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Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Notes From the Garden ~ Celebrating Women’s History Month ~ Pauline Martindale Pope Day

 

 

 

Celebrating Women’s History Month ~ Pauline Martindale Pope Day

Pauline Martindale Pope Day was a genteel woman of remarkable character and unwavering resilience. Born on September 11, 1875, in New York, Pauline overcame significant hardships with strength and grace. Childhood measles left her deaf, and in 1907, she tragically lost part of a leg in a train boarding accident at the Millburn Station in New Jersey. Yet these challenges did not diminish her spirit, and she went on to lead a rich and fulfilling life alongside her beloved husband and six children.

On June 1, 1898, Pauline married Joseph P. Day in New York City. At the time of her marriage, her husband earned only $50 a week, but soon after he entered the real-estate business. Less than a decade later, the Days were millionaires.

In 1906, even though the now wealthy couple maintained a city residence in Gramercy Park, they purchased a country estate in the fledgling upscale suburban community of Short Hills, New Jersey. “Pleasant Days,” their name for the property, would one day become Greenwood Gardens.

A devoted wife and a loving mother, Pauline was known for organizing joyful family picnics in the wooded areas of her country estate, complete with corn roasts and homemade treats. She played games with her children and, on occasion, personally drove them in horse and buggy to Short Hills Country Day School. Notably, one of her daughters was presented at Buckingham Palace to King George V and Queen Mary during a European trip in 1926–27.

Pauline also found purpose at Pleasant Days. There were extensive vegetable gardens on the property, and she sold the excess produce weekly at Newark’s Central Market. She also kept over 100 chickens, selling their eggs to local grocers.

After battling an illness, she passed away on July 29, 1932, at 56 years of age. Her legacy of resilience, devotion, and warmth continues to endure at Greenwood Gardens, and we are honored to highlight her life for Women’s History Month.

 

The Day family seated in the garden circa 1918. (L to R): Bernard Day, Fairfield Day, Mrs. Joseph P. Day, Pauline Day (later Mrs. Arthur French), Joseph P. Day, Charles Day, Laura Day (later Mrs. James Barrett), and Joseph P. Day, Jr.

 

 

NEW SENSORY EXPERIENCE SERIES!

The Art, Science, and Mystery of Seeing

Thursday, May 1  ~ 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

With Carl Klemme, Co-owner, Glow Yoga Center

Join Carl on a sensorial inquiry into the art and science of seeing, deep listening, and simply being present. This 90-minute experiential program will make use of the beauty of Greenwood as a springboard into moments of “replicable uplift.” Participants will learn simple techniques for calling on their innate intuitive capacities and reawakening the child within. Come away, perhaps, with the ability to see the world through “new eyes.”

$15 members; $20 non-members

Click here for more information

 

THE PETER P. BLANCHARD III LECTURE SERIES
The Artist in Residence:
Interpreting a Multi-layered Garden Oasis

Sunday, May 18  ~ 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

With Pat Brentano, Artist and Environmentalist

From preliminary black and white photos and pencil drawings for composition, to small watercolors establishing her color palette, to larger finished paintings, accomplished artist Pat Brentano will share the process she undertook to interpret the complex synergy between nature, architecture, and the antique garden ornaments found throughout Greenwood’s historic site. Her stunning two dimensional paintings bring nature alive on her canvases. Enjoy iced tea and cookies following the presentation while lingering over an exhibit of Pat’s completed work.

$20 members; $25 non-members

Click here for more information

 

 

 

Greenwood Gardens
274 Old Short Hills Road
Short Hills, NJ 07078

Phone: 973.258.4026