"The appropriation for a house should be divided into two equal parts, one-half for the house, the other for the gardens, pathways, court, approach, terrace and the rest of it, or, as it might be termed, one-half for the pudding, the other for the sauce." Architect Thomas Hastings
TENNIS HOUSE WITH SKYLIGHTS "Thornham" Tennis Court
THE church was formerly a full-sized tennis court building, complete with a huge skylight, and a viewing balcony on one side that was connected with a lounge, dressing room, and a tap room. Originally built in 1929 by Mr. Landon K. Thorne, a Wall Street banker, the plot and the building were given to the Peter’s congregation two years ago by Mr. Thorne, who was a friend of the pastor, Canon S. R. Peters. The congregation had outgrown the old church and on Sunday there was literally no place park and most of the congregation arrived by car.
"Thornham" Tennis Court
St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church Remodeled tennis house now a church, with new entrance and office and classroom addition.
Alterations and additions are shown in black. The new wing containing the two Sunday school rooms, a general office, an office for the assistant pastor, an auditorium with a stage, a connecting kitchen for use when the auditorium is used on social occasions, connecting toilet rooms—were all planned for ‘total use’, not merely on Sunday mornings. They are arranged in the ‘L’ shaped wing so that they can be entirely cut off from the church itself, if the occasion demands. The Chapel shown in plan was the former swimming pool. The former locker rooms have become dressing rooms.
St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
It was necessary to remove the skylight over the tennis court and to install a new hung ceiling with recessed lighting, and to replace the hard clay court with an asphalt tile floor.
THROUGH our organization of complete operating units in all the principal cities between Boston and Palm Beach and as far west as Chicago, the choicest of plant materials local to each section are made available to all through a central stock department. we have assembled at 15 points east of the Mississippi River specimen material from over a thousand private estates and three hundred nurseries.
PLANT TO GAIN 20 YEARS CHOICEST PLANT MATERIAL NOW AVAILABLE TO YOU
In our new stock catalog now ready for distribution you will find listed many choice materials that you did not know were available. For years our fifteen associated offices have scoured the country, purchasing specimen material from thousands of old estates, hundreds of commercial nurseries, and native fields. The result has been a tremendous listing of varieties and sizes, which has been assembled and collated through a central exchange into an orderly and comprehensive register of Mother Nature’s choicest offerings from the territory east of the Mississippi River.
The 15 office locations for the firm - Ardmore, Pa., Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, New York, Morristown, N. J., Pittsburgh, Roslyn, L. I., Winston-Salem, N. C., West Palm Beach, Fla.
THE OLD COW BAY MANOR, PORT WASHINGTON, L. I. NOW THE RESIDENCE OF ADDISON C. MIZNER, ARCHITECT.
In 1910 Mizner had restored and altered a Colonial clapboard house. The Old Cow Day Manor Houce, at Whitestone Landing near Port Washington, Long Island for his own residence. An early article on the house in Architectural Record is most revealing, for although Mizner made alterations to the building he had respect for its historical place in American architectural design.
The original portion of the house dated from 1673 with additions in 1795, 1812 and in 1910 by Mizner who did not touch the old portions of the house, retaining its neo-classical front door, its wainscotted dining room, and its formal stair set in a narrow hall. He added a kitchen and a pantry and extended the front porch to three times its original width while keeping the old columns and their capitals in a portico effect.
ENTRANCE DETAIL—RESIDENCE OF ADDISON C. MIZNER, ARCHITECT. PORT WASHINGTON, L. I. THE DOORWAY WAS BUILT IN 1812.
Addison remodeled his home for himself, a private museum for his relics, and a zoo for various pets he had. He soon had a flourishing truck garden and kennels with forty or fifty chows. He lived there most of the time, commuting to a studio he had set up in New York. Addison established a modest practice as a landscape architect on Long Island. He was noted for his Japanese landscapes, with dwarf trees among midget mountains and pygmy rivers.
THE LOW PART OF THE HOUSE WAS BUILT IN 1673. AND THE "NEW" PART IN 1795. ALTHOUGH THE DOORWAY WAS NOT PUT IN PLAGE UNTIL 1812. ORIGINALLY, THE PORCH HAD A RAILING AND WOODEN FLOOR. THESE WERE REMOVED BY MR MIZNER, WHO ADDED THE TERRACE. WHICH IS EIGHTEEN FEET WIDE, OR THREE TIMES THE WIDTH OF THE ORIGINAL PORCH.
The architect was a puzzle to his neighbors. He startled them by shopping in his dressing gown and sometimes in his pajamas. Now and then, the town was kept awake until 3 or 4 a.m. by frightful uproars in his house, and he was thought to have been entertaining the riffraff of Hell's Kitchen until the local newspaper came out with a list of the guests, most of them from the higher echelons of the Social Register. The First World War ruined Addison's practice. Late in 1916, he was broke and a very sick man, with necrosis of the bone resulting from an old leg trouble and with other serious ailments. Phelan Beale, a lawyer, went to Port Washington to see what could be done. He saved Addison's house from his creditors by organizing a corporation to take it over. Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont(formerly Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt), Jules Bache, and several others bought bonds of the corporation in the belief that they were doing charity under the guise of business, but the property was later sold at a good figure and the bonds were paid off. Through this deal, Beale raised about twelve thousand dollars for Addison. Fully expecting to die in the near future, Addison planned to spend his last days in Antigua, Guatemala, which he considered the most beautiful spot on earth, but friends persuaded him that he would be better off in Palm Beach. There he began his great career.
DINING ROOM—RESIDENCE OF ADDISON C. MIZNER, ARCHITECT, PORT WASHINGTON, L. I. THE HESSIANS USED THIS PART OF THE HOUSE AS THEIR HEADQUARTERS DURING THE BATTLES OF THE LONG ISLAND.
FLOOR PLANS—THE OLD COW BAY MANOR HOUSE, NOW THE RESIDENCE OF ADDISON C. MIZNER, ARCHITECT, PORT WASHINGTON, L. I. THE DATES ON THE FIRST FLOOR PLAN GrVE THE YEAR OF ERECTION OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE BUILDING.
SURVEY OF THE OLD COW BAY MANOR, PORT WASHINGTON, L. I. MADE IN 1748 TO DECIDE A BOUNDARY DISPUTE.
HALLWAY RESIDENCE OF ADDISON C. MIZNER, ARCHITECT, PORT WASHINGTON, L. I. THE PLASTERING OF THE HALL IS COLORED TO REPRESENT GRAY AND WHITE MARBLE. THE NATIVES SAY IT WAS ACCOMPLISHED BY RUBBING GUNPOWDER INTO THE ROUGH-FINISHED PLASTER.
IN GENEREAL, the development of the hillside estate of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., presented many problems.
To the left of the gates stands the gate lodge with flagstone paths on a grass terrace and cut-flower garden, and thence ascends the drive, bordered with Cedrus Atlantica, and wide stretches of lawn.
Entrance to "“Greystone" the estate of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr. BeverlyHills, Los Angeles, California. Paul G. Thiene, Landscape Architect Gordon B. Kaufman, Architect
The property, composed of hills and deep canyons, with a scattering of eucalyptus trees, necessitated excavating several hundred thousand cubic yards and tilling in approximately 30,000 cubic yards of top soil to get the place in a workable condition. Since the cost of the disposition of any undesirable earth would be excessive, an additional canyon was purchased, which was tilled to a depth of seventy-five to eighty feet, creating a large, level area designated as the meadow.
Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Terraces were created in back of the house to take care of the rapid rise, and the extremely high retaining walls were camouflaged with planting to foreshorten the visible height.
Numerous specimen trees, ranging from ten to thirty feet in height, were moved onto the property in boxes from five to eight feel in diameter. These included Cedrus Atlantica, Cedrus deodara, Libocedrus, crape myrtle., olive, oak, pepper, redwood, pine, sycamore and poplar.
Dynamiting was imperative and an extensive drainage system was installed to successfully cope with the soil and adobe.
South Elevation Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
South Elevation Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
South Terrace Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
A very complete garden lighting system answers a dual purpose. Besides being controlled by individual switches, a master switch located in the owner's bedroom may illuminate the entire gardens, thus acting as a burglar protection and attracting the attention of the night watchman.
In the event of large assemblies, provision has been made to call the chauffeurs by means of eight loud speakers from a microphone placed in the residence.
Driveway Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
On entering the electrically controlled, massive wrought iron gates of "Greystone", the visitor has a feeling of having been transposed into an old English garden.
Arrival Court Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Arrival Court Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Fountain in Arrival Court Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
On entering the arrival court, "The Child and the Swan” greets you. This attractive fountain figure, together with many of the other garden figures, was personally selected for its particular location and imported from England.
South Terrace Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
South Terrace Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
South Terrace Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Entrance From South Terrace Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Entrance From South Terrace Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Reflection Pool, South Terrace Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Reflection Pool Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Reflection Pool Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
End of Long Terrace Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
End of Long Terrace Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Cypress Walk Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Passing thru the arrival court and continuing on into the gardens, an easy flight of steps brings us to the “Lookout Terrace", where, beneath the shade of an interesting old olive, we view the waterfalls and other engaging bits of the gardens.
Intermediate Terrace Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Another short rise and we are on the intermediate terrace where a simple stone fountain bubbles refreshingly. From this point we look down the walk between two stately rows of perfectly matched eugenias, whose red and green foliage furnish the only touch of color in this unit. The wall is embellished with eight fountains carved out of Pouillenay Rose, an imported stone.
Entrance into the Formal gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Entrance into the Formal gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Ascending toward the formal gardens, our attention is drawn to a most unique lead cistern. Beyond, a bench nestled between two lovely oleanders beckons us to rest while our eyes wander over the surrounding beauties. The oleanders are planted in hand carved, teakwood boxes with wrought iron fixtures, as are many other specimen plants located at different points of vantage, where planting notes of size and color are needed, but not otherwise feasible.
Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
The blended colorings of the Mettowee stone paving lure us on to climb a semicircular stairway into the formal gardens.
Formal Gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Formal Gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
End of Formal Gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
End of Formal Gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
A wide grass panel edged with penstemon is terminated by a hand-carved, Pouillenay Rose fountain, on which the lights play alluringly at night. On the upper level the planting is interspersed with English yew.
Formal Gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Sun Dial Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
A perpendicular sun-dial located on the wall of this garden was minutely designed to record time correctly. The sun-dial is cast in bronze, while the stone work surrounding it, as well as the other four plaques on the wall, are of the same material as the heads in the intermediate terrace and carved by the same sculptor.
Plaque in Wall of Formal Gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Plaque in Wall of Formal Gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Plaque in Wall of Formal Gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Plaque in Wall of Formal Gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
View of Formal Gardens Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Swimming Pool Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Along a winding, flagstone path, paralleled by plantings of vari-hued flower and foliage, we proceed to the swimming pool unit, which consists of the swimming pool, with adjacent dressing rooms. A tennis court is artistically surrounded with an ornamental lattice work serving principally as a backdrop. The swimming pool, equipped with high diving tower and spring board, is finished in shades of blue, glazed tile laid in pattern with Boise stone gutter and coping. A circulating system recirculates and filters the water, thus keeping it clear and at the same time conserving the supply, while a purifying system serves to keep the pool free from germs.
Former Swimming Pool Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
The guest house is picturesquely located overlooking the upper gardens.
We are now ready to descend, and as we stroll along the flagstone driveway our attention is caught by a beautiful, emerald-green lawn known as the “meadow" or picnic area, on the southern edge of which has been erected a decorative lattice trellis which answers primarily as a rose arbor, being covered with the choicest of California’s climbing roses. Secondly, it acts as a safety measure, and as this area is used by the children as a playground it is also effective as a backstop. On the easterly boundary of the meadow, close up against the hill, has been built a barbecue pit. with adjoining kitchen and room equipped to accommodate outdoor parties.
On we go down a twisting, shaded, flagstone path with now and then a flagstone platform, along banks planted with plumbago and chorizema, California holly or perhaps a clump of hydrangeas or cannas, whose vivid colors brighten many positions of prominence throughout the gardens. Enticed by the rippling of water we suddenly find ourselves standing on the brink of a wonderful lake. Casting our eyes down into the water we find thousands of trout. Gazing upward, we perceive the supply in the form of a cascade, whose background is the balustrade of “Lookout Terrace” many, many feet above.
Walk Leading to Lakes Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Walk Leading to Lakes Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Cascades Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Cascades Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Centuries might easily have elapsed, although in reality it is less than two years since this stream of crystal clear water started rushing down over its moss grown course, touched here and there by the shadow s of the overhanging plantings. The numerous rocks were all made by hand. The water is clarified by a circulating system which likewise regulates the flow as well as recirculates the water for the eighteen fountains and pools in the gardens above.
Cascades Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Cascades Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
As we leave the lake we follow a brick walk paralleling the wall below the house terrace. From this location we look north to the hillsides and if it happens to be spring the hills are a solid mass of pink and yellow, for the banks are heavily planted with flowering peaches, almonds and genista. If it is fall or winter, the pyracantha and holly are daringly showing their gold and red fruit. To the south is a rolling lawn.
The hillsides are watered by sprinklers, and the rapidity of the growth speaks assuringly of the capability of the system. The meadow is covered with rubber-topped sprinklers as a precaution against the children slipping while at play, while the extensive lawns are provided with pop-up heads. In accordance with the laws of nature, all watering is done while the sun’s rays are hidden. Therefore these gardens are watered at night by means of an automatic system controlled from the gardener’s cottage by a master clock. Thus the proper quantity of water required for each area may be adjusted by simply moving a few pins in the clock. Automatic irrigation is regarded as an essential in California, particularly in fall.
Stables Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
And now your visit to the English gardens of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., is but a memory, but you have covered approximately thirty acres, at least with your eyes. Perhaps you did not notice the rose garden with its hundreds of bush and tree roses, or the cut-flower garden with its bounty of continuous blossoms, or the orchid house with its wealth of bloom; but all these units were in your path as were the propagating gardens and mushroom cellar. The minutest detail has not been overlooked.
TWO VIEWS OF THE INTERIOR OF THE HOME OF MRS. L. H. DOHENY, JR.
Entrance Hall Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Entrance Hall Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Living Room Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Living Room Residence of Mrs. E. L. Doheny, Jr., Beverly Hills
Jo Van Ronkel, chairman of Citizens for Greystone, is shown at the swimming pool on the Greystone Estate. His group is seeking to preserve the landmark by converting it into a public park, a cultural facility, and a reservoir. NOTE the diving tower.
