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Serving
Nostalgia: A History of Tennis at Greenwood
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Long before Greenwood was established as a public
garden, one of the property’s earliest owners, the prosperous
real-estate auctioneer, Joseph P. Day, commissioned William A.
Renwick, a local artist, landscape designer, and architect, to
conceive and construct a new home with extensive gardens and
outbuildings to nurture and delight the lively young Day family.
Among Renwick’s designs for the property that came to be called
“Pleasant Days” was that of the small, stately Tennis Pavilion,
used by the Day family for changing into tennis clothes and
storing tennis equipment. Situated across from the 1925 and
1926 cottages, the Pavilion harmonized with the elegance of the
Main House, showcasing tile and stucco exteriors, slate roofs,
Renwick-inspired urns, custom-designed Rookwood tiles, and a
pristine clay tennis court.
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The Day family enjoying a game of tennis on
the clay court, circa 1925
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South of the Pavilion lay the Tennis Loggia, its
curved pergola and arched gateway providing a picturesque link
between the Main House and the tennis courts. The Loggia’s arched
wall opening featured a charming wooden slat hand-gate,
reminiscent of illustrations from a children’s nursery book, and
was adorned with Rookwood tiles. The area was lushly
planted with summer annuals, planters, and urns lining the
steps and concrete walkways, as ivy gracefully draped the walls.
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The Tennis Loggia, circa 1925
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Although the original clay tennis court was
transformed into the Cottage Parking Lot during the meticulous
preparations for Greenwood Gardens' public opening by
the late Peter P. Blanchard III and his wife, Sofia A.
Blanchard, and despite the 1950s demolition of
the turnaround that once separated the Loggia from the
house, these architectural treasures remain as enduring symbols
of the elegance and beauty of a bygone era, preserving the
enchanted spirit of “Pleasant Days” for all who visit the
Greenwood of today.
Image at top of page: Tennis Pavilion, current day
Images below: Tennis Pavilion and Tennis Loggia, current
day
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Horticulture and History Tour and
Lunch
with Sonia Uyterhoeven, Head of Horticulture, and
Stephanie Murphy, Public Engagement Manager
Wednesday,
July 31 ~ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Delve into the history of Greenwood’s plant
collection and property features and gain fascinating insight into
the ways in which the Day and Blanchard families made use of the
property. Finish this one-and-a-half-hour tour with a boxed lunch
on the terrace and further discussion. Price includes lunch. Lunch
options will be emailed to you once you register.
$35 members; $45 non-members
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Tour of the Historic Main House
Wednesday, August 7 ~ 10
a.m. - 11 a.m.
With Stephanie Murphy,
Public Engagement Manager
Learn about the Blanchard family — Peter, Jr.,
Adelaide, and their son, the late Peter P. Blanchard III, our
co-founder who grew up in this 1950’s Georgian Revival home. Tour
the first floor and hear delightful stories that will take you back
in time and leave you with a new appreciation for this exceptional
family. This tour includes an in-depth discussion of the main
hallway’s Zuber wallpaper, prized for its extensive depictions of
European country life.
$15 members; $20 non-members
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Meditation Walk
Thursday,
August 22 ~ 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
With Carl Klemme,
Owner, Glow Yoga Center
In this session, you will learn and practice
meditation and mindfulness, approaches to quieting the mind that
can enhance sleep, support heart health, and provide a boost to
your immune system. There will be some breathing practices and a
practical exploration of the ideal posture for sitting still. We
will enjoy our practice of meditation in various beautiful
locations in the garden which always enhances the experience of
inner stillness. Participants will be provided with take-home
resources to support an ongoing practice of meditation. These
sessions are perfect for those new to meditation, while more
experienced practitioners are bound to learn something new as they
enjoy the benefits of sitting with a group.
$15 members; $20 non-members
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More
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