SPRING 2003 LEAF QUOTE
" my dear friend I think I am heartier now than ever I was in all my life which I attribute in A great measure to very temperate living & much exercise of body…"
-John Bartram (age 70) to Dr. Fothergill, 1769
PHOTO OF NEW ADMINISTRATION BUILDING IN SNOW
photo: James Dart
New Administration Building under two- feet of snow, February 19, 2003
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
In my first eighteen months at the Garden we have weathered terrorism, war, and recession. Through it all the members of the John Bartram Association and many other organizations and individuals remain rock solid in their support of our mission to preserve, interpret, and enhance Bartram’s Garden. We raised and spent over two million dollars to provide programs and expand facilities. Our new administration building and garden barn are nearing completion. The house and garden look great! Everyone we talk to is excited about the coming dock and the opportunities it will bring. The deep snows of winter recharged our groundwater and the positive energy surrounding Bartram’s Garden continues to charge me despite all the turmoil in the world. Please accept my sincere thanks and my hope that when next I write the world will be at peace. -Bill LeFevre
IN MEMORIUM
With deep regret and sadness, we report the passing of long-time staff member Jesse Rush on January 5, 2003. Jesse, uncle of assistant to the director Andrea Taylor, dedicatedly maintained both buildings and grounds, and was particularly fond of blowing leaves in the fall. A brick has been installed in the barnyard in Jesse’s memory near the door to his "office" below the barn.
THE GREAT DESERT: A BARTRAM TRAIL TOUR THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY PINE BARRENS
Much of the American landscape that John Bartram traveled has changed forever, but much of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens remains a natural wilderness, just the way he saw it.
Join Joel T. Fry, Curator of Historic Collections, and Dr. William Cahill, author of "William Bartram and the Romance of Learning," on Saturday, June 21st as they follow Bartram’s explorations through the Pine Barrens. Bartram’s more distant trips to New York, New England, and the South are celebrated, but his local collecting activities are less well known even though he probably collected in New Jersey almost every year of his adult life.
The group will visit locations with plants Bartram was known to collect such as Webb’s Mill Bog, with an abundance of pitcher plants, orchids, and other rare Pine Barrens natives; The Plains, a unique environment features pine and oak trees that stand only shoulder high where Bartram collected his "Dwarf Pine of the Desert"; and Batsto, in Wharton Sate Forest, where a wide range of Pine Barrens plants are found including Bartram’s "grassy plant" – the turkey beard or Xerophyllum asphodeloides.
Participants will meet at the Red Lion (NJ) Diner at the intersection of routes 206 and 70 by 8am and caravan to several sites until calling it a day by 4pm. Not all the roads we will travel are paved, but are well graded and passable. Bring lunch and water. Be prepared for a day outside with moderate walking. The cost is $20 (non-members $25) Call 215-729-5281 to register
Saturday May 3rd, 10am-4pm
Member's Preview Sale, Friday May 2nd noon-4pm
SCHUYLKILL RIVER CRUISES
Experience the future of tourism and entertainment on the lower Schuylkill River as we prepare to build a permanent public dock at the Garden in 2004. Join us aboard the River Loop for an hour-long cruise up the river through Center City to the Waterworks and back,
This is an experience you will not want to miss, call 215-729-5281 now to reserve space or download a registration form at www.bartramsgarden.org and drop in the mail, $15 per person members and non-members.
Please register early, we expect these trips will sell out quickly. (click here for info)
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Saturday May 3rd - departures at 2pm & 4pm
In conjunction with the Annual Bartram Native Plant Sale 10am-4pm
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Sunday August 17th - departures at 4pm & 6pm
In conjunction with curator Joel Fry’s Franklinia lecture at 2pm
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Saturday October 11th - departures at 1pm & 3pm
In conjunction with our celebration of the 275th Anniversary of the purchase of the property by John Bartram in 1728
Cruises depart from the rowing dock at the bottom of the meadow at Bartram’s Garden. Wear comfortable shoes. Moderate walking and steps involved boarding the vessel. For more information regarding the River Loop visit www.riverloop.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday May 3, 2003 10am-4pm
(Member’s Preview Friday May 2, noon-4pm)
Bartram Native Plant Sale (click for details)
River Cruises, 2 and 4pm (see article)
Sunday May 4, 2003 8:30-10 am
Birding the Bartram Meadow
Join expert birder Denis Brennan and executive director Bill LeFevre for a morning in the Bartram Meadow during peak migration. Meet in parking lot. Free
Saturday June 21, 2003 8am-4pm
The Great Desert: A Bartram Trail Tour through the New Jersey Pine Barrens (see article)
Thursday July 24, 2003 6pm
Lecture: Philadelphia Botany and Horticulture in the Time of Lewis and Clark curator Joel T. Fry Admission: $5, members free
Sunday August 17, 2003 2pm
Lecture: The Franklin Tree
Discover the unusual history of the rare and beautiful flowering tree Franklinia alatamaha named for John Bartram’s close friend Benjamin Franklin, with curator Joel T. Fry.
Admission: $5, members free
River Cruises, 4 and 6pm (see article)
Saturday October 11, 2003 noon – 6pm
275th Anniversary Celebration
Join us as we celebrate the 275th anniversary of John Bartram’s purchase of the garden in 1728. Events include the dedication of our new administration building and garden barn.
River Cruises, 1 and 3pm (see article)
A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO HELP PRESERVE BARTRAM’S GARDEN
The John Bartram Association is pleased to announce it now offers Charitable Gift Annuities in partnership with The Philadelphia Foundation. Through Charitable Gift Annuities, you are guaranteed lifelong income, tax benefits, and the comfort of knowing causes you care about today are supported forever. Charitable Gift Annuities are one of the best financial planning and estate planning opportunities available today, for further information contact executive director Bill LeFevre at (215) 729-5281.
NEW FACE IN THE GARDEN
The education department welcomes Carolyn Scott to its staff. Carolyn is recently retired from the Springfield public school system and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our education and public programs. Some may recognize Caroline from her earlier stint as a part-timer several years ago, welcome back!
JOHN BARTRAM HOUSE AWARDS
The John Bartram House exterior conservation project completed last year has received two preservation awards. The first is a 2003 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award from Preservation Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. JBA president Sidney Spahr and executive director Bill LeFevre will accept the award at a luncheon in Harrisburg on May 22nd. The second award is a 2003 Preservation Achievement Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. Bill will accept that award at a luncheon at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue on May 15th. The Association is grateful to the entire project team including curator Joel Fry, project architect Dale Frens, and general contractor Ted Nickles, for a job well done.
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