At the end of Long Island Sound, on the rolling wooded land that ended in marshes at the edge of the water lived the Siwanoy Indians (band of the Lenape) until 1653. In this year, a nearly 50,000-acre tract of land was purchased, of which 9,000 acres went to form the estate of Connecticut physician, Thomas Pell. In 1666 Pell received a Charter from King Charles II to create the Manor of Pelham. Following the American Revolution, the estate was greatly reduced in size, and the remaining 30 acres were purchased in 1836 by Pell descendents, Ann Pell and husband Robert Bartow. By 1842, Bartow completed a gray stone mansion with rich Greek Revival interior and with panoramic views looking out on Long Island Sound. Bartow died in 1868, and the City of New York purchased the mansion in 1888 for what soon became Pelham Bay Park.
The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is the last of many mansions that once graced Pelham Bay, and has been leased by the International Garden Club since 1914. The Club maintains the house, carriage house and grounds, which include formal terraces, a fountain, and herb and perennial gardens. Abreuvoir has a double meaning, both of which apply to the Bartow-Pell gardens – first it is a watering place, such as the garden’s central fountain; secondly, it describes the small space between the stones, originally filled with stone gallets. Andy wanted to appeal to the International Garden club and the gardener in us all by using this flowery title filled with mystique and intrigue. Otherwise, he says, “Masonry is just a lot of hard work.”
Researchers have looked in vain for documentation of the landscaping design in place during the Bartows’ years of residence. The current gardens at the rear of the house were designed by William Delano of Delano & Aldrich for the International Garden Club and constructed from 1915-1916. Delano’s design was to cover the sloping ground with a series of descending terraces enclosed by stone walls. Each rectangular walled garden was divided into four quadrants by flagstone walks and steps. It is these stone walkways that will be the focus of our work. Masonry conservation specialist Andy deGruchy (of Weisel Bridge fame) will once again lead HCN participants, who will help Andy to reverse the process of decay caused by inappropriate use of Portland cement for repairs on the walks and steps over the last 60 years. Setting the tone for a fun and rewarding week of work, Andy promises the participants that they will use various tools, including his little stone guillotine, to cut the small stone gallets which will then smartly fit, ever so gallantly, between the larger stone flagging.
The property, which is a member of the Historic House Trust of NYC, is now owned by New York City Dept. of Parks & Recreation and managed by the International Garden Club. HCN is joining their efforts to restore the walkways that take visitors through the gardens. Preservation Volunteers, a New York City non-profit, is bringing volunteers from France to work alongside HCN participants and local residents in this initiative. Instruction will be in English.
This workshop will be one week in length, with masonry work in the gardens taking place Monday – Thursday. Friday is open for touring the area. The cost of Friday’s sightseeing is not included in the workshop fee, but a list of local sites will be provided. Participants may tour the area together or on their own. The workshop fee covers lodging Sunday – Friday nights, breakfast and lunch (except lunch Friday), workshop instruction and materials, and insurance. A reduced fee of $600 is available for participants who do not need lodging; see registration form. Transportation to the site is the responsibility of each participant.
Lodging will be provided at Le Refuge Inn located on City Island – a small community first established as an English settlement in 1685 and surprisingly removed from the mainstream. Built around 1876 for oysterman Samuel Pell, this Second Empire house is a significant reminder of the enormous wealth that the oyster trade brought to the maritime community of City Island in the nineteenth century. Workshop fees are based on double occupancy; single rooms are available upon request for an additional fee. City Island is at the edge of New York City, just beyond Pelham Bay Park, and surrounded by the waters of Long Island Sound and Eastchester Bay.
Participants may check in at Le Refuge Inn on Sunday, August 3. Andy deGruchy and the Executive Director of the Bartow-Pell Mansion will meet participants at 4 pm Sunday for an hour-long orientation of the project and the area, including directions on taking public transportation from the Inn to the work site. A variety of restaurants are available in the area for a leisurely dinner after the orientation.
If arriving by air, it is best to fly into LaGuardia Airport for domestic flights, or John F. Kennedy International Airport for international flights. Then take a taxi to the Inn, located at 586 City Island Avenue.
Summer in New York City can be hot and humid with daytime average highs of 34 C (93 F). Please bring clothing that is appropriate for the weather as well as protective while working. Close-toed shoes are required; long pants and long-sleeved shirts should be brought to the site, although they may not be required at all times. Water bottles, sun screen and insect repellent are highly recommended. Please be conscious that safety is an important issue at any work site.
For any additional information, please contact us at workshops@heritageconservation.net or call +1 303-444-0128.
If you would like to help with conservation efforts at the Bartow-Pell Mansion but are unable to attend the workshop, you can still participate by supporting our conservation efforts with a tax-deductible donation to HCN. We have partnered with Groundspring.org to make it easy and safe for you to donate online at http://www.heritageconservation.net/ws-bartow-pell-2008.htm