EVERgreen PLANTING FIELDS FOUNDATION SPRING 2013 NEWSLETTER PLANTING FIELDS ARBORETUM, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK

ALL ABOARD! A RAILWAY FORTUNE AT PLANTING FIELDS

This s pring’s e xhibition, o pening a t t he M anor H ouse S aturday, Ap ril 6 th, i s a bout o ne o f t he l ast great chapters in the history of America’s love affair with railroads, which began in the 1850s and changed the United States forever. It is the story of the Virginian Railway, built between 1907 and 1909 by robber baron H.H. Rogers, father of Mai Coe, Planting Fields co-owner with her husband W.R. Coe who gave the mansion and the park to the State of New York in 1949. Ten years after her father’s death in 1909, Rogers’ trust was released to Mai, and her shares of the Virginian were valued at $6.8 million ($167 million today). ALL ABOARD! (continued) SUE STURGESS

t was Mai’s fortune that made it possible f or the Coes to build MISSION STATEMENT such a luxurious house. For inst ance, the use of ver y expensive Indiana Planting Fields Foundation collaborates with the New York Ilimestone for Coe Hall was an e xtravagance for what was essentially a State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to spring and fall residence. No expense was spared inside the beautifully preserve and interpret Planting decorated mansion, or in the planning of the Olmsted Brother s’ very large Fields Arboretum State Historic Park as a premier Long Island 409 acre park and its huge greenhouses, as well as other amenities, Gold Coast estate and arboretum including the Carshalton Gates, brought here from England. by providing educational and enriching experiences. The Virginian Railway was built by Henry Huttleston Rogers as a business enterprise BOARD OF TRUSTEES to haul coal from the remote West Michael D. Coe Virginia coal fields, nearly five hundred Chairman miles away, to the docks of eastern Sarah Coe Virginia in Sewells Point. From that Vice President location, it went by ship up north to New England, New York, and Canada, Peter Tilles where coal was in great demand for use in industry as well as for domestic Vice President consumption. The railroad was most profitable in the first twenty five years of Peter Tiberio its existence, and used some of the most advanced equipment for its Treasurer operations. Electrification took over partially in the 1920s and diesel in the 1950s. The Virginian Railway increased in power and productivity until 1959, Margaret Hayes Secretary when it merged with the Norfolk & Western Railway, which became a powerhouse in railroads for decades to come. Renee Bradley Gib Chapman G. Morgan Browne Hal Davidson Sharon Lyon Emmanuel Robert Foschi Richard W. Gibney Anne Coe Hayes* Constance Haydock Bruce Herlich Count Ernesto Vitetti* *Emeritus

Ex Officio Henry B. Joyce Executive Director, Planting Fields Foundation

Vincent A. Simeone Director, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Map routes of the Virginian Railway, 1948, Planting Fields Foundation Archives

COVER PHOTO: COURTESY OF NORFOLK & WESTERN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2 H.H. Rogers’ son-in-law, William Rogers’ involvement with railroads Stationmaster, O. Winston Robertson Coe, became a director of was largely due to the network of Link, 1955, O. Winston the railroad in 1912 and was industrialists who were Link Museum appointed to the Executive interconnected with his interests in Committee in 1915; he was elected oil, gas, copper, and many other This photograph shows Vice President in 1925 and Chairman industrial pursuits that thrived in the Train No. 4, the last of the Executive Committee in 1938. United States between about 1870 Virginian Railway His son, William Rogers Coe (father and 1910. There was not an passenger service train to of Planting Fields Foundation industry that Rogers did not have a operate. Its service was Chairman Michael D. Coe) was a hand in, but his main claim to fame terminated in 1956. member of the Board of Directors was as a partner of J.D. Rockefeller’s beginning in 1927 until the merger Standard Oil. The Terminal Station in with the Norfolk & Western in 1959, Norfolk, shown here, and served as Vice-President and H. H. Rogers, of sturdy frame with was later demolished. Treasurer from 1942 until his thick white locks of hair and a neat resignation in 1956. handlebar mustache, cane, and derby hat, possessed a striking H.H. Rogers’ railroad pursuits were figure. Women admired him and not just confined to the Virginian. men often feared him. Called “Hell- He held Directorates in the United Hound Rogers” for his sometimes States Steel Corporation, Atchison, scurrilous business practices, he built Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad the Virginian Railway using $40 Company, the Chicago Milwaukee & million of his own money. St. Paul Railroad Company, the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western In 1907, the year construction Railroad Company, and the Union started, there was a nationwide Pacific Railroad Company. He also financial panic. Though his health largely owned the railroad on Staten was compromised and doctors Island before attempting his greatest warned him against involving himself effort of industry—the successful too deeply, Rogers persisted. Trestle financing and construction of the bridges of dizzying heights were Virginian Railway. constructed to open deep chasms in

3 ALL ABOARD! (continued)

the landscape; tunnels were blown out with dynamite resulting sometimes in terrible fatal accidents; coal mines were dug into the bowels of the ear th; tracks were laid with steep grades up and down mountains. The 42 powerful locomotives purchased to haul coal were some of the mightiest of their time, and were engineered with special equipment for 8,000- 10,000 ton loads. No e xpense was spared so that the Virginian could run efficiently as a new and pr ofit-driven railroad. Mining towns sprung up overnight, and in those days of the railroad, coal was king. It pr ovided the critical foundation for American industry and the railroad was responsible for assuring its successful transportation. The Virginian hauled coal, though it did maintain a modest passenger service for many of its years.

In April of 1909, the Vir ginian Railway opened with a lavish party in Norfolk, Virginia at the Monticello Hotel. H.H. Rogers’ close friend, Mark Twain, was by his side. Within a month, Roger s had died, never to see the pr ofits from his railway. After his death, the estate trust was willed to his childr en, including Mai Coe, making her an extremely wealthy woman.

Prior to the merger with the Norfolk & Western Railway in 1959, there was one last effort by the Virginian Railway Board to improve efficiency. In June 1956, the Virginian commissioned Jakobsen Shipyard of Oyster Bay to build a harbor t ugboat. The 105-foot, 1500 horsepower diesel-electric drive tug, named “W.R. O. Winston Link and George Thom with flash equipment, New York, Coe”, moved ships around Piers 1 and New York, O. Winston Link, 1956, O. Winston Link Museum 2 at Sewells Point. The tug is now owned on Long Island and can sometimes be seen cruising the Sound Brooklyn born photographer Link took o ver 2,400 photos of in Oyster Bay and nearby. the Virginian and Norfolk & Western Railways. His interest in photography stemmed from seeing the Long Island Railroad pass Join us for the exciting new All Aboard! behind his workplace at Mineola’s Columbia Instruments Laboratory. exhibition and immerse yourself in

4 this bygone era when the emerging new technologies. All Aboard! is Built in Oyster Bay in railroad industry literally changed comprised of objects and images 1956, the “W.R. Coe” not only landscapes but also the from museums and private tug passed through economic, social, and cultural collections on the East Coast, New York waters on its climate of America. Explore stories including the collections at Planting of the origin of the Vir ginian Fields and a small-scale working way to Sewells Point, Railway and the people who built model of the Virginian Railway Virginia. Photograph it; railroad advertisements, toys of made by the Trainmasters of courtesy of Norfolk & the era as well as writers and artists Babylon club, which is sure to Western Historical who were inspired by the railroad’s delight children and adults alike. Society.

Trainmasters of Babylon (TMB) Create a Model of the Virginian Railway

Over the last few Formed in March 1994, the Trainmasters of Babylon months, Trainmasters (TMB) is an O gauge model r ailroad club based in of Babylon members Lindenhurst, NY. The club has oper ated a 3,000 square visited Planting Fields foot layout capable of running f our trains independently regularly, and could on two different main lines. In addition to this permanent be seen working layout, the club also maintains a modular design that they diligently on their transport to schools, hospitals, and home care facilities, O scale layout of the where they educate and entertain groups of all ages. Virginian Railway as part of the All Aboard! TMB is currently in the middle of moving to a different exhibition in the Manor House beginning April 6, 2013. location, but hope to be on track with the new space Their model features many aspects of the unique coal shortly. Please visit www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com for country terrain of the Virginian, and will appeal to the more information about club activities, events calendar, young and young at heart. and membership.

5 ‘Anita Gehnrich’

Celebrating a Rich History at Planting Fields

BY VINCENT A. SIMEONE

Since the Coe family purchased During the early 1960s the collection adding new species and hybrids to Planting Fields in 1913, looked its very best. Although Mr. several areas of the garden including rhododendrons have been one of Coe had died in 1955, by that time the South Rhododendron Park, the signature plant collections of the many of his plants were mature and Azalea Walks and the North Border. estate. As Mr. Coe developed the thriving. Most of the Visitors walking through the garden gardens that we know and love rhododendrons were located just could enjoy walls of rhododendrons east of Coe Hall in an area known as dripping with white, pink, red and today, rhododendrons were one of North Rhododendron Park. purple blossoms. the main components used to cr eate According to Everitt Miller, Mr. Coe’s the expansive shrub borders and last superintendent before his death, When I began working at Planting mass plantings. Mr. Coe’s passion Mr. Coe personally purchased and Fields in spring of 1992, few of the was to cultivate a diverse collection placed new acquisitions. Mr. Coe original rhododendrons were left. of rhododendrons which was an would point out exactly where he Years of reduced resources and a important part of the way estate wanted them planted. The first broken down irrigation system had landscapes were traditionally arboretum director, Gordon Jones, taken its toll on the collection until designed. further expanded the collection, only about a quarter of the original

6 Azalea Walk

specimens remained. Once provided financial support as well as In October, Superstorm Sandy overflowing garden beds filled with donations of plants and expertise severely impacted the rhododendron healthy rhododendrons were now that was sorely needed. collection and the hybridizer’s bare. In 1995 the park implemented garden, dropping tree limbs in every a plan to restore the rhododendron Today, Planting Fields continues to direction. But we have already collection to its former glory. cultivate a strong and diverse begun the process of propagating Interns, volunteers and staff worked selection of rhododendrons. The and acquiring new plants that will to research, document, acquire and collection is slowly and steadily replace damaged ones this spring. plant new specimens. The Friends of growing into the size and stature of Planting Fields (now combined with the rhododendrons that grew here While there are hundreds of terrific the Planting Fields Foundation) fifty years ago. rhododendron hybrids displayed at raised money to refurbish the the arboretum, among my favorites are ‘Anita Gehnrich’, ‘Cynthia’, irrigation system, which was vital to One of the collection’s main the restoration project. Part of the ‘Fantastica’ ‘Landmark’, ‘Solidarity’ project was to implement a garden features are the Long Island and ‘Taurus’. May is one of the design provided by Don Garber, a Hybridizers, which consists best months to see the arbor etum member of the New York Chapter of and marvel in the beauty and the American Rhododendron of locally bred plants from magnificence of the rhododendrons Society. The project highlighted members of the ARS. These at Planting Fields. We hope you rhododendrons hybrids and species will join us this spring to enjoy the as well as historic and modern plants offer a wide variety of elegance of this beautiful garden varieties. The ARS and its members flower colors and foliage types. favorite.

7 2013 is the 100th Anniversary of the Coe’s Purchase of Planting Fields

A Glimpse of the Coe Family 1913 One Hundred Years Ago

BY GWENDOLYN L. SMITH, FRANK SMITH, AND CEQUYNA MOORE

In the winter 2012 Evergreen, we brought you the first installment of “One Hundred Years Ago.” Now we happily present the second in a series that draws from account ledgers and photographic resources in our archives. Though an incomplete picture of daily life, nonetheless, it is a tantalizing glance into the Coes’ priv ate world. The archives have been maintained by Planting Fields Foundation since the 1970s and ar e continually added to.

Locally in New York, feats of industry abounded with the completion and opening of the Beaux-Arts style Grand Central Terminal. At midnight on February 2, 1913, the doors opened to 150,000 people who visited that first day. At a cost of $80 million, it served as a statement that there was a commitment to offer train service to passengers throughout New York; subsequently many railway stations were modeled after it. It also served as a statement of New York’s power as a grand and thriving metropolis. Grand Central Terminal had a new electric signal system, making it the only train station to have such an elaborate mechanism in the United States, as well as the longest amount of railroad electrification in the The Byrne House, Planting Fields, 1913 nation. Technology and the machine made it possible for Henry Ford to start his assembly line, which led to many of the characteristics of The Coe family was living in a time President Woodrow Wilson was the modern workday that we know. of exciting political and cultural elected in 1912 and sworn into change that shaped early 20th office March of 1913. The Feder al New York’s grand skylines and century America and New York City. Reserve Act was passed in December architecture emerged further with It is possible to imagine 1913 by of 1913, which served to regulate the completion of the Gothic style looking at some of the highlights of the nation’s banks, credit, and Woolworth building, opened in the year and then to f ollow Coe money supply, and is still used as a 1913. Designed by Cass Gilbert, it family activities during this time. framework in government today. was a towering 792 feet tall, and

8 became the tallest building in It was December 1913 when Mr. and In 1913, the New York Tribune America, often called the “Cathedral Mrs. Coe purchased Planting Fields, reported a party in October that of Commerce.” F.W. Woolworth having previously rented it since honored the Prince of Monaco, wanted his building to be taller than 1910. Today’s familiar features like listing Mr. Coe as one of the guests. both the Singer Sewing Machine the greenhouses and gardens did not Many prominent New York residents, building and the Metropolitan Life exist yet. One of the main expenses including Andrew Carnegie, attended building. They were 612 feet and recorded for Planting Fields was the this occasion. In Februar y 1913, 692 feet, respectively. There would servants, during the year, $688.22 James Reese Europe, an African be a series of skyscrapers, which (about $15,000 today) was spent by American orchestra leader, would be built during this period Mr. Coe to cover some of the performed at the Coes’ Upper East and into the ‘20s, many servants’ wages. Side home. Europe was paid $50 for incorporating Art Deco elements. Walker & Gilette, who built Coe Hall, went on to design the Fuller building in 1929 on E. 57th Street. It represents an architectural expression of the industrial energy and creative dynamism of the first three decades of the 20th century.

The art world was significantly transformed in 1913 by the Lexington Avenue Armory Show, which featured artists such as Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp. The latter, whose “Nude Descending a Staircase” is now considered canonical for art history texts, was disliked by many at its debut. Some Natalie on horseback, age 3 American artists like Everett Shinn (who created oil paintings for the Tea House in 1915 and Mai Coe’s bathroom in 1921) were invited but declined to participate.

Back home at Planting Fields, the Coe family ledgers lend little commentary on such outside events, but instead, offer an intimate glimpse at the daily events and expenditures that revolved around the Coes’ lives. The days and evenings were filled with work for Mr. Coe, and the social conventions of parties at the Coe’s 6 East 83rd Street residence, dinners and events at their clubs, trips to their Irma Lake ranch near Cody, Wyoming, as well as shopping for clothing, household items, and antiques. Buffalo Bill Cody & Mai Coe

9 Mr. Coe belonged to a number of 1913 Prize Silver Cup, today at Coe Hall social clubs in 1913, totaling about two dozen at least. Piping Rock in Locust Valley (New York), the Marion Cricket (Pennsylvania), the Brooklyn Riding and Driving (New York), and the Rumson Club (New Jersey) were all visited by the Coes. Dues for the clubs varied; the New York Yacht Club charged $75 in annual dues (about $1650 today), and the Pennsylvania Fish and Game Club charged $200 (about $4,400 today).

Horses and racing were a passion for Mr. Coe. “Piping Hot” and “Election Bet” were purchased in 1913 for $1500 (about $33,000 today), with payments made in January and May. Mr. Coe had his horses compete in the June Subscription Final at the Piping Rock Club. This was the first PIPING ROCK SUBSCRIPTION CUP year Mr. Coe entered the event, and his two new horses were about to be For Two Years Olds put to the test. The New York Times Presented by the Glen Arden Hunt reported he won $10,000 (about Five and a Half Furlongs $250,000 today) at the event. United Hunts Racing Association Meeting “Piping Hot” went on to win the Belmont Park Terminal Piping Rock Subscription at Belmont October 25, 1913 Park that October. Today, the silver trophy from that win is on display in Won By Piping Hot the Entrance Hall of Coe Hall.

The Coes traveled for both work and the event (about $1,000 today). staying in hotels. A Steinway was leisure in 1913. As President of Two weeks later, Europe performed purchased in 1913, which is Johnson and Higgins, the insurance at Carnegie Hall for a benefit. In probably the piano still at Planting company, Mr. Coe was expected to 1913, Reese also played for the Fields today. The piano was later attend to work across the country. Astors, the Vanderbilts, and the used by Natalie Coe. Mai Coe In February, they headed to Chicago Stuyvesant Fishes. became interested in the works of on company business. The cost of composer Emerson Whithorne, and the train ticket was $117 (or about The Coes enjoyed music, and Mai he eventually dedicated one of his $2,000 today). In Chicago, they Coe played a piano that she often compositions, a piano suite, to Mai stayed at the Drake Hotel and spent traveled with, or would ask for a entitled, “New York Days and $127 (about $3,000 today). piano to be provided for her when Nights.” Sometimes, while Mr. Coe was away

10 on business, Mrs. Coe enjoyed spending time in Atlantic City. She vacationed there at the Brighton Hotel during November 1913. Over $260 (about $5,800 today) was spent on this seaside respite. During these years, Mrs. Coe made several visits to Atlantic City, which was a popular resort in the early part of the 20th century. It was advertised as a healthful ocean retreat for those living in Philadelphia, New York, and neighboring cities, and with a railroad line leading visitors to its attractions, it was a surefire success.

The family’s main travel destination Detail of one of the Everett Shinn panels in Mrs. Coe's Bathroom was their ranch, Irma Lake, near Cody, Wyoming. They would usually depart for Wyoming in July just as the summer in New York Aphrodite and Eros for $525 (about In 1913, William, the eldest son, was heated up. Mrs. Coe was very $12,000 today), and a lion rug age 12 when he received a bicycle active in furnishing their home at valued at $1,000 (about $22,000 from Spalding Brothers at a cost of their ranch. Retailers such as today). On the whole, however, Mr. $29.50 (about $650 today). William Marshall Field and J.P. McHugh Coe’s interest was primarily in and Robert Coe attended St. Paul’s provided sofas, chintz chairs, and Western art, which recorded the vast School in New Hampshire, where pillows. Fitting for a home in the landscapes of Wyoming. tuition was $1,192.95 ($26,000 in west, Mrs. Coe purchased a buffalo today’s currency). In 1913, brother head from Abercrombie and Fitch Henry was six and sister Natalie Mai for $154 (about $4,000 today). was three. Natalie was lavished with Mr. Coe started an animal trophy over $1,300 (about $30,000 today) collection at the ranch, and paid a worth of clothing and shoes. T he taxidermist $65 (about $1,500 Coes often shopped at B. Altman, today) to mount an elk’s head, Best & Company, and Saks & which can now be seen in Coe Hall. Company, all of whom provided the By the end of 1913, Mr s. Coe had best clothes of the era. Mai spent about $8,000 (about purchased perfume and two kimonos $180,000 today) on furnishings and from Gimbels in October 1913. decorations for their lodge. Robert and Henry were educated at home by Kate Bovee and took art When not travelling or socializing, lessons with her sister Eleanor Bovee. the Coes enjoyed collecting art and Robert would develop his talent for antiques, and spent over $10,000 on art and pursued oil painting and these purchases in 1913. At M.C.D. photography later in life to balance Borden Estate Auction, Mr. Coe the demands of his career as a bought terra cotta figures of diplomat.

11 CALENDAR COE HALL OPEN FOR THE SEASON – MAR CH 30TH – SEPTEMBER 30TH, 11:30AM – 3:30PM SELF GUIDED VISITS - $3.50 FOR NON-MEMBER/FREE FOR MEMBERS • P ARK OPEN EVERY DAY 9:00AM – 5:00PM

APRIL

OPENING NIGHT: THURSDAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2013 APRIL 4TH AT 5:30PM – 8:30PM 10:00am – 3:00pm (parking fee $8.00 per vehicle) Cocktail Preview Party at the Manor House French Toast and Trains for the Exhibition at the Manor House to All Aboard! A Railway Fortune Celebrate the Exhibition at Planting Fields All Aboard! A Railway Fortune Ride the rails at Planting Fields and at Planting Fields join us for a lively celebration of the Bring the family railway. Tour the exhibition and to a fun and learn about the Coe family fortune entertaining and the Virginian Railway, the age of French toast steam, coal and the romance and breakfast and be reality of transportation in a bygone amused by the era. Train inspired cocktails and enchanting savory hors d’oeuvres from recipes storyteller that were used on famous passenger Jonathan Kruk and song-maker trains of the past. Creative dress Andrea Sadler. Enjoy a ride on the Mr. & Mrs. Pope watch the last steam encouraged for this fun filled Planting Fields choo-choo train, powered train, 1957, O. Winston Link, evening. Live music performed by tour the All Aboard! exhibition and O. Winston Link Museum Nickaru & His Western Scooches. learn about the Coe family fortune Receive a 20% discount of railroad and the Virginian Railway. All Aboard! A Railway Fortune related merchandise at our gift shop. at Planting Fields Exhibition $20.00 Non-Members, Adults & Tickets: $50.00 Non-Members / Children / $15.00 Members, Adults & Children. For more Open Daily 11:30am – 3:30pm $30.00 Members. For more at the Manor House information or to purchase tickets information or to make a April 6th- September 2nd 2013 please call Michelle Benes reservation please call Michelle (516)922-8682 or email Benes (516)922-8682 or email All Aboard! is about one of the last [email protected]. [email protected]. great chapters in the history of America’s love affair with railroads, which began in the 1850s and changed the United States forever. It is the story of the Virginian Railway, built between 1907 and 1909 by the robber baron, H.H. Rogers, father of Planting Fields co- owner Mai Rogers Coe who was married to William Robertson Coe, who gave the mansion and park to the State of New York in 1949.

Free Admission ($8.00 Parking Fee) Model by Trainmasters of Babylon 12 OF EVENTS APRIL-MAY 2013

SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2013 SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013 2:30pm at the Manor House 2:30pm at Coe Hall Iron Horse: The Virginian Young Artists at Coe Hall Railway and the Age of Rail Mansion Concert Series Lecture by Gwendolyn L. Smith, Amphion String Quartet Assistant Curator at Planting Fields Violinists Katie Hyun and David Foundation and curator of Southorn, violist, Wei-Yang Andy Lin, All Aboard! A Railway Fortune at and cellist, Mihai Marica. Planting Fields Winner, 2011 Concert Artist Guild The Virginian Railway, Engine 472, Victor Elmaleh Competition. The The Virginian Railway was the most Pennsylvania Railway Museum Quartet was also awarded First Prize ambitious project to be funded by at the Hugo Kauder String Quartet the fortune of one man, H. H. Competition in New Haven, CT, and Michelle Benes (516)922-8682 or Rogers, father-in-law of William R. First Prize in the Piano and Strings email [email protected]. Coe. Come hear about challenges category as well as the Audience faced, the ultimate success story of Choice Award at the 2010 Plowman this coal transporting empire, and a Chamber Music Competition held in SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013 Columbia, Missouri. time when railroads changed the 2:30pm – 4:00pm course of American history and FREE with $8.00 parking fee. culture forever. For more information or to purchase Concert at the Manor House tickets please call Lilly McGurk Reservations required. Tickets Live Bluegrass Music: (516)922-8676 or email $10.00 Non-Members / Members “Music from Appalachia” [email protected]. FREE! For more information or to Performed by Chamber Tickets: $25.00 Non-Member/ make a reservation please call Players International $20.00 Member, Senior or Student.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH & SUNDAY, APRIL 28TH 10:00am – 5:00pm (Rain or Shine) Arbor Day Family Festival The 2013 Arbor Day Family Festival f eatures a new and exciting canine comedy performances by Mutts Gone Nuts, new live musical shows by Pete Moss and the Fertilizers and Strummin N Drumming’, kid’s tree climb by Wonderland Tree Care, petting zoo, face painting, TR Sanctuary, local animal rescue organizations, new photo booth, caricaturist, plant clinics, tree planting with Smokey the Bear, FREE self-guided visits of Coe Hall and enjoy FREE admission to our new exhibition All Aboard! A Railway Fortune at Planting Fields on display at the Manor House through September 2nd. The Festival is a collaborative effort between Planting Fields Foundation and the New Y ork State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

$20 per car load; once inside the park all activities are FREE! For more information, contact Jennifer Lavella at (516) 922-8678 or email [email protected].

13 MAY

FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 Showtime: 7:00pm SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2013 All Aboard! Movie Night 6:00pm – 8:30pm at the Manor House Dining By Rail at the Manor House North by Northwest, with James D. Porterfield Directed by Alfred Hitchcock Hear author James D. Porterfield speak about Join us for a free movie presentation his book, Dining By Rail, and the history of of Hitchcock’s classic suspense dining in style on the wheels. Have dinner thriller, North by Northwest, and be under the stars and savor a specially prepared captivated by the charming Cary menu from Porterfield’s book of rail recipes of famous Grant. Enjoy spirited cocktails and passenger trains in America. Books will be available to purchase at the rail-inspired snacks available for event and can be signed by the author. Ticket pricing $55.00 purchase, provided by Periwinkle’s Members/$75.00 Non Members. Limited seating for this special event, Café. See the railway exhibition and for more information or to reserve a seat please contact Lilly McGurk at learn about the Coe family fortune (516)922-8676 or email [email protected]. and the Virginian Railway, when railroad culture transformed everyday life. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013 rails of your model train display, For more information please contact 6:30pm – 9:30pm to question and answer problem- Lilly McGurk at (516)922-8676 or Bluegrass Party at the Manor solving of model trains, scene email [email protected]. House / Mark Silver and the making, and other fun challenges of Stonethrowers model railroading. This dedicated group of model railroaders travel Stomp your feet on over and listen throughout Long Island bringing the to live blue grass music, enjoy rail- joy of trains to all ages and abilities; inspired hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from locomotive to caboose. Come while touring the railway exhibition with questions about your project to about the Coe family fortune and ask our experts! the Virginian Railway. FREE / Reservations Required. Ticket pricing $30.00 For more information or to make Members/$50.00 Non Members. reservations please contact For more information or to purchase Gwendolyn Smith at (516)922-8680 tickets please contact Jennifer Lavella or email [email protected]. at (516)922-8678 or email [email protected]. SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2013 6:00pm-7:30pm SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2013 11:00am & 2:00pm at Memorial Day Weekend the Manor House Concert at Coe Hall West Portico Trackside Workshop: Making a Model Train Layout with the “Red, White & Blues” Brass Trainmaster of Babylon Model Ensemble. Performed by the Railroading Club Chamber Players International Join us trackside for a presentation FREE/ No Parking Fee and workshop from the Trainmasters of Babylon on how to lay the first

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Matheson Mr. and Mrs. Al Simpson Ms. Lois Blumenfeld Mrs. Jenny Fowler Matinecock Garden Club Mr. and Mrs. Lee Slater Mr. and Mrs. George Bostwick Mr. and Mrs. David C. Fuchs Mrs. Frances May Mrs. Katharina J Smith Ms. Renee Bradley Mr. and Mrs. Denny Gardiner Ms. Maureen McAdam Ms. Jaime Smith Ms. Marjorie Brown Ms. Katie Gardiner Mr. and Mrs. Charles McCurdy Ms. Linda Sotomayer Mr. Charles Brown Mr. and Mrs. E. Maxwell Geddes Mr. and Mrs. Frank McDonough Mrs. Gretchen Souther Mr. and Mrs. G. Morgan Browne Ms. Christina Germann Ms. Suzanne McFarlane Mr. Barry Curtis Spies Mr. and Mrs. Sed Browne Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gibney Mr. and Mrs. Edward B Meyer, III Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stacey Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Bruderman Mr. Lawrence Glenn Mr. and Mrs. Willets Meyer Ms. Eleanor Staniford Mr. and Mrs. George Burton, Jr. Mr. Robert Golding Mr. and Mrs. Ian Miller Mr. and Mrs. Burton Stone Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cannell Mr. and Mrs. Pierre Gonthier Mrs. Ellen Minet The Long Island Bonsai Society Mr. and Mrs. John Catera Great Neck Garden Club Mrs. Keith Moffat Mr. and Mrs. George A. Style Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Ms. Constance Haydock Ms. Deborah Morrison Mr. and Mrs. William Sullivan W. Chapman, Jr. Ms. Margaret Hayes Mrs. Theresa Morrough Syosset Garden Club Mr. and Mrs. Gib Chapman, III Mr. and Mrs. James Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Nielsen Mr. and Mrs. David S. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Chernoff Mrs. Anne Coe Hayes Mr. and Mrs. William Niarakis Ms. Pat Temkey Ms. Cathy Chernoff Mr. Anthony Heckel North Country Garden Club Ms. Ann W. Thayer Mrs. Thomas Choate Mr. and Mrs. Robert Henning, Jr. of LI Inc. Mr. Henry Thompson Mrs. Ingrid Chung Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Herlich Mrs. Nuttall Mr. Peter Tiberio Dr. Michael D. Coe Ms. Amy Herling Mr. Michael O'Brien Mr. and Mrs. Peter Tilles Ms. Sarah Coe Mrs. Renee L. Hills The Rockefeller Trust Company Mr. and Mrs. Pascal Tone Mr. and Mrs. John K. Colgate, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Steven Holzman Mr. and Mrs. George O'Neill Dr. and Mrs. Alex Traykovski Mr. Peter Colgrove Ms. Debbi Honorof Mrs. Barry Osborn Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Urban, Jr. & Mrs. Ann J. Miles Mrs. Theodora Hooton Dr. A. Judy Paris Mr. David Vincents Mrs. Joseph Conolly Mr. Andrew Huang Mr. David Pearson Mrs. Marjorie von Stade Ms. Terri Conthielen Dr. Albert Huberman Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pepe Mr. and Mrs. Scott Vota Mr. Roland Cotter-Kroboth Mr. and Mrs. F. Clayton Hunt Dr. Bernadette Pepin Mrs. Henry Walter Ms. Carol A Countryman Mrs. Carolyn Hyatt Ms. Barbara Perlson Dr. and Mrs. James Watson Ms. Jeanne Courter Ms. Susan Jacobs Mrs. Joyce Phelan Mr. Michel Weill Mr. Kenneth Cron Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Janek Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Phipps Mr. and Mrs. Theodore C. Weill Mrs. Elizabeth Daepp Mr. and Mrs. Hoyle C Jones Mr. Michael Piccolo Mr. and Mrs. Robert Whiting Mr. and Mrs. Hal Davidson Mr. Hoyle Jones Ms. Linda C. Pierce Honorable and Mrs. Robert Mrs. Rosamond Dean Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Kahle Mr. and Mrs. Roger Podesta R. Whiting Mrs. Adolph DeAngelis Mr. John Kaiser Mrs. Mary Polak Mr. Walter F Wientge, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Tristram Deery Mr. Theodore Kaplan Mr. Joesph Provst Mr. and Mrs. Colin Wiggins Mr. Willis S. DeLaCour, Jr. Mr. Patrick Karcher Mr. Robert Raese Winter Weezers Mr. and Mrs. R. Breck Denny Ms. Beverly Kazickas Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ramos Mrs. Hae-Ja Yoon Ms. Julia DeTomaso Mr. and Mrs. Martin Klein Ms. Catherine Reardon Ms. Katie Dimancescu Mr. Charles Kowalski Roger Rechler Foundation

15 Original bed, now lost, photo 1921

Newly constructed reproduction, photo February 2013

16 Behind the Scences Mai Coe’s Bedroom

BY GWENDOLYN L. SMITH

n 2010, Polly Wood-Holland re-created the Ifantasy mural originally painted by American artist Robert Chanler, who was in France and was known for his theatrical designs. The full restoration of the bedroom with its Louis XVI style furniture from the Paris manufacturer, Carlhian, has been underway for several months. We have located an English maker of fine custom, hand- carved furniture. Photographs of the original bed and detailed drawings were used for the reproduction. Detailed measured drawing by Polly Wood-Holland for the reproduction bed The bed has now arrived at Planting Fields and will be gilded, and upholstered. This bed will soon be joined by a suite of complementary 18th century style furniture interpreted from archival documents. Fabrics and carpets from renowned mills and weavers in Europe and America are being reviewed in order to bring just the right element of authenticity and theatrical flair intended by the original designers of Mai Coe’s bedroom. Detail of new bed

17 Picking up the Pieces after Hurricane Sandy

BY VINCENT A. SIMEONE PHOTO: ED FOOTEPHOTO:

Above: Camellia Greenhouse Left: Weeping Silver Linden on Main Lawn

On October 29th, 2012 Superstorm perfectly healthy trees that could not In addition to tree damage, the Sandy blew into town with a fury like withstand the storm’s fierce winds. arboretum also suffered structural few other storms before it. Like The damage was widespread with damage. A large pine tree fell onto most of the east coast of the U.S., the most significant damage on the the north side of the Camellia the north shore of Long Island was north and west sides of the property Greenhouse, breaking glass, twisting not spared. Unlike previous tropical in both the garden areas and the the steel frame and crushing the storms and hurricanes, Sandy was woodland trails. The trees most metal and brick supports that unique because traditionally affected by the storm were huge stabilize the greenhouse. hurricanes weaken once they reach specimens of pine, spruce, fir, oak, Miraculously Coe Hall was not the cooler waters surrounding Long maple and linden. As these giants damaged in anyway. Island. Some areas of Long Island fell, they also severely damaged experienced sustained winds of over under story plants such as dogwood, But although this natural disaster 90 MPH. For trees, no matter what rhododendron and magnolia. has left Planting Fields and many the species, this type of force for other state parks with such an extended period of time Among the greatest losses unprecedented damage, the proved to be catastrophic. were the magnificent response to offer help has been Weeping Silver Linden outstanding. Soon after the storm Since the Coe’s became owners of swept through, park staff quickly the property in 1913, Planting Fields on the Main Lawn and the began to assess the damage and has gone through a myriad of severe Nordmann Fir across the offer help where needed. Park weather. Sandy will probably go lawn in the North Border. administrators, park managers and down in the history books as the maintenance staff from various most damaging in terms of tree The Linden was a New York State parks shared resources including losses. It is estimated that about champion tree estimated at 150 manpower, fuel and equipment to 350 trees were either lost or years old and the Fir was a perfect stabilize the worst hit areas. damaged from the storm. These specimen close to 90’ tall. The Coes Arboretum staff and volunteers were not necessarily weak or planted both of these historic trees, worked long shifts to keep diseased trees, but more often and several others that were lost. generators fueled, clear debris and

18 make roads accessible. A tree crew process. In addition, members of Island. While Sandy has changed from Green Lakes State Park was the Planting Fields Foundation the face of the landscape forever, it sent from the Central Region of the Board and staff have offered has not changed our resolve to state to also help remove debris assistance by reaching out to the maintain Planting Fields as one of from the worst hit areas. In addition, community for donations and to the most special and unique f ormer a crew from the movie production assist with future tree work and gold coast estates and public “NOAH”, by Paramount Oversees new plantings. facilities in New York. We hope Productions Inc., who was filming everyone will support the arboretum on the property, helped with the It is awe inspiring to witness so and the Planting Fields Foundation clean up effort and provided much generosity and kindness in our effort to gather the resources generators and fuel which were during one of the most tr aumatic necessary to implement this critical to keep facilities running. events in recent history to Long extensive rebuilding process. Long Island State Parks engineering staff mobilized contractors quickly to temporarily repair the damage to the Camellia Greenhouse so that the Garden Gift Shop Updates irreplaceable collection would not be impacted. I personally received Just in time for the opening of the train many calls from green industry exhibition the garden gift shop now offers a professionals, plant societies, former wide variety of new merchandise for train lovers employees and friends just wanting of all ages. Some items available include books to help in any way they could. All of and music highlighting the history of the these efforts helped tremendously in railroad and the culture behind it, t-shirts, an attempt to stabilize the conductor hats, pocket watches, mugs, toys, arboretum after the storm. and more. Stop in to see these and many other new gifts. Don’t forget members receive a The plan moving forward is to 10% discount on all purchases!!! continue the clean up process until spring and then start the rebuilding process. With most of the smaller debris now cleaned up, State Parks will soon provide a tree contractor to Sandy Fortmeyer will be Sorely Missed do the rest of the heavy lifting by removing all of the large trees, logs Sandy Fortmeyer, who was a Coe Hall receptionist for 16 years, passed and stumps left by the storm. Plans away on December 23rd. Sandy was the consummat e volunteer, totally are underway now to secure sources dedicated to her job here, rarely missing a Sunday during the season. for new plant material to replace And she was so good at what she did—ef ficient, professional, dedicated. specific trees or shrubs that were lost. One of her interests was cooking and whenever we had a volunteer With the help of the local community covered dish event, she gave ver y serious consideration to what she was as well as support organizations, we going to prepare. Shrimp was one of her specialties, but what ever she will start the rebuilding process in the made, it was always delicious. spring. Members of the American Public Garden Association were quick There will be a tremendous void this year when Coe Hall opens f or the to offer assistance to help with season and Sandy won’t be there to meet and greet. She had her own acquiring new plant material. This family—children and grandchildren, whom she adored, but she was also group of public garden professionals an integral part of the Coe Hall f amily. She will be sorely missed. has a remarkable network of resources to help with this acquisition

19 Recent Events & Holidays

Fall Festival, 2012

Holiday Concert Deck the Halls Gala, December 2012

20 Volunteer Luncheon, December 2012

HouseCamellia Weekend

21 2012-2013 New York State Council on the Arts Grant Recipient

Drawn to Science: Teaching Drawing Skills to Illuminate Scientific Observation

In partnership with John Philip Sousa Elementary School in Port Washington, Planting Fields Foundation is the proud recipient of a $10,100 Empire State Partnership Award granted through the New York State Council on the Arts. The Drawn to Science program teaches students to observe scientific details through the formal study of drawing. The program is appealing to all students and allows them to utilize multiple intelligence skills to learn. Field trips to Planting Fields Arboretum occur throughout the year and fulfill the science curriculum for each grade level while two teaching artists and the Sousa Elementary art teacher work with students on drawing and illustrating their observations.

This program is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency. Planting Fields Foundation is also pleased to thank Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, State Senator Carl L. Marcellino and State Assemblyman Michael Montesano for making this grant possible.

22 PLANTING FIELDS Noah films at Planting Fields FOUNDATION STAFF Henry B. Joyce Executive Director BY LILLY MCGURK Tel: 516-922-0479 [email protected] Planting Fields welcomed Paramount Overseas Pictures Inc., to film the epic biblical movie Noah, starring Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connolly, Anthony Michelle Benes Hopkins, Emma Watson and Ray Winstone. Construction of the set f or this Membership Coordinator massive motion picture began in May of 2012. Par t of a life-size ark was Tel: 516-922-8682 [email protected] built on the grounds and filming immediately followed in August and continued through November. The movie set was locat ed on the southeast Elsa Eisenberg corner of the property near the Mill River Golf Club in open gr ass fields. Group Tours and Volunteer Coordinator Tel: 516-922-8670 During this period, Noah was one of the largest movie productions being [email protected] filmed within the United States. One of the most elabor ate scenes included a rain system that was comprised of 220 f eet of multiple rain bars, tanks, Laraine Giardina Finance Manager compressors and pumps that showered the set with over 10,000 gallons of Tel: 516-922-8672 water per minute. The park had three full time employees to over see the [email protected] production at all times, and seamlessly managed one of the busiest day s on set which included 280 crew members, 400 or more actors, to have Jennifer Lavella approximately over 700 people. Director of Marketing and Special Events Tel: 516-922-8678 [email protected] Complete restoration of the filming locale is scheduled for this spring and 1 Paramount will re-seed approximately 8 acres; and sod 1 2⁄ acres, removing Lilly McGurk any trace that there might have ever been an apocalyptic f lood on the Member Services and Events Assistant grounds of this historic park. Some of the gr avel roads and other Tel: 516-922-8676 adaptations made to the f ields will remain to facilitate parking and special [email protected] events in this area. The movie is set to open in theat ers in 2014. Rosemarie Papayanopulous Librarian Tel: 516-922-8631

Frank J. Smith Curatorial Intern [email protected]

Gwendolyn L. Smith Assistant Curator Tel: 516-922-8680 [email protected]

Antigone Zaharakis Education Tel: 516-922-8668 [email protected]

Evergreen is published by Planting Fields Foundation. Copyright 2013 Graphic Design by Amy Herling [email protected]

Planting Fields Foundation 1395 Planting Fields Road P.O. Box 660 Oyster Bay, NY 11771 www.plantingfields.org

PHOTO: BILL BARASH PHOTO: Tel: 516-922-9210 The ark built for Noah FAX: 516-922-9226

23 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID OYSTER BAY, NY PERMIT #12 P.O. BOX 660, OYSTER BAY, NY 11771 PHOTO: BILL BARASH PHOTO:

Playhouse in the Spring