Friends of

FRIENDSF lorham PORTRAIT PROJECT UPDATE SPRING 2018 BOARD OF TRUSTEES FRIENDS OF FLORHAM Valerie Adams Christine Adrignolo Carol Bere Samuel M. Convissor Dawn Dupak Elaine Earlywine Susan Garrubbo Beth Hennessy James Howard Jennifer Johnson Lisa MacNair Suzy Moran Antoinette C. Petrocelli Natalia Semenova Ann Wellbrock Peter Woolley Edward Zimmermann

HONORARY TRUSTEES Susan Adams Linda Carrington Phyllis Conway Walter Cummins CHARLES FOLLEN MCKIM STANFORD WHITE Gabriella D’Amico The significant and enterpris- Among the portraits to be in- curator of collections, gave Emma Joy Dana ing Portrait Project, initiated in cluded in Phase II of the project Darden and Hillringhouse a Kim Dougherty 2013 by Gary Helm Darden, are those of Florham architects, tour of the club and facilitated Carol C. Knauff Linda Meister historian, associate professor access to the image of McKim. Charles Follen McKim and Stan- Audrey Parker of history, chair of the social sci- ford White, partners in the lead- In September 2017, Darden Troy Simmons ences and history department ing architectural firm of McKim, and Hillringhouse visited Box Arthur T. Vanderbilt, II and member of the Friends Mead & White, founded in 1872 Hill, the legendary country home Board, was designed to tell and joined by White in 1879. of Stanford White in St. James, UNIVERSITY LIAISONS through portraits the “history of Their work embodied the Beaux Long Island, N.Y., which was Carol Black this estate within the larger nar- Arts style imported from Paris completed in 1885. They were Christopher A. Capuano rative of American history from that brought Neoclassical forms given a tour of Box Hill by Daniel Katie Carpenter Gary Helm Darden the Gilded Age well into the to their height in the late Gilded White, great-grandson of Stan- 20th century.” Phase I, which Matthew Dikovics Age. ford White, and brother of Eleanor Friedl has been completed, includes Architect Samuel White, who In order to secure the rights Sarah Hof nine reproduced family portraits has spoken at several Friends and obtain permission to photo- Brian Mauro as well as a reproduction of a events. Hillringhouse also cap- portrait of Frederick Law Olm- graph digital images of the por- tured the digital image of White sted, the landscape architect traits, Darden and photographer at this time. As an aside, the for Florham and Biltmore, paint- Mark Hillringhouse first visited White family has no record of ed by Sargent. These portraits the University Club, 5th Avenue, the date or artist of the portrait, were hung in the Great Hall N.Y.C., in August 2017. (McKim while the University Club has no across from the main staircase designed and completed the date for the portrait of McKim, as well as in Lenfell Hall, Hen- University Club in 1899.) Andrew which was painted by Ellen Em- nessy Hall. Berner, the library director and mett Rand. FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Friends: word of the jewel in our backyard about-the-florham-campus/florham- We started this year with fresh — Florham and its surround- campus-historical-timeline/. ing landscape. Through lectures, eyes, new faces and renewed Working with these students small bites and beverages, tours dedication to our mission. makes our mission come full cir- and an exciting new event aimed cle from past to present. Our mission: Advise and assist at a younger set, we want to en- the administration and board of sure our community learns to see Lastly, in the fall, we plan to trustees of FDU in the care, main- this beautiful gem as a place of celebrate the addition of a pair tenance and historic preservation interest worth treasuring. of beautiful 19th-century Aubus- of the Twombly estate. Central to son tapestries in Lenfell Hall to the mission and purpose of the Requests for tours of the estate evoke the feeling of the original Friends is the related objective of come more frequently, and we tapestries installed in the Draw- informing the public of the various are training others to guide guests ing Room. This is truly exciting. historical assets the University of- through the first floor of Hennessy All of these wonderful projects fers the community. To fulfill this Hall (the mansion) and gardens. can only be done through your combined mission, the Friends Tours must be scheduled in ad- support and enthusiasm and the offers a wide range of events to vance. In addition, we are thrilled board of Friends of Florham’s raise funds and awareness to to support the Florham Cam- dedication. Our archives are rich, preserve this grand historic site. pus Historical Timeline created our collective knowledge increas- We transition to our next phase by a group of Dr. April Patrick’s es, and we make new Friends through the use of digital invita- University Honors Program stu- regularly. Thank you. tions and information, online reg- dents. The timeline is available at istration and social media and http://view2.fdu.edu/campuses- Most sincerely, events intended to spread the and-centers/florham-campus/ Lisa MacNair HAIL AND FAREWELL TO LINDA Linda Meister, one of the most Under Linda’s aegis, the re- member Suzy Moran were award- active and productive members habilitation of the Great Hall was ed Presidential Medals and Cita- of the Friends, has retired from completed and the President’s tions by the late FDU President J. active involvement in the activi- Office was renovated. She was Michael Adams. The citation to ties of the Friends, and is now an also directly involved in obtaining Linda acknowledged her work as honorary trustee of the board. Se- a grant to digitize the valuable “an accomplished preservationist rious, disciplined and productive, archives donated by the Burden who provided the leadership and she was an active member of family, selecting an archivist and knowledge needed to restore the the Friends board for more than ensuring that this valuable history first floor of Hennessy Hall to its 20 years, president of the board is available to all researchers on- former glory and provide a suit- for eight years — and there line. able setting for a global univer- have been very few areas of the sity.” Friends’ activities that do not re- Linda’s contributions and ex- flect Linda’s significant contribu- pertise were recognized formally We look forward to seeing Lin- tions. when, in 2012, she and board da again at future Friends events.

SAVE THE DATE! SEPTEMBER 27 LECTURE BY GARY H. DARDEN THE WHITE HOUSE: FROM “PRESIDENTIAL PALACE” TO THE PEOPLE’S HOUSE, 1792–1962 2 | FRIENDS OF FLORHAM FLORHAM ACHIEVES ARBORETUM DESIGNATION

CONGRATULATIONS! FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY, FLORHAM RECEIVED 2017 TREE CAMPUS USA RECOGNITION

The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. To obtain this distinction, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham has met the five core stan- dards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus USA, including establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and the sponsorship of student service- learning projects. Your entire campus community should be proud of this sustained commitment to environmental stewardship. If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, and energy use. Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham is stepping up to do its part. As a result of your commitment to effective urban forest management, you are helping to provide a solution to these global challenges.

Recognizing the beauty of the “The Florham Arboretum is situ- in front of the Mansion are two Florham Campus and its historical ated on the Fairleigh Dickinson large specimens of Cedar of importance as a landscape de- University campus in Madison, Lebanon, a large Nordmann fir, signed by the most famous land- N.J. It is the former Florham estate a large weeping Canadian hem- scape architect, Frederick Law of Florence Vanderbilt Twombly lock and a spectacular linden Olmsted, Peter Woolley, as cam- and Hamilton McKown Twombly (Tilia “Peticolaris”). They have a pus provost, in January 2017, orga- developed in the 1890s. Some no- collection of common boxwood nized an Arboretum Committee. table landscape architects who greater than 15 feet in height and The Committee comprised repre- had a role in the landscape were width. To the northwest of the man- sentatives of the Friends of Flor- Frederick Law Olmsted, the Olm- sion stand oaks that originated ham, faculty, staff and students. sted Brothers, Warren H. Manning prior to the estate’s development The initial mission of the Commit- and Brinley and Holbrook. Man- that were plotted on the 1890 to- tee was to explore whether the agement of the estate’s land- pographic site survey.” Florham campus could achieve scape and greenhouses was the designation of “Tree Campus,” under the direction of Arthur Her- With this designation, the Com- and if so, to prepare all the neces- rington, noted horticulturist and mittee is now seeking a grant that sary studies and paperwork to plant breeder, who came to Flor- will assist in providing a nature submit an application. The Arbo- ham from Kew Gardens, England. trail through the campus, which will identify important trees and retum Committee met throughout “The main entrance is flanked spring and was able to submit which may be enjoyed by the to the left by weeping European FDU community and the public. the completed application in the beech leading to an allee of summer. American linden. Southern Japa- This designation as an ar- ArbNet, the interactive commu- nese hemlock, Western hemlock, boretum will help us preserve, nity of arboreta, accredited the Washington English yew and a protect, enhance and enjoy the Florham Campus as a Level I Ar- grove of Japanese false cypress remarkable Florham landscape. boretum in November 2017. The grace the approach to the man- ArbNet description stated: sion. Adorning the great lawn FRIENDS OF FLORHAM | 3 GILDED AGE LUNCHEON AND TEA

JENNIFER JOHNSON FROM LEFT: RUTHI BYRNE, FDU PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER A. CAPUANO, SUE CAPUANO AND ASSEMBLYWOMAN MILA M. JASEY The Friends stepped back a over, the waitstaff, comprised of the varieties of tea available and bit in time, hosting the highly FDU students in “uniform,” were the pleasure of drinking tea, it successful Gilded Age Luncheon engaging and professional as also offers health benefits. they served the luncheon guests. and Tea on May 18, 2017 in Lenfell The Friends were appreciative Hall. The event, which was pre- Guests were served a four- of the Joint Legislative Resolu- sented by the Cosy Cupboard course tea, opening with salad tion by Senator Richard Codey, Tea Room in Convent Station, and followed by a three-tier serv- Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and N.J., featured a variety of teas, ing of tea sandwiches, scones Assemblyman John McKeon of delectable meal, 50/50 raffle and and petit fours. The tea and lun- the New Jersey Legislature pre- an auction including grand prizes cheon were prepared by Cosy sented at the tea by Jasey. The such as Tom Petty tickets and a Cupboard. Resolution celebrates the pub- catered dinner party by FDU’s A highlight of the event was the lication of Florham: an Ameri- own Chef Jeff Gourley. presentation by James Howard can Treasure: From the Gilded The event committee — about the histories and various Age Vanderbilt Twombly Estate Friends trustees Lisa MacNair, types of tea, including country to a Contemporary University Dawn Dupak, Susan Garrubbo, teas such as Russian, Greek, Campus, which was written by Valerie Adams, Jennifer Johnson, French and Chinese. He ex- Friends trustees and members James Howard and Karin Hamil- plained the tradition of the Eng- Carol Bere, Samuel Convissor, ton of FDU — definitely produced lish afternoon tea was introduced Walter Cummins and Arthur Van- a different and memorable event in the mid-19th century. Howard derbilt II. and should take a bow. More- commented that in addition to

FROM LEFT: CAROL BLACK, SAMUEL CONVISSOR AND WALTER FROM LEFT: ASSEMBLYWOMAN MILA M. JASEY 4 | FRIENDS OF FLORHAM CUMMINS AND DAWN DUPAK GILDED AGE LUNCHEON AND TEA

GUESTS ENJOYING THE DAY IN LENFELL HALL

FDU PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER A. CAPUANO

GARY H. DARDEN

FROM LEFT: VALERIE ADAMS, KAREN LEWIS AND KIMBERLY ADAMS WALSH

JAMES HOWARD, CENTER, OF COSY CUPBOARD INSTRUCTS THE WAIT STAFF FRIENDS OF FLORHAM | 5 FRIENDS VISIT HYDE PARK

FROM LEFT: POR SCHOLTE AND MANSION LIVING ROOM FROM LEFT: ANN WELLBROCK AND JENNIFER JOHNSON MARY KAY STRATIS The Friends hosted a success- in the Beaux Arts style. Freder- work. Still, we got a sense of that ful and fun fundraising trip to the ick Law Olmsted, the landscape mansion and our familiarity with Vanderbilt National Historic Site architect for Florham, also de- Florham gave us a compara- in Hyde Park, N.Y., on Decem- signed the Hyde Park landscape. tive perspective that most visi- ber 5, 2017. The day comprised Following Frederick Vanderbilt’s tors lack.” Dawn Dupak, another a bus ride from Florham to Hyde death in 1938, his heir donated a Friends trustee, added, “The tour Park, a delicious box lunch and part of the estate to the National guide had visited other Vanderbilt a fascinating tour of the mansion Park Service in 1940. residences and was able to point at Hyde Park decked out in holi- out details and features that recur Several participants praised day decor. The Hyde Park site, in the various houses. It made the the knowledgeable tour guide one of the oldest historic sites on tour feel very personal.” who brought the mansion alive. the Hudson River, is related, in a As Walter Cummins, professor Alice Cutler of Morristown spoke sense, to the Florham family and emeritus of English and honor- for many of the participants, “The to Florham itself. ary Friends trustee, noted, “He bus trip was absolutely marvel- In May 1895, Frederick Vander- was steeped in the history of the ous and so well organized … I bilt (Florence Twombly’s brother) estate and the building. Those enjoyed learning more about the and his wife, Louise, purchased Vanderbilts were more casual Vanderbilts and their Gilded Age the 600-acre estate and commis- than ‘ours.’ When we were there, country estate, an excellent ex- sioned McKim, Mead & White, a number of the interior rooms ample of McKim, Mead & White, the architects of Florham, to de- were undergoing renovation, with the premier architectural firm of sign the 54-room mansion, which furniture draped and scaffolding the time. I will definitely sign up was built between 1896 and 1899 outside for the extensive exterior for the next bus trip!”

RANGER ALLAN DAILEY BEAUTIFUL VANDERBILT CHINA NATALIA SEMENOVA

COZY SITTING AREA FROM LEFT: DONNA GAUTIERI AND A WELCOMING MOUSE 6 | FRIENDS OF FLORHAM ALLISON D’AGOSTINO SCULPTING THE LAND: CREATING GILDED AGE GARDENS Have you ever wondered how shared the significance of Olm- for 38 years. He attended Paul those beautiful gardens at Flor- sted’s systematic approach to Smith’s College (studying for- ham were designed? On April design, management and execu- estry and business); managed 29, the Friends sponsored a fas- tion; the work of other landscape landscapes; and implemented cinating lecture by trustee Ed architects at Florham; and their garden designs for residential, commercial projects and public Zimmermann about Frederick importance as pioneers in the in- Law Olmsted, and his approach schools. Zimmermann is currently dustry. to professionalizing the work of branch manager at Davey Tree the landscape architect. With Flor- Zimmermann has been in- Management, which has done ham as an example, Zimmermann volved in the landscape industry work at FDU for 18 years. AMERICAN GIRL LUNCHEON Mark your calendars for Sun- day, June 3, for a unique celebra- tion of American Girls of all ages in beautiful Lenfell Hall, Hen- nessy Hall, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. The Friends are collaborat- ing with the Morris County His- torical Society (Acorn Hall), which will share an exclusive exhibit of 20th-century dolls of different sizes. An interpreter will be avail- able to talk about each doll in ® the collection. American Girl dolls Samantha and Luciana, repre- senting the past and the present, will be featured at the luncheon. The event will include an excit- ® ing raffle offering American Girl prizes, crafts and the opportunity to win a Grand Tea for eight at the Cosy Cupboard Tea Room in Convent Station, N.J. Children will have the opportunity to take photos with their dolls, and every child will receive a goodie bag. Imagine, Samantha might have lived in a home as beautiful as the Florham mansion! Maybe she even visited Florence Vanderbilt Twombly with her Grandmary. MARK YOUR CALENDAR! • September 27: 5:30 p.m., Gary H. Darden, The White House: from “Presidential Palace” to the People’s House, 1792–1962, Hartman Lounge • Fall: Small Bites, Wine and the Unveiling of Portraits and Tapestries, Lenfell Hall, Hennessy Hall • December: Friends Day Trip to the New York Botanical Garden

FRIENDS OF FLORHAM | 7 FRIENDS OF FLORHAM 285 Madison Avenue, m-ms1-04 Madison, New Jersey 07940 fdu.edu/fof https://www.facebook.com/friendsofflorhamnj [email protected]

WE NEED YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! We’d like to keep you updated on our events. Be assured we won’t share your email address. EMAIL US OR CLICK: http://view2.fdu.edu/community-programs/ friends-of-florham/contact-us/

BECOME A FRIEND Join the Friends of Florham. Participate directly in our efforts to preserve the architectural history of Florham, and support our informative programs Your support will make a difference!

Name______Address______City______State______Zip______Email______Telephone______Please check desired category: ORDER THE BOOK Your gift is tax-deductible q $25 — Friend q $50 — Special Friend Copies may be purchased at the Florham Campus bookstore and q $100 — Contributor q $200 — Supporter online https://tinyurl.com/ybg3u8lu, q $500 — Patron q $1,000 — Benefactor or by sending a check for $25.00 Please donate online www.myfdu.net/givefriends (includes shipping) to Barbara or mail your check to: Dawson. c/o Friends of Florham; Friends of Florham FDU, 285 Madison Avenue, Fairleigh Dickinson University 285 Madison Avenue, M-MS1-04 M-MS1-04, Madison, N.J. 07940 Madison, N.J. 07940