The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-04-30
"KNOW THY NEIGHBOR"
Famous Rock Garden of Middebury Designed By Mrs. Marion Abbott Skiff, Graduate of Crosby High Schools, Former Misunderstanding Is Her FavOrite Hobby

dlebury and still reside there. She has three sisters: Mrs. Florence Abbott Harrison, of Litchfield; and Mrs. Ruth Abbott Judd, and Mrs. Elma Abbott Clark, both of Middlebury.
 Marion Abbott, or Mrs. Skiff, If you prefer me to call her by her married name, received her early schooling in the Breakneck district and Center schools in Middlebury. She then enrolled in Crosby high school here, grad uating in 1914. Her early ambi- ton was to excell in the science of economies but she did not in- sist upon pursuing that course. She entered Skidmore College, at Saratoga Springs, New York, graduating in 1918, well qualified to become a school teacher. Be- fore the year had passed she was assigned to classes in Croft gram mar school here in Waterbury. Later she was transferred to Sprague school in Waterville and subsequently, back here to Leav- enworth school. She served five years in all before her marriage on June 28th, 1923 at Middle bury.
 The newlyweds immediately started housekeeping in house on Whittemore road. Mine years ago the happy family moved into their own home on North street where we find them to-day.
 The wonderful rock garden Is located in the rear of this very at- tractive little cottage. It is laid out in the form of a circle with a diameter of approximately 35 feet. Mrs. Skiff began to collect material for her rock garden about seven years ago. One of the first exhibits installed was . millstone formerly used by her grandfather and father to grind grain into flour or meal in their grist mill. This historical relic has the place of honor.
 Pebbles, stones and rocks of every description and color make up the rest of the display. Some came from the Catskill Mountains, i'll Greene and Ulster counties iii New York state. Others were brought from "The Down East State of Maine" 'The Old Bay State of Massachusetts,, "The Granite State of New Hampshire, and from "The Green Mountain State of Vermont" One exhibit looks like a meteoric stone which may have fallen from the at mosphere after the explosion of 8 meteor. A pestle which was prob ably used by the Indians of this region to pulverize substances in a mortar is also on display. There are yellowish, bluish, greenish, flesh-red, olive, brown, black. white, and nearly-white rocks to lend charm to the scene. One can find blue slag, granite, limestone slate, feldspar, gypsum, quartz, and a score of other kinds of mineral matter on display. One outstanding exhibit is a bird-bath naturally fashioned from native quartz.
 Mrs. Skiff has planted variety of flowers about her rock garden and each one is supposed to ex- press sentiment-the rose, Love; the fern, Fascination; the scarlet geranium, Consolation; the daisy. Innoncence. and so on down the line. She is patiently await ing warm weather and plenty of sunshine so that her flowers can come forth in all their beauty, taste, loveliness and sweetness.
 Mrs. Skiff is a member of the Waterbury Business and Profess sional Women's club; the Pomer- aug chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and of the Middle bury Parent Teachers association She worships at the Middlebury Congregational church.
 She is of slight build, weighing 125 pounds, and is five feet, four inches tall, with blue eyes and graying hair. She IS fond of popular and classical music; mu- sical comedy and heart-interest motion pictures, and a good game of bridge. She prefers to read fic- ton and likes to read in bed. Roast pheasant is her favorite food dish. Ice cream is her choice of dessert. Her favorlte beverage is coffee.
 The Skiffs have several pets inc cluding Red" an Irish setter; Fluff" a handsome Persian cat: Peter" a sweet-singing canary, and two lively bunnies, named "Snowball' and "Cottontail." l" Needless to say the little Skiffs have a most delightful time with these spirited playmatcs.
 And now, my friends, must bring to a close this brief biog- raphy of Mrs. Melville W. Skiff, a neighbor Of Middlebury, who has found an absorbing hobby in creating one of the most unique rock gardens in all New England.
 Adicu untu tomorrow. Thank you.