Friends of

TWENTY-FIVEF lorham YEARS AND COUNTING FALL 2015 As the Friends of cel- BOARD OF TRUSTEES ebrate twenty-five years of signif- FRIENDS OF FLORHAM icant growth, and an impressive Valerie Adams résumé of restoration and pres- Christine Adrignolo ervation projects, a bit of his- Carol Bere tory is warranted. On April 26, Linda Carrington 1990, a group led by the late Samuel M. Convissor Dr. James Fraser, then director Dawn Dupak of the FDU Library at Florham- Elaine Earlywine Beth Hennessy Madison; Emma Joy Dana, Jennifer Johnson president of the Friends of the Danielle Lindner Library; and Raymond Solda- Linda Meister vin, vice president of institution- Suzy Moran al advancement at FDU, held Antoinette C. Petrocelli its first meeting. A board was Ann Wellbrock established comprising various FDU members, and active vol- unteers from the community. HONORARY TRUSTEES The group, originally called “The CLOWNEY GARDEN, RESTORED 1994 Susan Adams Cultural Affairs Board,” revised Phyllis Conway their name at the April 12, 1991, the history of the estate, the fam- Gabriella D’Amico Ulysses Grant Dietz, chief cu- Emma Joy Dana meeting to the “Friends of Flor- ily, and of the historic period. As rator and curator of decorative Kim Dougherty ham.” Dr. Peter Woolley, provost of the arts at the Newark Museum. Sandi Drucker Florham Campus, comment- The initial and broad mandate The Friends Board comprises Ruth Hennessy ed: “At FDU, we are privileged of the Friends was to attract volunteer leaders from the com- Carol C. Knauff to have this heritage to share the community to the Florham munity and FDU. Membership Audrey Parker among faculty, staff, students, Campus, essentially by high- has changed over the years, Troy Simmons and alumni. It’s our goal also to Arthur T. Vanderbilt, II lighting the historic importance and the Friends continue work- have people appreciate its rich of the buildings designed by ing to fulfill their mission by history, its colorful characters, McKim, Mead & White, and raising funds through fundrais- and the fact that we have to UNIVERSITY LIAISONS grounds landscaped by Freder- ers, annual membership appeals, work at this heritage to continue Carol Black ick Law Olmsted — potentially and grant requests. Gary Darden amplifying the public image to enjoy it.” The first Friends newsletter Matthew Dikovics of Fairleigh Dickinson Universi- The Friends moved quickly to Sheldon Drucker was published in 1997, and is ty. There were early discussions attract the public to Florham, Eleanor Friedl now published semi-annually, of restoration projects including offering a series of three well- Brian Mauro keeping members current about areas of the mansion, which is attended lectures given by Peter Woolley the Friends’ various projects. known today as Hennessy Hall, eminent local New Jersey histor- Memberships have grown from and the Italian gardens, and of ian, John Cunningham, begin- 100 plus in 2000, to more than developing a public lecture se- ning with “The Morris Gentry 500 today, with a mailing list ex- ries. The Friends’ initial mission, and Their Estates” in November ceeding 1,700 supporters, ac- “assisting the University in pre- 1991. The Friends continue to cording to Linda Carrington, serving the historic elements of offer lectures by a variety of ar- Friends’ membership chair. The the campus,” has broadened to chitectural historians, landscape Friends also moved into the include working with the Univer- designers, and by particularly 21st century with several digi- sity on various projects, under- popular lecture returnees, Sam- tal projects. They established a taking other projects as a group, uel G. White, architect and great- and educating the public about grandson of Stanford White, and (continued on page 7) PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Friends, munity. “The Tiffany Table” was the preservation and restoration of Florham’s historic keyhole: En- Welcome to the 25th Anni- stunningly successful not only as trance driveway, Hennessy Hall, versary Edition of the Friends a fundraiser but also a “friend”- L’Orangerie (Hassan Orangerie) of Florham Newsletter. In our raiser. Plans are already under- and gardens. first newsletter, published sev- way for the 2016 “Tiffany” lunch- en years after the founding of eon. And, the Friends are explor- the Friends of Florham, we ex- The first phase of our portrait ing a joint venture with PBS pressed our desire to share our project—portraits from the Bilt- to produce an episode devoted mission, our accomplishments to more Estate in Asheville, N.C.— to “Florham” as part of the pro- date, and our plans for the future is well underway (see pages posed new “Treasures of New with the community. Some things 5–6). Please stop in Hennessy Jersey” PBS series. See article never change, but we have Hall to see the giclée reproduc- below for more details. evolved — our mission is more tion portrait on canvas of Freder- Preparation for this newslet- clearly defined, Hennessy Hall ick Law Olmsted hanging in the ter took us on an enjoyable trip (formerly, the Mansion) and gar- Great Hall. This winter, portraits down memory lane, and I hope dens are more beautiful, and our from Biltmore that will be hung you enjoy the resulting retrospec- community extends much further. there include Commodore Corne- tive articles. I want to thank Carol Bere for all the work she did to as- Last spring, we launched a lius Vanderbilt, Mr. and Mrs. Wil- semble the images and the infor- new fundraiser, “The Tiffany liam Henry Vanderbilt (Florence’s mation. And, most important, as Table: A Luncheon at Florham,” parents) and a group portrait, Go- we did in our first newsletter, we and we created an occasion that ing to the Opera, which features invite you to cultivate a deep ap- was incredibly beautiful — liter- Florence as a young adult with her parents and siblings. Portraits preciation for the treasure of Flor- ally, socially, and financially. Len- ham by joining us as a member fell Hall, the Great Hall, the guests from Columbia University will mark the second phase of this project, and helping us spread the word and the speakers were all exqui- to the community. The beauty of sitely turned out and the feel- and are scheduled for comple- tion this winter as well. Hennessy Hall and the grounds ing of excitement and enjoyment continue to inspire us as we was palpable. Many thanks to We will participate in the devel- work to protect and preserve our the committee, Danielle Lindner, opment of the University’s new legacy. Some things really never Chris Adrignolo, Jenn Johnson, long-range plan this year. And we change. Ann Wellbrock, Valerie Adams look forward to this wonderful op- and Regina Kelly AND the com- portunity to focus our attention on — Dawn Dupak PBS DOCUMENTARY OF FLORHAM ESTATE You’ve seen “Treasures of New family, the architects, the Gilded Flat Iron building and many more York” on your local PBS channel. Age of Morris County and, of landmarks in the city. Now there will be “Treasures of course, Fairleigh Dickinson Uni- “We have been saying for a New Jersey.” versity. long time that this is a treasure of PBS affiliates approached the “I like to say that we follow New Jersey,” said Dawn Dupak, University about making a docu- some of the best traditions of president of the Friends of Flor- mentary of the Florham estate the Vanderbilts,” said Woolley, ham. “It is gratifying to have this and campus a few months ago “such as having several homes. recognition.” In fact, the Friends and have decided to move for- Just as the Vanderbilts had sev- have been advocating for the es- ward. Though no timetable has eral homes, so does FDU. Theirs tate now for 25 years. been set, producers say they were in Florham; Newport, R.I.; may begin filming as soon as the and New York City,” Woolley “The Friends are strongly sup- fall 2015 semester. said. “Ours are on the banks of porting this effort by PBS,” added “We are lucky to have this heri- the Hackensack River, Vancou- Dupak. “Our support includes tage, and I am thrilled that docu- ver [British Columbia, Canada], financial underwriting, and we mentary producers recognize Oxfordshire [England] and Flor- urge alumni and students to do this campus as a Treasure of ham.” whatever they can to support it as well. This is a great opportu- New Jersey,” said Florham Cam- Producers say the format and nity to put your alma mater in the pus Provost Dr. Peter Woolley. tone of the documentary will fol- spotlight.” The documentary will be nearly low the style of “Treasures of New an hour long and will feature the York,” which has featured Colum- More details of the production history of the Vanderbilt-Twombly bia University, Cooper Union, the schedule are forthcoming soon. 2 | FRIENDS OF FLORHAM TIFFANY BLUE & FDU: PERFECT TOGETHER At 11:30 a.m. on May 21, Hen- nessy Hall at Fairleigh Dickinson University was showered in blue … Tiffany blue, that is. The Tif- fany Table: A Luncheon at Flor- ham, the first fundraising luncheon hosted by the Friends of Florham in partnership with Tiffany & Co., attracted an enthusiastic group of more than 135 men and women, including, notably, 51 people who had never previously attended a Friends’ event. A dedicated committee chair- ed by Danielle Lindner and in- cluding Dawn Dupak, Jennifer FROM LEFT: JACK SHARESHIAN, HADJ DANAN, LINDA BOPP, AND MICHAEL Johnson, Valerie Adams, Ann PLANTE FROM TIFFANY & CO., AND FRIENDS COMMITTEE MEMBERS Wellbrock, Christine Adrignolo DANIELLE LINDNER AND JENNIFER JOHNSON. and Regina Kelly worked for of Gourmet Dining, an exclusive box, and one fortunate lady, Jen- months to ensure the success of Chef Table Experience at the nifer Lehr, joyously discovered the event, and The Tiffany Table Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, that she had “won” the “Mystery did not disappoint. Guests were and, of course, the anxiously Blue Box,” which was the gor- greeted with sparkling drinks, awaited “Mystery Blue Box” sur- geous diamond metro bracelet. complimentary gifts courtesy of prise. Tiffany donated 100 blue To say that The Tiffany Table Tiffany & Co., many wonderful si- boxes, with all but one containing was a success would be an un- lent auction items, and a chance pairs of beautiful wine glasses. derstatement. All proceeds from to win a diamond metro bracelet One box was the “Mystery Blue the event will be directed toward valued at $6,200 that was gener- Box.” Guests who purchased the the restoration of Florham. The ously donated by the Short Hills Tiffany blue boxes were handed best news, perhaps, is that the (N.J.) Tiffany store especially for a white feather for each box they intrepid committee has agreed the event. Michael Plante, group bought. At the end of the live auc- to produce the event again next director of the Short Hills Tiffany & tion, they held up their feathers year! Co., gave a fascinating talk about and were graced with box after — Danielle Lindner the lengthy association between Tiffany & Co. and the . Friends board member Danielle Lindner commented afterward, “We could not have been happier with the day and the reception. The overwhelming generosity that Short Hills Tiffany & Company provided us was in- credible.” SILENT AUCTION ITEMS JENNIFER JOHNSON AND THE A delicious lunch catered by OPENING OF THE BOXES Gourmet Dining was served on tables draped in white, with beautiful centerpieces of white hydrangeas. Tiffany’s iconic blue boxes, with a crystal bowl inside each box, graced each guest’s plate as a thank you for attend- ing the event. The fabulous day ended with a live auction, which included items such as a private “Breakfast at Tiffany’s Experi- ence” for twenty people at the Short Hills store, an exclusive in-home private dinner for six FROM LEFT: KATHY ATENCIO, CAROL KNAUFF, LISA MATHUS AND ELAINE prepared by Chef Jeff Gourley EARLYWINE. FRIENDS OF FLORHAM | 3 TWENTY-FIVE25 YEARS AND COUNTING … RENOVATION OF LENFELL HALL, 1997–1999

RESTORED COURTYARD LANTERNS, 2007

REPLACEMENT OF HENNESSY HALL FRONT DOORS, 2008–2009

DIGITIZATION OF TWOMBLY HOUSEHOLD LEDGERS, 2009–2010

DEDICATION OF GOVERNOR RICHARD J. CODEY CLASSROOM, 2014

4 | FRIENDS OF FLORHAM RENOVATED J. MICHAEL ADAMS PRESIDENTIALRENOVATION OF PRESIDENT’S OFFICE, 2011 SUITE, WROXTON COLLEGE, 2013 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AND COUNTING …

GREAT HALL RESTORED, 2001

SARAH SULLIVAN LOUNGE RESTORATION OF ITALIAN GARDENS, 1997 “TRANSFORMED,” 2011

DIGITIZATION OF TWOMBLY HOUSEHOLD LEDGERS, 2009–2010 RETURN OF FLORHAM HEIRLOOMS, 2011

FLORHAM: THE LIVES OF AN AMERICAN ESTATE, 2011

RENOVATION OF PRESIDENT’S OFFICE, 2011 FRIENDS OF FLORHAM 5 RENOVATION OF HARTMAN LOUNGE, 2012 | CODEY CLASSROOM TELLING THE BIGGER STORY: THE FLORHAM PORTRAITS PROJECT While staying at FDU’s Wroxton the faculty representative and as hang — both portraits were College in Oxfordshire, England, a professional historian. Soon af- painted by Jared Bradley Flagg. during my fall sabbatical in 2012, ter, I proposed we look into the Down the long gallery hangs the I was impressed with the way in possibilities of a “Portraits Proj- full-size Sargent portraits of Flor- which Dean Nicholas Baldwin and ect” for Hennessy Hall on par ence’s mother, Maria Louisa Kis- art historian Wendy Hart concep- with Wroxton. Many who arrive on sam Vanderbilt, and the patron of tualized a project of acquiring a the Florham Campus might have Biltmore, brother George. Finally, dozen or so highest-resolution known that this campus was once another gallery hosts the most fa- digital images of notable por- the country estate of the promi- mous family portrait of Florence, traits to be printed on canvas nent Vanderbilt-Twombly families. and framed in period-appropriate But there seemed to be opportu- frames. When I returned to teach nities to tell this story visually in a summer courses at Wroxton in more museum-quality way. Por- 2013 and 2015, these images trait art displayed strategically on had been strategically hung a- the ground floor of Hennessy Hall round this Jacobean manor house could illustrate the “who’s who” of and helped to brilliantly (and rather Florham’s impressive past, linking affordably) portray the great fig- the history of this estate with the ures who had lived at Wroxton larger narrative of American his- Abbey, like Prime Minister Lord tory from the well into North of the American Revolution- the 20th century. ary-era, and such notable guests The first task was to locate as King James I, King Charles I, portraits relevant to the history of the Prince Regent (future King those who designed the Florham George IV) and even President estate, and those who made it Theodore Roosevelt, a close their home. This took some home- friend of the last Lord North to work, but the first trail led to the reside at Wroxton Abbey. The PORTRAIT OF FREDERICK LAW Biltmore estate in Asheville, N.C., results visually captured so well OLMSTED BY , where I had visited on a fam- (PERMISSION OF THE BILTMORE the bigger historic narrative of ily vacation in 2011, and recalled COMPANY, ASHEVILLE, N.C.) this important Grade I Listed Build- certain Vanderbilt portraits. As ing, thereby allowing the FDU her siblings and parents, Going the largest private home built in community and guests to appre- to the Opera, by Seymour Guy. the United States, Biltmore was ciate the importance of those who These six portraits best suited commissioned by George Wash- had made history at this great the goals of our project. ington Vanderbilt in the 1890s, country estate. the same decade as his older sis- The next step was to reach out ter, Florence Vanderbilt Twombly, to the Biltmore curatorial staff, The first task was to and her husband commissioned who could not have been more gracious and willing to work with locate portraits relevant the renowned architectural firm, McKim, Mead & White, to build a “fellow Vanderbilt estate,” as to the history of those Florham. aptly put by Laura Overbey, the collections manager. At nominal who designed the The common design link to cost to the Friends of Florham, Florham estate, and these two Vanderbilt siblings’ es- they hired a local photographer tates was Frederick Law Olmsted, to capture the images for our sin- those who made it America’s premier landscape ar- gle-use, and to print on canvas for their home. chitect who, having designed public display in Hennessy Hall. Central Park (with Calvert Vaux) Biltmore was able to add the lat- in New York, late in his career est digital image to their archives, But Wroxton Abbey isn’t the designed the landscapes of both while the Friends of Florham only great country estate in the Florham and Biltmore. Olmsted’s could add these six portraits to portfolio of properties that com- full-length portrait by the premier its own budding collection. Olm- prise FDU. It crossed my mind portrait artist, John Singer Sar- sted now hangs proudly in the that we could do the same for the gent, sits prominently off the Great Hall at Florham, while the “Mansion,” which is known today main hall past the entrance at other portraits will soon be ready as Hennessy Hall, at Florham. Biltmore. Down the hall in the to display. Upon my return from my sabbati- breakfast room, the portraits of cal in England, Campus Provost Florence’s father, William H. Van- With one solid relationship Peter Woolley asked me to join derbilt, and her grandfather, Cor- established, we subsequently the Friends of Florham Board as nelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt (continued on page 7) 6 | FRIENDS OF FLORHAM FLORHAM PORTRAITS PROJECT (continued) contacted Columbia University, versity, who graciously agreed to ence’s oldest brother, Cornelius whose campus was also de- contract the digital imaging and Vanderbilt II, and the descen- signed by McKim, Mead, & White single-use printing on canvas for dants of Stanford White who as well as Olmsted — a design our public display. still own Box Hill, his landmark team shared with Florham. In its home on Long Island. Collec- landmark Low Library just off the Meanwhile, we are tively, these portraits, along with rotunda is the Twombly-Burden those that FDU already has, will Room, which houses more than looking to obtain more tell more fully the story about the half a dozen portraits of two gen- portraits, particularly Vanderbilts, Twomblys and Bur- erations who resided at Florham. dens over five generations from At a history awards dinner in 2011 of those involved the mid-19th to the mid-20th cen- inside the Low Library, I literally with the building and turies. The project will connect stumbled upon the open door Florham with its design team and to the room, and recognized the design of Florham. its architectural lineage with Bilt- portrait of Hamilton Twombly im- more and the Breakers, estates mediately. Upon entering, I saw Meanwhile, we are looking to that defined the grandeur of the a youthful portrait of Florence obtain more portraits, particu- Gilded Age. These dozen or so Vanderbilt as well as her daugh- larly of those involved with the portraits will also transform the ter and namesake, Florence, and building and design of Florham. Great Hall and Lenfell Hall into her husband, William Burden. I Future portrait goals include con- a museum-quality portrait gal- contacted the curatorial staff of tacting the Breakers in Newport, lery for generations to come. Art Properties at Columbia Uni- R.I., the legendary estate of Flor- — Prof. Gary Helm Darden, PhD

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS (continued) well-designed website in 2010, took a long-neglected treasure Valerie Adams, recently retired http://www.fdu.edu/fof. With 7,046 and brought it to life.” The first director of career development, is views during the past ten months, project of the Friends was the continuing to serve on the board. the website is a popular go-to- restoration of the lower fountain And we are most grateful for the site for information about the his- garden in 1994, the Clowney Gar- efforts of Barbara Dawson, Carol tory of Florham, Hennessy Hall, den, which was dedicated to the Black, Bill Kennedy, Walter Cum- grounds and events. In addition, memory of William D. Clowney, mins, and Brigid Burke on our an attractive photo-filled Face- a member of the Friends board, behalf, and Chris Johnson and book page was created in 2014, and a trustee of FDU (see page Hollister Construction for their ex- https://www.facebook.com/fdu 1). The centerfold of this newslet- quisite restoration of the Sarah friendsofflorham. ter displays selected highlights Sullivan Lounge. We appreciate The Friends digital project with — significant projects completed the interest, enthusiasm and help perhaps the greatest long-term by the Friends throughout their of current Florham provost, Peter impact for Vanderbilt-Twombly re- tenure (see pages 4–5). Woolley, and most especially cur- search, and knowledge of the pe- The strong support by the rent President Sheldon Drucker, riod, in general, was the archiving FDU community for the Friends’ for their cooperation and interest and digitization in 2010 of the projects was instrumental from in our projects and events. important bequest from Edward the beginning. We thank former We also remember and thank Burden, great-grandson of the president, the late Dr. J. Michael Friends’ board members, past Twomblys. This important trove Adams, who recognized early and present, for their dedication included 12 household ledgers, the importance of the Friends’ and generosity. We will always business and financial data, fam- work, and his wife, Susan, who remember with great fondness ily correspondence, and family worked in the trenches with us. and appreciation the late Barba- photographs taken by Shirley We also thank former Florham ra Keefauver, Shannie Doremus, Burden, profesional photographer Provost Kenneth Greene, former Walter Savage, and Friends co- and grandson of the Twomblys. Associate Provost Marilyn Rye, founder Dr. James Fraser, among This newsletter specifically cel- and former Treasurer Susan Mc- others. And our deepest ap- ebrates the various preservation, Conville for their support. We preciation goes to our founding restoration, and education proj- are most thankful that Eleanor president, Emma Joy Dana, who ects of the Friends. The challeng- Friedl, reference librarian, and will always be among “the Best of es were clear from the outset, Gary Darden, history professor, Friends.” but as former longtime president, currently serve as University li- Linda Meister, said, “ The Friends aisons to our board, and that — Carol Bere

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Name______Address______City______State______Zip______Telephone______ORDER THE BOOK Please check desired category: Your gift is tax-deductible Copies may be purchased at the Florham Campus bookstore and q $25 — Friend q $50 — Special Friend online through Amazon.com. the q $100 — Contributor q $200 — Supporter Friends’ website http://fdu.edu/fof or through the Fairleigh Dickinson q $500 — Patron q $1,000 — Sponsor University Alumni Association Please mail your check to: website at www.myfdu.net.fofbook. Friends of Florham, The Library For questions concerning your Fairleigh Dickinson University order, please contact Claudia Florham Campus Bunimovich at (201) 692-7017 or 285 Madison Avenue [email protected]. Madison, N.J. 07940