The Newsletter October - December 2013

The Long Road to Preservation FAM Conference Attendees Visit Bonnet House Annual Report From the CEO

Bonnet House Hosts Opening Reception of the FAM Conference

On Sunday September 8, 2013 more than 100 attendees of the Florida Association of Museums Conference visited Bonnet House for their opening reception. There were a number of VIPs from the museum world including Ford Bell, Presi- dent of the American Alliance of Museums. Attendees were treated to tours of the house and grounds and a lovely buffet recep- tion. Many of the guests had never been to Bonnet House and were very impressed! Thanks to all our staff members and volun- teers who worked hard to make the evening special. The Annual Conference of the Florida Association of Museums attracts museum professionals from around the State. This is the first time the conference has been held in the City of Fort Lauderdale in a number of years. Thier visit also included tours of Stranahan House, Museum of Art, Museum of Discovery and Science and Young at Art.

Bonnet House Newseltter

We are pleased to present a new format of the Bonnet House news- letter with expanded coverage of all that is going on here. We are also resuming printing the news- letter for all our members…there’s just too much to read about in an email!

Photos top left to bottom. Young At Art Museum, Photo by Through the Shutter, LLC Bonnet House Courtyard Musuem of Art Fort Lauderdale Ford Bell, A.A.M. President your estate plan. For sample language for a bequest to share with your attorney, contact Patrick Shavloske Development News at 954-703-2603 or patrickshavloske@bonnethouse. Bonnet House Alliance Supports Bonnet House org. Orchid, Garden, and Gourmet Food Festival at Bon- net House Welcomes New Chair

Bonnet House is pleased to announce that board member Stephanie Jean will succeed Paige Brody as chair of the Bonnet House Orchid Festival. Held the first Saturday and Sunday of December, the Orchid Festival brings over forty specialty orchid vendors to Bonnet House as well as purveyors of gardening supplies, food vendors, and home and garden im- provement demonstrations. The Festival now sees Bonnet House offers its sincerest thanks to all over 2,000 attendees thanks to Paige’s hard work, the members of the Bonnet House Alliance who and Stephanie is sure to take the event to new levels worked so diligently to raise funds to support Bonnet of success! This year, the Orchid Festival will take House in the 2012-13 Fiscal Year. As a result of their place on December 7th and 8th. Mark your calendars efforts with Entirely Entertaining and other initia- and plan to attend! tives, the Alliance was able to make a commitment Preparations Begin for the 18th Annual Young Artist of $45,000 to Bonnet House. These funds will cover a variety of restoration projects including adding Music Series; Sponsors Needed climate control, a drop ceiling, and a new bridge to Though still sum- the Island Theater, new dining room lighting (already mer-like here at Bonnet installed) and carpentry projects in the Main House. House, the winter season The Bonnet House Alliance is comprised of members is just around the corner. who host events to raise awareness about Bonnet That means more pleas- House, raise funds for restoration projects at the es- ant weather and events tate, and provide camaraderie for the many volunteers that take advantage of the that make operating Bonnet House possible. Mem- beautiful grounds, veranda, bership is open at no additional cost to any active and courtyard of Bonnet member of Bonnet House. Visit www.bonnethouse. House. The Young Artist org/alliance for more information. Music Series is a signature Fall is a Good Time to Review Estate Plans…or Cre- event on the barrier island, ate One and planning is well under- way for the four-concert series that takes place each No one likes to think of his or her passing from January through April at Bonnet House. The 2014 this world, but death is an event that we all will share season will feature performances by music students in common sooner or hopefully, much later. Putting from Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, the together an estate plan can seem daunting, but it is University of Miami, and artists in residence at the really a fairly simple process for most people. Not Florida Grand Opera. Ticket revenue doesn’t cover only will it relieve family and friends of sometimes the cost of offering these concerts, so Bonnet House difficult decisions, it is also an empowering process seeks sponsors to make the concerts possible. Spon- that allows one the opportunity to take control of how sorships begin at $1,000 and include VIP seating (in assets accumulated in life will pass. As you begin the first five rows) at each concert, name listing in the gathering year end documents for the tax season, fall program, and complimentary passes to Bonnet House is also a good time to revisit estate plans—particu- that make great gifts. A portion of your sponsor- larly if there has been a major life event in the past ship gift is eligible for tax deduction as a charitable year—or to create one if you are currently without a contribution. For more information on how you can will and/or trust. If Bonnet House has meant some- support Bonnet House and the Music Series, contact thing to you during life, consider leaving a bequest in Patrick Shavloske at 954-703-2603 or patrickshav- [email protected]. The Long Road to Preservation: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens by J. Kent Planck

For decades, Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett were pursued by developers wanting to acquire the Bonnet House estate for residential or commercial development. Frederic and his second wife Helen Birch had even fled to Europe in 1924 to escape a near-constant barrage of offers. Such pursuit continued, largely unabated, throughout the 1930s and 40s.

to deal with. Consequently, Evelyn became increas- ingly determined to ensure that the magical estate created by her artistic husband be somehow preserved and returned to its former glory. “There’s nothing left along the shore, you know, nothing except this place, from Miami to Palm Beach,” she would later say. “I don’t want it to change.” Evelyn began considering possibilities for pres- ervation, and in this effort enlisted the assistance of her financial advisor, Raymond E. George, Senior Vice President at the Northern Trust Bank in Chicago. Early on, they agreed to change the property’s mail- ing address to that of the bank in Chicago so that in- quiries from developers would be directed to the bank by public records, and Evelyn could thus be spared In the years immediately preceding Frederic dealing with continuing advances and proposals. Bartlett’s death in 1953, the City of Fort Lauderdale Throughout a more than ten-year preservation had been seeking a solution to what was felt to be effort, Evelyn remained steadfast that, not only must too-heavy traffic along State Road A1A which by the property be protected from commercial develop- then separated the eastern perimeter of the Bonnet ers, but also that any organization granted ownership House estate from its beach. The city’s hope had and responsibility for preserving it must be forever been to persuade the Bartletts to allow an alternate prevented from making commercial additions incom- north-south route to be cut through the middle of their patible with running the estate as a museum, cultural property. This was to be accomplished by extending center or nature preserve. the existing Birch Road through the center of the es- As early as 1972, Ray George asked the Nature tate. The Bartletts steadfastly resisted, and following Conservancy’s Christopher Dann, Vice President and Frederic’s death, the city quietly dropped the subject. Director of Development, if there existed precedents Although Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett had long of land being conveyed by gift to a municipal gov- managed to fend off efforts to develop the Bonnet ernment – as one possible and public way to ensure House property, Evelyn by the 1970s – widowed and preservation. Dann said there were, and suggested already in her eighties – became increasingly con- ways that such a public conveyance of Bonnet House cerned about what would happen to the estate and could be made, not only to the city of Fort Lauder- to Frederic’s creative legacy after her death. Even dale, but perhaps to the State of Florida because of though she was still residing comfortably at Bon- the property’s proximity to Birch State Park. Other net House, the property had become badly frayed possible candidates for taking Bonnet House in the around the edges – woodwork damaged and paint early 1970s included the American Horticultural So- peeling, wiring in dangerous need of updating, the ciety and the Audubon Society. grounds heavily overgrown – problems that, though By 1975, the City of Fort Lauderdale renewed well within Evelyn’s financial ability to correct, were its interest in Bonnet House, not for a street expan- seemingly too extensive for an 80-year-old widow sion, but as part of an effort to expand the city’s

cont’d on page 10 Bonnet House, Inc. Annual Report July 2012 - June 2013 GIFTS & PLEDGES OF CASH OR Arthur Crispino & Anthony Timiraos Heather B. Brock & Edwin Parkinson STOCK Dick Schwarz & Tom Massey Brody & Brody P.A. Charitable Fund at Our Fund Janet & Russell Carlisle $50,000 or more Connie & Theo Folz George Castleman Anonymous Fowler White Boggs, PA C. Douglas & Konnie Coolman Broward County Cultural Division Linda Haller George E. Douglas & Raymond Wieder Richard H. Fortune William Hines R. K. Drummond William L. Fortune, Jr. & John Lafalce & Allen S. Freshler Electronic Door Lift, Inc. Joseph D. Blakeley Susan & Denis F. McQuillen Gate Masters Samuel F. Morrison Richard & Salley Handley $20,000 to $49,999 Northern Trust Bank of Florida Glenda Kelley Florida Division of Cultural Affairs Publix Super Markets, Inc. Ted & Jean Levenhagen Herbert K. Reis & William J. Coffey James Long $10,000 to $19,999 William & Muriel Stanton Hugh & Patricia McAndless Anonymous Stella Fund of the Community Robert S. & Virginia McCormick Bonnet House Alliance Foundation of Broward Geri Murray Peter & Joan Fortune James Stepp & Peter Zimmer Barbara B. Swenson North Beach Village Group, LLC Straus Charitable Foundation, Inc. Susan Taylor William R. Watts Foundation, Inc. Alfredo Tamburrino & Ted MacDonald Jac Venza & Daniel Routhier H.I. Foundation, Inc. The Dr. M. Lee Pearce Foundation, Inc. Ted Turner & Kelly Lonergan $100 to $249 $5,000 to $9,999 David L. Webb & W. L. McLaughlin Gail Albohn Ann & Bob Powell Weidman Family Fund of the Community Dianne Alexander Ralph & Diana Rau Foundation of Broward AJ & Ellen Anderson Business for the Arts of Broward Eric B. Wentworth Hugh A. Andrews David & Sue Hagen Sumner White Joyce Applegate Gregory Coble & C.B. Babcock Steven Auerbacher Leo B. Goodwin Foundation, inc. $500 to $999 Robert Barra & Ken Kane Richard S. Ingham Jose & Mary Copeland Gonzalez Corliss S. Bennett Jock & Penny Fortune Warren Crane & Mark Smith Charles & Susan Bevington Cathryn R. Fortune Patricia D’Antonio Trudy & Erik Bieck Nova Southeastern University Edward Dauer John E. Bird Paige & Jonathan Brody Betty Douglas James Black Gale M. Butler George Zuber & Anthony Snyder Black & Associates Buck Schott & Geri Manning Charitable Fund at Our Fund Mary Beth Boehm Glazer & Associates Carolyn Brancato & Howard Greenhalgh $2,500 to $4,999 Joan & Harold Hippler Leslie Brock & Sue Harrison AutoNation Rose & Joseph Holland Anne F. Brooks Karen & Richard Beard Wayne & Marti Huizenga George Brown & Gregg Kurek Bill Betaton & Ted Emery Charitable Kirk Imhof & David Bolus Devereaux Bruch Fund at Our Fund Betsy & Ted Kornowski C. W. Fischer Electric, Inc. Patsy Hawkes Le Club International George Caldwell Joseph & Jeanne Lalli Condominiums Brian M. Cann Kent Planck & Tony Pastucci Judy & Tom Maus Carol Carnemolla Robert G. Friedman Foundation Paul & Susan Regan Patrick V. Casali John & Mary Schaff Jacquelyn & Bruce Rogow Lee Chilcote Jeffrey & Belinda Shover Steve Schram & Rick Powers Children’s Home Society of Florida Dianna Silvagni & Anthony Silvagni Alice W. Smith Beverly & Dale Cochran SunTrust Roger A. Smith Mr. & Mrs. James Colucci Tom Woodham & Wilson Ellis Sondra St. Martin Mary Belle Cordell Lynda & Dennis Stackhouse Ernest & Mary Costantino $1,000 to $2,499 Virginia Vyfvinkel Russell Desoe Robert Avian & Peter Pileski Theron Watson & Hank Stembridge Ralph & Judy Doering Bessemer Trust Sandy & George Dolan Best Roofing Services, LLC $250 to $499 Dolores & Lynn Drayton Holly & Scott Bodenweber Laura & Rob Antrim Jane L. Duff & Gordon Gelrod James M. Boren Walter Bandi Annette R. Eaton Barbara & Ron Castell Sheila Barry Susan Emerson Chuck V. Loring Charitable Fund Blue Martini Ervin & Theodora Emery at Our Fund Edward J. Bohne Karen Eskesen & Theodor Beck Annual Report (cont’d) Elizabeth Fanta & Rosemary Fanta Robin & Peter Strauss Sondra Bleckner Linda Fleischman James & Sandra Theriault John Bliss Marc K. Gagnon Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc. Michael Boccia & Jaqueline Tucker Alexander Ganago & Natalia V. Bruneau Phillip Truckenbrod & John Rose Stefan & Sara Bomberger Robert & Paulette Gemignani The Village Store Sunrise Lane, LLC Michael Bostick & Tracie Albury Raymond George Donald Viny & Robert Cooper Mary Botter & Angie Marano Kathleen & Steve Ginestra Michael Warta & Joel Shapiro Ronald Bourgeault Wilson Greaton Tom & Ruth Ann Watkins William Bowden Linda Groene Jill Weck Kay Boynton Armando Gutierrez & Milton Graves Wilma & Richard Weidman Geri Braatz Martha J. Heminger Dorothy R. Weiner Phillipa Bradley Judy Henzler & Merle Weed Rose & Robert White May Brandt Suzan P. Hinckley Claudia & E. B. Willey Mary Braznell Marcia E. Hirschy John & Joan Wolfe Rick Brightman Larry & Diane Holzenthaler Brett & Mary Wood Oliver & Mary Ann Brinkerhoff June Hummel Stephen Zemo & Michael Taylor Helena Brody Ariptha & Rammohan Kasarla Norma & John Zimmerman Margaret P. Buchholz Patricia H. Kearson Frank G. Bucknam Barbara & Wayne Keith $99 & Under Leonard & Raquel Bujnicki Claudia Keller Cristina Abboud & Ben Hicks Peter & Lois Bundy Frank & Debra Kennedy Randall Adams Bruce & Jane Burgess Thomas O. King Marlene & Manny Aguero Rebecca Burka Victoria Kirby Steven Albano John & Idania Burns Yoshi & Monika Kirsch Sydney H. Albrecht Greg Burns Lambda Legal Avita Ali & Joseph Delerme Nancy Busnach & Joseph D’Ovidio Gerald Laskey John & Kim Ally Mary Butterfield Flor Lecht & Milton Lozada Amy & Lugi Alvarez John Byerly & Glenn R. Perry John & Peggy Leopold Ivonne Alvarez Eugene Cain Robert & Brooke Lochrie Sergio Amaro & Kevin Bartnett Carol B. Call Bob & Patty Lucas American Express Company Alma Camphire Beverly Matthews Molly Amsler Gail & Alvin Capp John & Maggie Maudlin Carol Anders Juliana & W.B. Carew Brian & Patricia McGrath Roy Anderson & Anthony Schifano Stephen Carlino & Dennis Fee Kent McIntyre & John Tambasco Frank Archangelo Joyce Carnovale Rick McKenzie & Celeste McKenzie Cheryl Arena Kathleen A. Carr Antoinette Merton Linda Ash Martha Carrano Dominick & Meike Miniaci Tuck Atkinson Nancy & Andrew Carroll Mornington Consulting Partners Steve Atwood & Robert Nichols Charlene Caruso Dante & Mary Neyra Emily Aus & Jason Habali Sandy Casteel William & Jullie Norcross Priscilla Bach & Scott Maybury Winsome M. Chambers Frederic & Jessica Olefson Geri Bailey Jeremy Chancey OmniComm Ryan Baker Fernando Chapoy & Angela Blasiola June Page & William F. Goetz Jo Baker Colleen & Fred Cianelli Reka Palffy Russell Ball Jean Cidey & Shelly Edwards Nicholas A. Pappas & Allen B. Willey Ann Banks & Linda Dunbar Ann Cilla Barrett & Lydia Petty Carol A. Banks Louis Cissone & Stephen J. Mayrosh Carolyn R. Planck Paul R. Bannerman William & Theresa Claire Louise Proffer Reginald Barnes Rebecca & Richard Clarke Valery & Marjorie Reibman Kathleen & John Barrett Michelle Clubb & Joseph Essaye The Retirement Research Foundation Jeanne Bass Sharon Cohen Ira Rom-Lorenz Geri Bassett Lisa Cohen Irwin & Marjorie Rosenthal Daryl J. Baumgartner David & Holly Collins Debbie Rubin Marcelle Bayda David E. Congdon George & Rosalie Rusovick Debbi Beach Connections Education, LLC Joan Ryan Robert D. Beal Lee Contini Donna W. Sallee Shirley Beal Alison Convery Franklin Schmidt Virginia Becart James Cooper Tammy Seymour Roseanne Belsito & Jeffrey Trotta Ruth Corby Margie Siebert & Amy Shick Robert Benjamin Carol J. Cotton Elizabeth S. Sorensen Katherine Bicos Virginia Courtenay Shirley A. Spengler Penelope Billingham Nancy Cruz Maria & Mario Spinaci George H. Billings Tara Dahl George & Lee Sprague Joan E. Bishop Anthony & Jessica Howard William G. Storrs Rick Blake & Mark Friedman Forrest L. Daniels Annual Report (cont’d) Patricia Daul Phyllis & James Geldbaugh Brandon Tolmach Liora Davis Joe Gerace Charles Isola & Dan Clancy Barbara Davis Karen L. Gerhold Diane Israel Roger & Teresa de Meillac Deborah I. Gernert Dean B. Jackson Maria Dejesus Anthony Ginsberg Lawrence Jackson-Rosen & Kathleen & Richard Della Fera Michael Gleber & Denzil A. Martinez Leilani DeMatteo Dorie Ann Klairmont Gwen Janes & Mike Thowson M. E. DePalma & Arthur J. Mackey Stephen & Wendy Goff Diane Jensen Shirley A. DeRosa-Newby Debora Goldenberg & Dane Jensen Helene Desloge Yenobis Saumell Andrew Jimenez & Peter Rosen Phyllis Diamond Richard & Renee Goldman Marilyn Johansen Kelly Dick Rebecca Gordon Carol Johnson & Thomas Lucas Martha Dickinson Kay Gordy Tom Jones Katy J. Digulla-Panella Ann Graves Robert B. Judd & Russell Neal Barbara Dix Christopher Graves Wendy Kanner Julie Donnelly Fanny G. Greber Susan Kaufman Lois Donovan Barbara Green Joan & Joel Keirstead Maureen Dornau Deborah Greenstein Gabe & Beverly Kelley Priscilla Doyle & Michael Johnson Cynthia Greer Catherine Kelly Joan Doyle Jerry & Susie Greger Colleen Kelly Stephen Draft & Allen Peterson Janet & Frederick Guardabassi Alan J. Kendall Owen Duke Robert E. Guarino Josephine E. Kennedy Dennis G. Dupier Katherine Guida & Vincent Botta Ricarda Kight Pete & Sue Dwyer Susan Gutman William M. King & Joe & Nora Dyke Eleanor Haarmeyer John J. Scheifel Paula Dziminski Paula & James Haliczer Clay & Linda King Kathryn Earle Paula S. Hall Stanley H. Kinney James Eberte & Herbert Bachmann Susanne Hamilton Ellen B. Kirby Merle Eden Michele Hansen Kitty O. Enterprises, Inc. Sandra & Grant Einhorn Diane Hardy Jennifer & Peter W. Klein Georgia Elfman Mary E. Harnden Christine Knapp Ross & Heather Elgrim Sandra Harris Debbie Knoop Janet Ellis Rahn Michael Hartley Frank E. Kocka Dianne Ennis Mark Hartman Barbara Koenig & Brad Smith David Enriquez & Nicole DeMarzo Lynne Hatch Fran Koerner Melvin Epstein Jim & Linda Hatlan John a & Jane Konheim Monica Estevez Cynthia Havel Dan Korte Susan Everest Tami Haynes David & Theresa Kresge Cecile Feldman Marie & William Head Pam Kriegsmann & Ron Royce Bobby & Charlene Ferguson Caroline Heckman Elaine P. Krupnick Raquel Ferrero & Ray Ferrero Grace & Charles R. Heising Margaret Kublin Rita Filbert Mark Hennessey & Robert W. Kuhn & Steven Geyer Louise Firth Roy Grundmann Sue Kwiatkowski June & Alan Fitzgerald Lydia Hennigar John Lacy & David Dehass John & Jean Fletcher Paul Henz & Joseph Petrangelo Christine Lambertus McKenzie Fleurimond & Arlene Hernandez & Cindy Lancione Straussiana Dice David Calderon Linda Landry Candace Ford Barry Herstein Cindy Langbart Richard E. Ford Brian Hill & Mike Osceola Byron Langenfass & Mary Jo Bell Louisa Foss Margaret Hillis Bernie Larivee & John Sinapi Stephen & Ann Foster John Hills & Scott Beach Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Garden Club Ian Fraser Natalia Hnatiuk Abby Laughlin Katherine Frazer Paul Hoff & Charles Poole Sally S. Lawless Joshua R. Freedman & Michael P. Hoffman Nancy Leake & Jo Leake Sara C. Michon John Holmes & Wendy Gonsher Joanne & Paul Leathe Susan Friedman Elke G. Horky Robert LeClair Friends in Building 114 Carey Houghton Marelise LeClerc Susan Fuhr Rita Houldsworth Kathy Leeper Justina Furey Susan Howell Stephen Left Ralph & Susan Galdo Maria Howland Eileen Lenzner Stephanie Galleno & Brad & Michelle Hubler Theresa & Jack Levy Brandon Mitchell Richard L. Huitma & H. J. Velasco Joe Levy Annie Garrick Christine & Richard Hussey Leonard & Eleanore Levy Walter J. Gaugler Angelique Hyatt & David M. Lewis Annual Report (cont’d) Nadia Lindo & Thomas Williams Jim & Janet Mosier Sue Sager Lisa & Frank Linero Sheila Moss Corina Salmon Debi Liptak May Muench John Sande & Richard Connolly Frances Litner Carolyn & John Mulhern Joan Sapik Nancy Llewellyn Teresa Mulrooney Richard Sauer Corky Llewellyn Alessandra Naich Dora Schaefer Mark P. Lobene & Judith Modrak Eugenia Nakis Gloria Schall Susan Lochrie Vince Neradka Linda Schaller Walter Lohr Sue Nesbit Kathryn Schauer Anne Lombard John Newton Porchia Scher E M. Lopez Marilin & Keith Nicholson Betty Scherer Toni Lord Louis Nielsen Ellen & Bernard J. Schinder Tom Love & Rick McCollum Megan O’Connell Jacqueline M. Schoettle Kathleen M. Lowe Winifred O’Connor Susan B. Schomer Carol & John Lucas Katherine Odom Donald & Nancy Schreiber Terri Lull Nancy Olson Isabelle Schuette Robert & Sandra Lynch Lil Onstad Sharon Schwartz Cathrine Mabru Diane & Patrick Oser Melinda Schwartz James D. MacLennan Marlene Panico Irene Schyberger Gabriele Magdanz Helene Pasternak & James Magyar Larry Scott & Frank Zurek Thomas Maiello Angelo Patterson Anna Lea Seago Judy Malloy Wingate Payne E.E. Pete Seiler & Anne E. Seiler Charlotte Maloney Ginger & Jeffrey Pearson Liza Self Antoinette Mancuso Barbie-Lynn Pearson Julia A. Serafin Barbara Manella Anthony Penfold Whitney Sessa & Colton Lehmann Robert & Kimberly Manning Doretta S. Penn Sandra Settlemire Diana Marchand Joseph & Diane Perrone Kathy Shampaine Isabelle Marchand-Williams Mary Peter Katheleen Shannon Judith Margolis Nicole Pierce & Charles G. Jolly Margaret A. Sharrow Phoenix Marks J. R. Pinnell & Robert J. Scanlan Rosemary Shavloske Carol & William Markus Elaine M. Pino Janet Sheiner Marilyn Maroney Mary Alice Pipkorn Doug Silvera & Esther Velez Lynn Martin Salvatore A. Pitts Candida Simmons Nicholle M. Maudlin Dawn & Stuart Podolnick Faustina Sindall Randolph Mayweather Jackie Poll & Conarr Neeson C. Rocky Slonaker Diane McBrearty Melissa Pollack & Mike Dickman Robert Small & Greg Taylor Sheldon McCartney Frank Pollifrone Eleanor Smith Susan M. McClellan Carrie Porath Pat & Dennis Smith Christina McElhaney Carolyn Porrino Doris V. Smith Mark McElroy Scott Portugal Meredith S. Smith Kay & Michael McFall Danielle Prudhomme Hampden H. Smith Lynne McGrath Robert & Susan Ranta Melissa Smith & Chris Lyon Sherin & Carey McKearnan Amy Rauchstein Lee Ann Snook Frank & Barbara McLaven Thomas Rebek & Jim Duffy Michael & Jeanne Sobel Nell C. McNally Michael Reitelman Harris Solomon Michael J. McNerney Allan Rexinger & John Davis Daniel & Rebekah Sooy Kevin Melia Melody & Lawrence Rhoads Margarethe Sorensen Maria Mencher Lloyd & Karin Rhodes Kevin Soyt & Richard Aronowitz Louis Mezian Pamela Roberts Rae Spelman Barbara Middlebrooks Ken Robinson Margaret Spitler Lynda Mifsud Angela Rodgers & Sallie Stacer Freire Georgianna Miles Nicholas Madias Catherine L. Stack Pat B. Miller Linda & Stanley Rodimon Patsy R. Staletovich Alan Miller & Humberto Blakeslee Elaine Rosenberg Peggy C. Stanley Larry J. Miller Elizabeth E. Rossen Eric Stelnicki Linda Miller & Pat Curry Louise Rossman Vivien Sterghos Phyllis Mirsky Mark & Fran Roth Julia Stevens Charlene H. Mitchell Richard Rotman Bonnie Stevenson Martha Mitchell John Roy Lizabeth Stirling Keith & Luanna Mitzner Ethel & Harold Ruck Isobel & Roger Sturgeon Judith Modrak & Mark P. Lobene Barry Russo & Deb Pinder Timothy Sutherland Nancy A. Moening Tricia Rutsis Michele Tapia Rita Mohlen & Richard Skrinde Mark & Sheri Ryan Thomas Taplinger Art Moore & Sue Moore Fran Sadoff-LeBow Tom & Linda Tapp 8 Annual Report (cont’d) Michele Tate Marcia Yeip $2,500 to $4,999 Tatem Gallery Frances C. Young Eggwhites Special Events Catering Warren Taylor Betty Young Microsoft Corporation Clive Taylor Barbara Zaretsky & Molly Taylor Orlando Aizcorbe $1,000 to $2,499 Joseph Tedesco Howard S. Zinn Earthmark Landscape, Inc. Kathleen Teeple Herbert Zohn Pelican Grand Beach Resort Deborah & Robert Teicher Lee A. Thatcher HONORARY & MEMORIAL GIFTS $500 to $999 Raymond & Judy Thomasson In Memory of Fran Ackerman Eddie B. & Company Nancy M. Timmons Dianne Alexander Event Bliss Therese & James E. Toole In Honor of George Castleman Jan’s Homemade Candies Julie Toth Elizabeth S. Sorensen Marriott Harbor Beach Resort Connie Tran & Trevor Barrett In Honor of Peter & Joan Fortune Platinum Tents, Inc. Gerardine N. Tripp Shirley A. Spengler W Hotel Dawn & William Trotter In Memory of Irene Jimenez Shih-Fu & Judy Jyu-Shiang Tsai Anne F. Brooks $250 to $499 C. L. & Cheryl Turner In Memory of Natalia Hnatiuk Blue Martini Nancy Turner Catherine Conn Pat & Shelby St. Martin Tanya Tweeton In Memory of Cindy Langbart Eleanor Smith William H. Tyre Rebecca Gordon Truluck’s Marianne & Bernard Ucko Linda Schaller Paula T. Valad Susan Taylor $100 to $249 Maria C. Van Der Plas Jill Weck 101 Ocean Joan Van Ness & Lorraine Michels Howard S. Zinn Aruba Beach Cafe Ron Van Sciver In Memory of John O. McCracken B Ocean Barbara A. Van Voast Jim Boren The Capital Grille Maureen Vaughan In Memory of Agnes Moore Casablanca Cafe Theodore Verdone Anne F. Brooks Charlie’s Locker Valerie Viglione In Memory of Sandy Nolan Finster Murphys Fresh Seafood Thomas Vokes & Robert Hamilton Connections Education, LLC Carolyn Porrino Michelle & Rolf Von Bleichert Annette R. Eaton Total Wine Sandra & Harry Vordermeier Georgia Elfman The Village Grille Theresa Voynik Susan Emerson Carolyn VunKannon Friends in Building 114 $99 & Under Nancy Wackman Robert Gemignani Bonefish Grill Wayne Waldeck & Lee Rector Wilson Greaton Bravo Ristorante Diana Walker Nancy A. Moening Kitchenetta John R. Wallis & Robert Stanek Louis Nielsen P.F. Chang’s Anton I. Wanshek Susan Taylor Pa’Degennaro’s Thomas Warner Nancy M. Timmons Geri Murray Jane Washburn In Honor of J. Kent Planck Sage Cafe Karen Webb Carolyn Planck Kay Weinstein In Honor of Ralph & Diana Rau Tova Weinstock Maria & Mario Spinaci We strive to keep our records as accurate Charlie Weiss In Memory of Marie Similio as possible. Please contact the develop- Barbara B. Wells Mrs. Anne F. Brooks ment office at (954) 703-2603 with any Leslie Wells Rambin Lynda & Dennis Stackhouse questions about how your gift is listed. Sandra Welsh Mrs. Susan Taylor You may also send an email to: Susanne Wesson In Memory of Roy D. Smith [email protected]. Bonita & William Wettlaufer Sharon Schwartz Harold & Carol Wheeler Polly White Mission Clay Wieland GIFTS IN KIND Mary Wilcox $20,000 or more Bonnet House Museum & Gardens stew- William H. Williams Tripp Scott ards the legacy of the Bartlett and Birch Lorrie Williamson families by preserving their historic estate Emmy Wilson $10,000 to $19,999 and providing programming that nurtures Laraine Wilson EDSA creative expression, delights the senses, Anastasia Wojak educates, and honors the natural environ- Mike & Leslie Wood $5,000 to $9,999 ment. Robert Woodman C.A. & Company Catering James & Suzanne Wright

9 The Long Road to Preservation (Cont’d from Pg. 4) park space. At the same time, the Museum of Art, commitment of lending institutions for construction Fort Lauderdale was making plans to build a new art loans, though it was clear from the beginning that museum. Might there be synergy between these two loan underwriting requirements would require Evelyn seemingly independent visions? to soften the restrictions she was placing on future At the behest of City Manager Dick Anderson, use of the property. Seeking a world-class facility, the Trust for Public Land—a national not-for-profit the Museum hired noted architect, Edward Larabee organization that helps communities plan and raise Barnes of New York, who drew elaborate plans for a money to acquire and revitalize land for conservation modernistic 62,000 square-foot building with 12,000 and public use—agreed to assist the city’s quest for square feet of exhibit space. The building would new park land and on July 8, 1976, made a proposal feature multiple three-story towers, a 280-seat audi- to Ray George regarding Bonnet House: (1) to turn torium, a central open courtyard, numerous meeting the property into the “Frederic C. Bartlett Center for rooms, a bookstore, and a kitchen, and be adjoined by the Arts” – essentially, a house museum with art- a 178-car parking lot. Soil samples were taken and ist-in-residence quarters in the main house, and with building permits were obtained. the Island Theater restored as a performance venue; But by the end of September 1979, it was clear (2) to preserve and enhance the grounds with marked that a new art museum on the Bonnet House site was trails and boardwalks; (3) to seek designation of the simply not to be. Political will to go forward had property as a bird sanctuary; and (4) to construct waned on the City Commission, lending institutions buildings for “charitable purposes” on the western, for construction of the new museum could not accept undeveloped half of the estate – possibly, with the the financial risks associated with the restrictions Ev- Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale in mind. elyn steadfastly insisted run with ownership, and the Evelyn approved the plan, and on December 15, Trust for Public Land allowed its purchase option to 1976 she signed an option for the Trust to buy the lapse when the Museum of Art consequently decided rear 15.7799 acres of the Bonnet House property. to pursue opportunities in downtown Fort Lauderdale The price would be “substantially less” than market for their new building. The elusive goal of preserving value and the difference would “be deemed a charita- Bonnet House would have to be deferred to the ninth ble gift from Seller to Buyer.” The Trust would then decade of Evelyn’s life, the 1980s. sell the property to the City for use by the Museum of Continued in the next issue of The Newsletter Art. For the time being, the fate of the eastern portion of the property containing the estate house itself was left unaddressed. But the road ahead proved rocky. Though both local newspapers and the public seemed favorably disposed to the city buying the property through the Trust for Public Land and allowing the Museum of Art to build on it, numerous issues arose for all concerned. The Fort Lauderdale City Commission was unable to come to consensus on the purchase because of issues ranging from pure political jockey- ing to genuine concerns about the city acquiring land so close to the already preserved Birch State Park. Perhaps most important of all, at least one commis- sioner desired some sort of commitment on the part of Evelyn – a commitment she was not disposed to give – that the city could also eventually acquire the eastern half of the property which contained the estate house itself. Even so, the Museum of Art proceeded with secur- ing cash and pledges amounting to some $6.5 million – far more than was needed to construct its antici- pated building. The Museum also secured the initial

10 As Heard In The Courtyard The Lily Pad By Fran Koerner Springtime at Bonnet House had events eliciting A Note From the Alliance President both sorrow and cheers. Bonnet House Alliance lost By Sue Nesbit our volunteer and dear friend, Sandy Nolan, whose contributions graced us for many years. We also saw Becky Mussler move back to her family homestead in Upon returning to Bonnet North Carolina. Her many contributions and laughter House after a short break for will be missed, and hopefully she will visit us often. the summer months, I want We cheerfully welcomed home, our longtime friend, to welcome back the “snow- Betty Ryan Douglas. Congratulations are due to her birds” and others that have on the many important and wonderful events that took enjoyed traveling and relaxing place in her family, and we always wish them the very for a few months. Our Alli- best. ance committees have been We celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Day on the busy this summer with plans Veranda, where we gathered to applaud and cheer for the upcoming year. ourselves, for all the hours we volunteered. While As many of you know, the exchanging greetings and wearing “regular clothes,” we cost of printing the Bonnet House Alliance Directory has were fêted with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Each volun- become very expensive, and we decided to print our 2013- teer was acknowledged for their hours spent working 2014 Alliance Directory online this year. For those of you on the grounds, in the gift shop, in the office, cleaning that do not have online access, we will mail you a copy of our collection, guiding house tours, driving the trams, the 2013-2014 Directory. giving grounds tours, assisting at weddings, attending The Entirely Entertaining Weekly Planner Calendar for to guests at the bridge, assisting tours, guiding traffic 2014, with the beautiful pictures of Entirely Entertaining in the courtyard, volunteering for Music Series, Im- XVIII, will be available in the Bonnet House Gift Shop in pressions, special functions and much more. We all August and will sell for $15.00. Suzan Hinckley and her acknowledged that none of this could have been done committee have worked on this project over the summer without Linda’s ever present guidance and “begging and we hope that each of you will think of this Weekly lists,” Monica’s keeping all Bonnet House activities in Planner when you need a gift for family or friends. the public eye, and Nicholle and her dedicated assis- Our Hospitality committee has a very exciting year tants directing and keeping track of us all at special planned for you. The first event will be a Meet and Greet events. on the Veranda of Bonnet House. Please save the date, Over the summer we missed our fellow volunteers Monday, October 21st from 5:00-7:00p.m. Everyone en- who returned to their northern homes, and enjoyed joyed the evening last year and we look forward to seeing some free time ourselves, as we welcomed fewer you again. The Alliance’s holiday luncheon will be at the guests. However, we all knew that the Bonnet House beautifully decorated Lauderdale Yacht Club on Tues- Staff was busy preparing another wonderful and busy day, December 10, 2013. Please refer to our Calendar of season for us all when the guests and volunteers return. Events for future Alliance functions. A lovely June evening introduced Bonnet House mem- Entirely Entertaining XIX, which is our annual fund- bers to Gallery 928, our new home for Bonnet House raiser, will be held on Monday, February 24, 2014. Suzan Artists. Featuring a Viva 500 theme, many Bonnet Hinckley, Chair and Susan Howell, Co-Chair are already House Alliance members showed their work. The making plans for this wonderful event. As you know, we Gallery fêted us with tasty appetizers and wine, and need all your help to make this a successful event. Just re- a lovely evening was had by all. We look forward to member, it’s not too early to start looking for silent auction or raffle items for the luncheon. enjoying many more art filled evenings there. In closing, I look forward to serving as President of the Al- We hope you all had a great summer and look for- liance and to working with you again this year at Bonnet ward to welcoming all our Alliance members back. House! Alliance Calendar October - December 2013 October 21, 2013 - General Alliance Meeting, Bonnet House Veranda 5:00-7:00 pm November 18, 2013 - Executive Committee Meeting 10am, Board of Directors meeting – 11:00 am December 10, 2013, Tuesday - General Membership Meeting, Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club - 11:00 am

11 Conservation Corner Dining Room Lights Up and stairs at the education building, resident security stairwell, all of the room ramps and Caretaker’s Cot- Thanks to the Bonnet tage. This involved both priming and use of oil-based House Alliance, Mrs. paint, and for those readers familiar with paint, you’ll Bartlett’s finest china know that application of this product is not really a can now be seen in an “done-in-a-day” job. New anti-slip treads were also entirely new light—lit- installed. erally. Funds raised by As of this writing, work had also started on re- the Alliance covered painting the Boathouse. New paint has also been the cost of installing applied to the south side of the east entrance. Take new LED lighting in the a look at the stairs, the east entrance and the work dining room niches and underway at the Boathouse the next time you visit the cabinets. This lighting estate; you’ll be amazed at the difference. replaced the halogen lighting that previously Brush Cleared at Caretaker’s Cottage lit the niches and added lighting to the cabinet. Friends with a Now Davenport, Spode, longtime acquain- and other fine china services are properly illuminated. tance with Bonnet But this upgrade had other beneficial impacts. First, House will know that the halogen lighting got quite hot and used far more the estate once had a electricity than its LED replacements. Second, the lot more vegetation. old lighting had become unreliable with bulbs that By the time Mrs. appeared to be burned out, but simply not making a Bartlett preserved good connection in worn sockets. The new lighting Bonnet House at age is a tremendous improvement all around. Thank 96, keeping a close you Alliance members for your hard work that made eye on the 35 acre funding this project possible! grounds was more than even a wom- Painting Projects Get Under Way an of her stamina could manage. Hugh What do sailors do Taylor Birch’s Experimental Grove had considerable when they finish paint- undergrowth that obscured the symmetry of aligned ing at the stern of a trees that can now be seen today and the allée, dry battleship? They move fountain, and pavilion were hidden behind dense to the bow and start all growth. The long process of returning the grounds over again. Though to their 1930s and 40s appearance continues, and yet far more gracious than another dent has been made at the Caretaker’s Cot- a warship, some of the tage. Invasive plants and vines have been removed constant maintenance to the west and north of the cottage, the first floor of necessary on a ship which is now clearly visible from the east end of the is required at Bonnet Boathouse Bridge. Native plants were left in place House too. Painting is as was dracaena that had been intentionally planted one of those projects in the late 1980s or early 90s and a gumbo limbo tree that never really ends that was being smothered by vines. here—not if the house is to be kept to high standards. Several painting projects have now been completed at Bonnet House including both stairways to the second floor veranda 12 Adult & Youth Programs

to be sparked. The learning season begins in Novem- ber with a birding class offered by ornithologist Pad- dy Cunningham and continues with orchid cultivation classes led by the Bonnet House orchid curators in January. January will also see a variety of art classes including watercolor and acrylic workshops, zentan- gle art forms, and calligraphy. To enroll, visit www. bonnethouse.org/adult-workshops.

New Specialty Tours Added

For anyone who has always wanted to see the Master Bedroom, Bonnet House Opens World of Art and Guest Bedroom, and Science to Youth Hugh Taylor Birch’s Room or those inter- Bonnet House isn’t just for adults and area visi- ested in how Bonnet tors. The museum takes its role as an educator of the House maintains its next generation very seriously, and thanks to Director orchid collection, of Education and Volunteer Programs Linda Schaller fall will bring a new and our engaging education volunteers, Bonnet reason to visit Bonnet House. House has a meaningful impact on the lives of thou- Starting on October 8th at 11:00am and continuing sands of area youth each year. on the second Tuesday of each month, Bonnet House In the summer of 2013, Bonnet House partnered will offer a behind the scenes tour of its orchid green- with the Oscar Thomas Foundation to present pro- houses led by Bonnet House Orchid Curators Sandi gramming about the art of the Bartletts and the Jones and Tom Wells. Guests will be shown the two natural sciences for a local youth group. Volunteer auxiliary greenhouses that are home to the orchids Dane Jensen stepped into the role of Hugh Taylor when not on display and introduced to our propaga- Birch, describing what brought this important per- tion program. The one hour tours will also allow for son to South Florida and why he developed such a questions and answers where you just might pick up a passion for the barrier island while Alliance Found- new tip about growing your own orchids. The cost of ing Member Susan Lochrie took the group on a tour the tour is $20, and it provides a unique opportunity through the house. This program was made possible to see over 1,200 plants that form one of the largest through a grant from the BBX Capital Foundation orchid collections in the Southeast United States. and a special thanks goes to Bonnet House Fine Artist You won’t see these varieties at large commercial Barbie-Lynn Pearson for capturing images of this retailers! wonderful day at the museum. The fall will see another first for Bonnet House— Bonnet House offers youth programs year round the opportunity to visit the second floor bedrooms on for schools, home schooling groups, and Girl and a regular basis. The second floor of the Main House Boy Scout troops. Education programs are tailored contains the master bedroom, Hugh Taylor Birch’s for each group’s own needs and serve youth ages 5 room, a guest room, and staff quarters/work rooms through 18. More information about school programs (now home to the Bonnet House curatorial depart- may be found at www.bonnethouse.org/school-pro- ment). Starting Wednesday, October 9th at 2:00pm grams or by calling 954-703-2606. and continuing on the second Wednesday of each Adult Classes to Return month, guests will have the opportunity to take a pre- mium tour of Bonnet House that will include access Bonnet House offers many opportunities for to the second floor. individuals to expand their creativity. The museum Advance registration is required for each tour. believes that learning should be a lifelong pursuit and Reservations may be made on line at www.bonneth- that each of us has a creative spirit that’s just waiting ouse.org/hours-fees. 13 Art Classes Exhibitions Special Events

October 3 Opening Reception 6:00 pm VIVA FLORIDA 500 BEST IN SHOW SERIES October 3 - November 3 Gallery 928 928 NE 20th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 December 7 & 8 9:00 am - 4:00 pm January 9 - February 13 January 16 or February 27 - April 3 ORCHID, GARDEN & 6:00 pm GOURMET FOOD FESTIVAL 9:30 am - 12:30 pm or SOUTH FLORIDA: NEW 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm PERSPECTIVES a Bonnet January 23, February 13, ACRYLIC CLASSES House Fine Artists Exhibition March 13 and April 10 Register at bonnethouse.org at Bonnet House 7:00 pm CONCERTS UNDER THE January 14 - February 11 STARS - 18th Annual Young or February 25 - March 25 Artist Music Series 9:30 am - 11:30 am Birding Classes CALLIGRAPHY CLASSES Register at bonnethouse.org February 24 11:00 am ENTIRELY ENTERTAINING January 14 - 28, February LUNCHEON 11 - 25 or March 4 - 18 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm March 6 ZENTANGLE CLASSES 6:00 pm Register at bonnethouse.org IMPRESSIONS: A JURIED ART EXHIBIT November 2 Orchid Classes 9:00 am - 12:00 pm ASCEND TO BETTER BIRDING Lectures Register at bonnethouse.org January 11 January 13 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 6:00 pm ORCHID BASICS FORT LAUDERDALE IN THE Register at bonnethouse.org February 2 1950s 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm with Dane Jensen February 8 BIRD BEHAVIOR FOR EASY ID 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Register at bonnethouse.org February 10 ORCHID REPOTTING & 10:00 am MOUNTING TRANSFORMATIONS OF Register at bonnethouse.org March 1 BONNET HOUSE with curator Stephen Draft 9:00 am - 12:00 pm BIRDS ARE CREATURES OF February 22 March 10 9:00 am - 12:00 pm HABITAT Register at bonnethouse.org 6:00 pm DIAGNOSING ORCHID PESTS ORCHIDS IN THE SPRING & DISEASES with orchid breeder Tony Register at bonnethouse.org Millet 14 the time, but greeting guests there will give News you ample opportunity Summer of Art (most days!) to enjoy by Rick McKenzie the natural habitat and The Bonnet House gardens. How about Fine Artists have something more active been very busy and with lots of visitor getting lots of at- interaction, reading an tention all summer audience, and telling a great story? Guiding house long. Four different tours might be for you. How about sales? The Mu- shows, with four seum Shop is always in need of extra help. And no gala openings in matter which role you choose, you’ll be interacting Fort Lauderdale, with other like-minded volunteers who have more and a big exhibition in Delray Beach have given our passion and interest for the remarkable Bonnet House artists regional exposure. estate than you can imagine. To learn more about the The relationship with Gallery 928 in Fort Lauder- many volunteer opportunities at Bonnet House, visit dale is a new one, and it all started with lunch. Staff www.bonnethouse.org/opportunities. was celebrating Monica’s birthday at the Serafina restaurant, when our fearless curator Stephen noticed New Wedding Ceremony Package a new art gallery opening next door. Gallery owner By Nicholle Maudlin Ted Eger turned out to be a big fan of the Bonnet Bonnet House Museum & House, and was happy to show the work of our Fine Gardens is the perfect setting Artists. He even offered Stephen a set of keys to the for an intimate wedding cere- gallery on the spot. The work of 34 of our artists mony, commitment ceremony was presented in four showings. The openings were or vow renewal. Couples have wonderful. The gallery has a rear deck on the Middle the option of the tree-lined alee, River that is a perfect place to socialize after viewing courtyard, veranda, hibiscus the art. Gallery 928 is on NE 20th Avenue, just off of garden, fruit grove or any of the Sunrise, just west of the Middle River. An excellent beautiful settings on our 35 acre plant store, some very good restaurants, and interest- estate. Rates start at only $350 ing shops make the whole block a destination. during the summer months The Delray Beach Library has a lovely and well (June through October) and equipped exhibition space. The work of 17 of the $500 in season (November through May). Bonnet Bonnet House Fine Artists is on display, beautifying House will provide the exclusive use of the property, the library, publicizing the Bonnet House, and possi- along with the following benefits: bly being sold. When our artists exhibited there last year, it introduced many Palm Beach County resi- • Use of the property for bridal photography dents to the Bonnet House, who then visited for the two hours before ceremony first time. • Private use of upstairs bridal suite two Are you artistic? Join the Bonnet House Fine Art- hours before ceremony ists! Enjoy working on the grounds, meeting fellow • Personal Bridal Assistant artist, and participating in group shows. The next • Ceremony chairs will be in the gallery at the Bonnet House on January • Ceremony Hostess to greet guests and pass 16th. out programs • Tram transportation for guests Bonnet House Seeks Volunteers • Free parking With five distinct eco-zones and former owners • Ceremony coordination whose interests ranged from art, poetry, and music to • Ceremony microphone and speakers natural conservation and organic agriculture, Bon- • One hour rehearsal net House has nurtured eclectic interests for almost • Set-up and clean-up time ninety-five years. There’s something for everyone to enjoy here, and the same can be said of our volunteer Please contact Nicholle Maudlin, Events Manager, at opportunities. Looking for something peaceful and 954-703-2608 or at nichollemaudlin@bonnethouse. quiet? The courtyard and bridge aren’t that way all org for details. 15