New Canaan -- Waveny Farm

Object Details

General: In 1904, Lewis Lapham bought the property and added 170 acres. Tudor mansion, "Waveny," was designed by W. B. Tubby. The gardens were designed by the Frederick Law Olmstead firm. In 1967, this 350 acre parcel of land was deeded to the Town of New Canaan for the future use of its residents. Rose Garden: Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., originally designed the walled garden as a rose garden with tea house. The walled garden fell into disrepair. Major repairs to brick walls, roofing, treillage, tea house, and a brick path in this garden were completed in October, 1995. For practical reasons, the central space--formerly filled with roses--was newly designed to be a low maintenance garden around the perimeter. Benches, fountain, tea house, and urns were reconstructed according to Olmstead plans. Restoration was made possible by private donations and by the New Canaan Garden Club. The garden is currently used for weddings, receptions, concerts, and other ceremonies Persons and firms associated with the garden and property include: Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Lapham (former owner, 1904-1967); Town of New Canaan (owner, 1967-present); and Olmsted Brothers Landscape Architects (landscape architects, ?-1917); and William B. Tubby (architect).

See more items in: Richard Marchand historical postcard collection (35mm slides); Richard Marchand historical postcard collection (35mm slides) / Connecticut

Sponsor: A project to describe images in this finding aid in this collection received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.

Collection Citation: Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, Richard Marchand historical postcard collection.

Collection Rights: Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.

Bibliography: Garden featured in Louise Shelton, Beautiful Gardens in America (New York: Charles Scribner & Sons, 1924).

Collection Restrictions: Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.