Grove of Remembrance, Druid Hill

From the amazing Atlas Obscura, comes this description of the Grove of Remembrance at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore. 

Planted by the War Mothers of World War I on October 8, 1919, the oak trees in the largely forgotten Grove of Remembrance in Baltimore’s 745-acre Druid Hill Park continue to thrive to this day. Ultimately, one tree was planted for each state in the union—48 at the time—along with additional trees representing the City of Baltimore, the allies of the United States, and President Woodrow Wilson.

The ceremony was described as “one of the most beautiful ever in Baltimore,” according to press accounts of the event the following day.

The quiet dedication was attended by Mayor William Broening, Baltimore-born Cardinal James Gibbons, Maryland Governor Emerson Harrington, and the French ambassador to the United States. Also in attendance were 20 wounded veterans from the Great War.

Two stone markers along Druid Hill Park’s Beechwood Drive signify the entrance to the Grove of Remembrance.

A pair of bronze plaques highlight the grove’s historic dedication and the location of each state tree, which were planted 25 feet apart from one another. More trees have been planted for subsequent wars. On Mother’s Day in 1927, former First Lady Edith Wilson participated in the groundbreaking of a memorial pavilion at the grove, which also remains to this day. For decades, the grove hosted annual memorial events on Mother’s Day.

Nestled in the grove near the Maryland Zoo, the stone-and-slate Grove of Remembrance Pavilion has stood for more than 90 years, but is in need of repair and upkeep. Designed by architect E.L. Palmer, the rustic pavilion is dedicated to First Lt. Merrill Rosenfeld, a prominent Baltimore attorney. Serving in the 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, Rosenfeld was leading his men during the Battle of Verdun when he was killed on October 16, 1918. For his actions and courage, Rosenfeld was honored with a Distinguished Service Cross. 

While the grove and its pavilion are not central to the park, and the pillars aren't on a well-used road, more than 100 years after the first trees were planted, it's as important as ever to remember those who went before us. 

 

On the Market: 3805 Greenway

If a house has an address on Greenway, you can be pretty sure that it's going to be beautiful, as Greenway is one of the most lovely streets in the city. This Palmer & Lamdin-designed house at 3805 is no exception.

From the realtor's listing:

Welcome to 3805 Greenway, a warm and gracious Georgian Colonial masterpiece. Designed by architects Palmer, Willis and Lamdin in 1924, this Guilford home of note exudes a stately presence and at the same time offers all one desires for 21st century living.

The residence is beautifully sited on a generous 1.08 acre lot, with room to spare for a sweeping tiered front garden. Upon entering, a graceful yet dramatic center hall entryway embraces you, setting the stage for a lifestyle experience of comfort, ease and modern elegance.

With 11'+ ceilings, handsome polished hardwood floors reflecting natural light spilling from the bank of windows from the landing above, exquisite inset Corinthian columns and prominent dentil moldings, the home is sophisticated and welcoming, unrivaled in quality and architectural design. The main floor offers an ideal floor plan, with wide open spaces that flow from one to the other, accommodating your modern lifestyle, yet reflecting the tradition and historic quality of homes of this period.

The billiard room delights, with a fireplace and surrounding built in bookcases by the Potthast Brothers - famed Baltimore furniture makers. Located just off the kitchen, the Great Room has been completely remodeled, with no detail overlooked. Surrounded by windows with white plantation shutters, French doors, and a dramatic coffered ceiling, this is the perfect room for relaxing, recharging, and spending time at home.

Formal living and dining rooms, with unique and original fireplaces, decorative moldings and notable architectural details, offer generous space for dining and entertaining on an intimate or grand scale, as you prefer. An open and airy modern chef's kitchen provides optimal flow for cooking and entertaining. The room is replete with a crystal chandelier, Viking stove and wall ovens, KitchenAid dishwasher and Sub-Zero refrigerator. An office wing, laundry and adjacent exercise room bring convenience to your busy life.

The primary suite offers a dressing room with a double walk in closet, stately double vanities, and a large soaking tub. Three more bedrooms en-suite and a bright and spacious office with fireplace round out the second floor.

The third floor presents endless opportunities with additional bedrooms and baths, including a fabulous 33 x 16-foot space to create a recreation room, home office, yoga or art studio - or whatever you desire.

The meticulously maintained grounds and gardens offer opportunities for leisure, entertaining and exercising. Enjoy the various patios, grassy lawn, salt water hot tub, and tennis court. Convert the tennis court to a temporary Pickleball court or a dance floor for a wedding or summer soiree!

As proud stewards of this historic beauty, the owners have taken great care and consideration to update and modernize all elements of the home while staying true to the period in which the house was designed and built.

The listing is here.