.

Stair Pergolas (2) 1903 Frederick Yes

Vanderbilt

Part of the Greenleaf design included four timber

pergolas along the walk between the lower annual bed terrace and the lower perennial garden terrace. The two pergolas in the middle of the walk were later removed, but the two pergolas over the steps were

retained. The pergolas consist of brick piers with

timber arbors above.

Stair Arbor 1903 Frederick Yes At the north end of the walk between the annual bed

Vanderbilt terraces and the perennial garden, a wire arch arbor

covers the steps in front of the Gardener's Cottage, a part of the Greenleaf design for the garden walls and

pergolas.

Cold Frame Frederick Yes The cold frame lies to the south of the rose house

Vanderbilt terrace along the south side of the boundary wall. The

date of construction of the frame is unknown, but it likely dates to the early Vanderbilt period.

Pool Frederick Yes The aquatic plant pool at the south end of the

Vanderbilt perennial garden was built as part of the Greenleaf

design.

I91
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Feature Year Ownership Extant? Description

Upper Fountain Frederick Yes The upper fountain is located in the long narrow

Vanderbilt terrace directly east of the palm house terrace. Plans

for the Langdon gardens in 1876 show a fountain in this location, but it is unknown if the existing fountain

dates from this time, or if it was replaced during

Vanderbilt's ownership.

Rose Garden Fountain

Pool

Frederick Yes The circular fountain pool at the eastern end of the

Vanderbilt rose garden was part of the Meehan design for that garden. Originally the fountain had a frog

fountainhead at its center that spurted water from its mouth. The frog was replaced in the 1925 by a statue

of Orpheus, which remained in the garden until 2005,

when it was removed to storage to protect it from

further deterioration. Today the pool stands empty.

Northwest Wall Frederick Yes The wall marking the northwest corner of the formal

Vanderbilt gardens is an curved brick wall with a gated entry that

leads onto the uppermost (palm house) terrace. This

wall, along with several of the other brick walls in the

gardens, was part of the Langdon gardens that was

incorporated into Vanderbilt's gardens. The brick wall

is capped with a terra cotta coping tiles with brick

piers.

Southwest Wall Frederick Yes The wall marking the southern border of the rose Vanderbilt house terrace was also part of the Langdon gardens

and is similar in form to the arced northwest wall. Originally, this wall continued eastward along the southern edge of the lower annual bed terrace, but

this section of the wall is no longer there.

Pool Grotto Wall Frederick Yes The large curved wall around the south end of the

Vanderbilt perennial garden wraps around the pool and pool

pergola, forming an intimate grotto on either side of the pool house. The pool grotto wall was built as part of Greenleaf's design in 1903.

Perennial Garden West

Fence

Frederick Yes Along the west side of the upper perennial garden

Vanderbilt terrace is a lattice fence consisting of iron wire lattice panels between brick piers.

Upper Perennial Garden

East Wall

Frederick Yes The brick wall along the east side of the upper

Vanderbilt perennial garden is constructed of brick wall segments

between brick piers capped with tile. This portion of the wall was part of the perimeter wall around

Langdon's garden constructed in 1875 and is of the same style as sections of perimeter wall on the west and southwest sides of the formal gardens.

Lower Perennial Garden

East Wall

Frederick Yes The wall between the lower perennial garden and the

Vanderbilt rose garden consists of a low brick wall with a tile cap, high brick pillars, and decorative iron scrolls that bridge the gaps between the pillars over the wall segments. This wall was part of the Greenleaf design

in 1903.

Perennial Garden

Retaining Walls

Frederick Yes Brick retaining walls were built between the upper and

Vanderbilt lower perennial garden to accommodate the changes

to the terrace grades when Greenleaf designed the

Italian garden.

192
Appendix 2: Character-Defining Features

Feature Year Ownership Extant? Description

Rose Garden Steps and

Retaining Wall

Frederick Yes

Vanderbilt

Part of Meehan and Sons' design of the rose garden

included two sets of steps leading down from the lower perennial garden. The bluestone steps with

brick walls flank a retaining wall that accommodates

the change in grade from the perennial garden to the upper rose garden terrace. The brick retaining wall is approximately three and a half feet high.

Rose Garden dividing

Retaining Wall and steps

Frederick Yes

Vanderbilt The change in grade from the upper to the lower rose garden is accommodated by a three-foot brick retaining wall and two flights of five bluestone steps with brick sidewalls.

Rose Garden Fence Pier Frederick No

Vanderbilt The lattice fence with brick piers that was built as the perimeter of the rose garden in 1910 is no longer

extant with the exception of one brick pier at the south side of the upper rose garden.

Stairs (13) Walter Yes Langdon,

Jr.

In addition to the stairs in the rose garden, there are a

total of thirteen sets of stairs throughout the formal

gardens. Eight of these date to the Langdon period

and were constructed to accommodate circulation between the terraces. The remainder of the stairs were constructed as part of the various redesigns by

Greenleaf and Meehan and Sons. The steps are

primarily of bluestone treads with either bluestone

curbs or brick side walls.

Garden Paths Walter Yes Langdon,

Jr.

Paths throughout the formal gardens are between

three and five feet in width and are primarily surfaced with gravel. On the upper terraces these paths date to the Langdon period, while paths in portions of the gardens redesigned in the Vanderbilt period date to then.

193
Cultural Landscape Report for Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

194

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

Boston National Historical Park

Charlestown Navy Yard, Quarters C

Boston, Massachusetts 02129

Phone: 617-241-6954

Fax:617-241-3952

web: www.nps.gov/oclp/