Whalers Gate news is brought to you by the team at North Taranaki Midweek
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
Another fascinating home and garden that I really enjoyed visiting in Fort Lauderdale, USA is a place by the name of Bonnet House Musuem and Gardens. I became intrigued about this historical place because a water taxi guide pointed it out while we were on the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort … View moreAnother fascinating home and garden that I really enjoyed visiting in Fort Lauderdale, USA is a place by the name of Bonnet House Musuem and Gardens. I became intrigued about this historical place because a water taxi guide pointed it out while we were on the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale whilst spending a week there following one of our Caribbean cruises. From the water, the 35 acres look like a jungle, a section of property completely undeveloped and straddling the land between the Intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean. Somewhere in all that greenery, though, was a house — an historic house, a legendary house. The story, according to the water taxi guide — who tells tales of all the mansions along the Intracoastal — is the house was the home of two artists, Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. In 1983, thirty years after Frederic’s death, she gifted her little piece of paradise to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation so future generations could see Florida the way it looked in 1931, the year she married Frederic. In exchange, Evelyn would be allowed to live there — tax-free — until her death. The Trust, the City, the County, and the State couldn’t decline such a generous gift, particularly because Mrs. Bartlett was, at the time of the gifting, already 96 years old.Mrs. Bartlett, held onto the estate until she passed at 107 years of age — which meant the US government did not receive taxes on the property for 14 years.
When one first arrives there is a long driveway that slices through natural, untouched land. There’s a grassy parking area, and after paying the entrance fee, visitors gathered in the desert garden — a sandy area that’s an oasis of succulents, cactus, and date palms. There aren’t any manicured lawns or formal gardens. When the tour guide arrived, we moved as a group to the gate. Frederic Clay Bartlett, said the guide, was already a widower when he built the house in 1921 after receiving the land as a gift from the father of his second wife, the poet Helen Louise Birch. At the time, Fort Lauderdale was a small settlement on the New River and Florida panthers roamed the barrier beaches. At last, the guide opened the gate, and as more and more came into view — I felt like Charlie stepping into Willy Wonka’s whimsical world. The house — simple, rustic, brightly painted — was built around an open-air courtyard. A covered colonnade keeps the sun off of guests as they walk from room to room. Bartlett’s second wife died in 1925. Soon after, he met Evelyn, the daughter of a wealthy Midwest family and the ex-wife of Eli Lilly, grandson of the founder of the Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Company. Upon their marriage, she began to add her touches to the home, which was built to look like a Caribbean plantation. According to an interview with Mrs. Bartlett, the interior was “very severe” and “had no decoration at all.” Mrs. Bartlett changed all that. She even gave the house its name in honour of the bonnet lilies that bloomed in the waterway adjacent to the main house. The house is most certainly a celebration of two artists who travelled, collected art (much of which the couple donated to the Art Institute of Chicago), and loved each other. Art is everywhere — and each item has meaning — which is a big reason why every effort is taken to preserve the contents of the house. There is no air conditioning and no photography (which is why my photos are of outdoor moments). In addition to decorating the house, Mrs. Bartlett also decorated the outdoors with many varieties of orchids. One news report even said she could recount how and where every plant was found, collected, or purchased. Which brings me to the one indoor photo I had to take — of the Orchid House. There was so much light streaming in, and I figured my camera couldn’t hurt it. I also thought Mrs. Bartlett, although very private, was a gardener who knew all of the details of her plants and wouldn’t mind sharing her orchids with the rest of the world.
If you enjoy history and nature, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a must-see.
The property was originally acquired in 1895 by Hugh Taylor Birch, a successful Chicago lawyer, and given to his daughter Helen and her husband, artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, as a wedding gift in 1919. Bartlett built a plantation-style home on the property and wintered there with his wife and child from a previous marriage, Frederic Jr, until Helen died in 1925. As a memorial to his late wife Bartlett donated his extensive art collection to the Art Institute of Chicago. Bartlett was a self-taught architect, the main house is based on his interpretation of Caribbean plantation-style architecture.Bartlett then married Evelyn Fortune Lilly, ex-wife of Eli Lilly, and they continued to use the home as a winter residence until his death in 1953 and hers in 1997. She deeded the property in 1983 to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, which maintains the property as a historic house museum called the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. The estate was valued at $35 million, the largest single private donation in state history. In 1988 Jon Nordheimer of The New York Times described it as, "an unrivaled time capsule neatly preserved from an era earlier in the century when the wealthy elite could afford a cozy 35-acre winter hideaway in Florida.
In addition to their historic significance, the Bonnet House grounds encompass one of the last examples in South Florida of a native barrier island habitat. Five distinct ecosystems can be found on the property including the Atlantic Ocean beach and primary dune, a fresh water slough, the secondary dune which includes the house site, mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest. In compliment to the natural vegetation, the grounds contain a Desert Garden composed of arid plantings, a hibiscus garden, and the main courtyard planted with tropical vegetation. Evelyn Bartlett was a passionate orchid collector. Various blooming examples are rotated regularly through the estate’s Orchid Display House. Today, Bonnet House is a haven for migratory birds, year round birds indigenous to Florida wetland and coastal areas, and manatees that occasionally seek refuge in the estate’s Boathouse Canal. Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma caused significant damage to the grounds in 2005 and destroyed much of the estate’s upper tree canopy. A major restoration project was begun in 2008 to replant the grounds to restore them to their period of significance appearance and to shield the property’s historic view corridors from neighbouring development.
Toyota New Zealand is issuing a recall for 1200 vehicles in New Zealand. It's due to stalling issues.
It follows the news on Friday out of the US that it is recalling 2.4 million hybrid-electric cars, mostly Prius models, around the world to fix an electronic defect that cause the vehicles … View moreToyota New Zealand is issuing a recall for 1200 vehicles in New Zealand. It's due to stalling issues.
It follows the news on Friday out of the US that it is recalling 2.4 million hybrid-electric cars, mostly Prius models, around the world to fix an electronic defect that cause the vehicles to suddenly lose power that could "increase the risk of a crash."
The recall in the US includes various Prius models that were built from 2010 to 2014, the same cars that were recalled earlier and fixed with a software update that lawsuits allege was not effective in preventing power losses.
New Zealand owners are asked to contact 0800 TOYOTA (0800 869 682) for more information.
New Zealand’s youth suicide rate is the highest in the developed world. To break the silence, The Warehouse is partnering with Youthline from 10 - 30 Oct. You can support young people in crisis to get the help they need by buying a $2 pen or donating at the checkout. Your support will ensure … View moreNew Zealand’s youth suicide rate is the highest in the developed world. To break the silence, The Warehouse is partnering with Youthline from 10 - 30 Oct. You can support young people in crisis to get the help they need by buying a $2 pen or donating at the checkout. Your support will ensure that every call, text and email to Youthline gets answered.
Head to your local store to donate today! The Warehouse, partnering with you for a better community.
"Staying independent, confident and healthy is important at any age, but especially if you or someone you love is over 65. Have you heard about the ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ movement? There’s a website full of practical information and advice, as well as local strength and balance … View more"Staying independent, confident and healthy is important at any age, but especially if you or someone you love is over 65. Have you heard about the ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ movement? There’s a website full of practical information and advice, as well as local strength and balance classes to keep you steady on your feet.
Go to livestronger.org.nz to find out more and keep loving your independence. Brought to you by ACC, Ministry of Health and Health Quality and Safety Commission."
Hi neighbours, do you like to use potting mix and compost in your garden? If so, are you aware of the risks?
ESR scientists say infection rates from legionella bacteria found in potting mix and compost are rising and gardeners need to be careful. They advise anyone working closely with these … View moreHi neighbours, do you like to use potting mix and compost in your garden? If so, are you aware of the risks?
ESR scientists say infection rates from legionella bacteria found in potting mix and compost are rising and gardeners need to be careful. They advise anyone working closely with these mixtures to wear a close-fitting face mask and gardening gloves. Find out what else you can do to protect yourself against Legionnaires' disease, here.
House lot of iron in good condition for sale @ $3.50 per metre. Ph 027 339 6838.
Hi neighbours,
Are government-funded school lunches needed in our community? Experts have said free school lunches could address a "blind spot" in efforts to eliminate child poverty in NZ. To read more, click here.
Sweden, for example, offers free nutritious school lunches to children … View moreHi neighbours,
Are government-funded school lunches needed in our community? Experts have said free school lunches could address a "blind spot" in efforts to eliminate child poverty in NZ. To read more, click here.
Sweden, for example, offers free nutritious school lunches to children in all primary schools. Is this something NZ should be doing too? Or should funding be focused elsewhere? Would funded lunches help your family? Let us know your thoughts in the replies below.
(Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)
Many New Zealanders loved Kiwiana and it helped define us on the world stage – but Kiwiana was a creation of the last century. New Zealand's national paper, the Sunday Star-Times, is embarking on a project to find out what Kiwiana has evolved into and how it encapsulates the values of our … View moreMany New Zealanders loved Kiwiana and it helped define us on the world stage – but Kiwiana was a creation of the last century. New Zealand's national paper, the Sunday Star-Times, is embarking on a project to find out what Kiwiana has evolved into and how it encapsulates the values of our diverse, innovative 21st century nation.
Join us as we explore what Kiwi culture looks like in neighbourhoods across the country. In the coming weeks, you'll notice a few posts about Kiwi innovations popping up across Neighbourly - we'd love for you engage and let us know what innovations and innovators you think need profiling!
Come and create memories of a lifetime next Autumn as the annual Readers’ Rail Tour heads north on an unforgettable journey exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand.
Join us as we explore Te Puia Geothermal Valley, sample world class wines on Waiheke Island and spend three nights… View moreCome and create memories of a lifetime next Autumn as the annual Readers’ Rail Tour heads north on an unforgettable journey exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand.
Join us as we explore Te Puia Geothermal Valley, sample world class wines on Waiheke Island and spend three nights at the elegant Chateau Tongariro plus so much more.
Fabulous scenery, company, food, wine and excursions all combine to make this a brilliant experience.
Take this once a year opportunity to attend a unique and tranquil Japanese tradition. The tea ceremony is conducted by a visiting Tea Master from Japan, here for the festival only. The significance and history behind the event is explained during the ceremony.
The stunning Japanese Tea House is … View moreTake this once a year opportunity to attend a unique and tranquil Japanese tradition. The tea ceremony is conducted by a visiting Tea Master from Japan, here for the festival only. The significance and history behind the event is explained during the ceremony.
The stunning Japanese Tea House is made from oregon, pine and teak as well as other materials imported from Japan. The small garden surrounding the tea house was designed and built by Japanese landscape gardeners.
Ceremony Times
10:30am and 5pm
26 October to 4th November 2018
$5 per person
Bookings essential
This is a unique experience not to be missed. Book with Naomi Wilson by emailing naomi.wilson@xtra.co.nz or phone 0274 926 121.
UK comedy great, actor and star of the iconic Not the Nine O’Clock News GRIFF RHYS JONES, is bringing his hilarious live show of stories, anecdotes and stand-up, Where Was I?, to New Zealand this November!
Griff will deliver an evening of laughter from forty years of travelling - through … View moreUK comedy great, actor and star of the iconic Not the Nine O’Clock News GRIFF RHYS JONES, is bringing his hilarious live show of stories, anecdotes and stand-up, Where Was I?, to New Zealand this November!
Griff will deliver an evening of laughter from forty years of travelling - through family, manhood and the world itself. He has been down rivers and up mountains - literally into Africa, out of India and across oceans in Three Men and A Boat, Mountains, Rivers and other adventures.
Where Was I? promises to be a riotous ride around the world. And all without the help of Bear Grylls.
Tickets are selling fast so get in quick!
A Wellington sculpture worth an estimated $300,000 has been broken in two by a swimmer. The Len Ly…
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
