Bryce, James, 1887-1964

Scope and Contents: Typescript letter with handwritten signature from Isabelle M. Stover on behalf of Beatrix Farrand to John Thacher discusses Mildred Bliss's contribution to Anne Sweeney's salary. Beatrix Farrand will be responsible for two months of Anne Sweeney's salary and hopes to save three months out of James Bryce's budget. Harvard University would make up the difference. She reports Mildred Bliss has approved of the draft Harvard report and will write more later. She proposes dates for John Thacher's...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from Isabelle Stover on behalf of Beatrix Farrand to James Bryce tells him an enclosed bulb order should go to Oregon Bulb Farms. The Narcissi bulbs are for both Dumbarton Oaks and Mildred Bliss. The Bliss order was heartily approved by John Thacher. Also enclosed with the letter was a copy of an order that was sent to George Lawler for tulips next season. Bryce is to let Stover know at once if something needs to be changed on the order. Another order enclosed was...

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Copy of typescript letter from Isabelle M. Stover to James Bryce tells him 5 different varieties of tulip bulbs are available from George Lawler and encloses a copy of a letter from Beatrix Farrand to John Thacher. The enclosed letter is no longer with this letter.

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from Isabelle Stover to James Bryce informs him of the seed order for 1943 and encloses seed orders already sent out as well as returning the copies of seed orders which were loaned to Beatrix Farrand. The enclosed seed orders are no longer with this letter. Sutton & Sons catalog offered a limited number of seeds, so she and Farrand have had to go elsewhere to buy the seeds he wants. She lists the seeds and adds in pencil those she can get and those she...

Scope and Contents: Handsigned typescript letter from Jan de Graaff, Oregon Bulb Farms, to Beatrix Farrand tells her he can supply the bulbs for the National Gallery of Art and more bulbs to James Bryce for Dumbarton Oaks. He suggest bulbs for Beatrix Farrand's cottage in Santa Barbara, California and a bulb substitution to consider for Reef Point, Bar Harbor, Maine. He reports William Craig, a horticulturalist, says the substitution bulbs work well in the Vermont climate. He says the daffodils planted at Reed...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand discusses ongoing garden projects and suggests planting simplifications, especially in the vegetable gardens, greenhouses, and orangery. He refers to the Fountain Terrace as "the flower garden" on page 1. He mentions an upcoming lecture by Professor Doro Levi and the gardens opening for the Home for Incurables, but feels there will be plenty of time to meeting with Mildred Bliss and discuss Harvard [University's] problems between...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand answers her garden-related questions of March 8th (D:BF 1941.03.08) and responds to her letter of March 18th (D:BF 1941.03.18) regarding her impending trip to Dumbarton Oaks. John Thacher emphasizes his need to discuss matters in person with the Blisses and suggests he goes West to visit with them if their plans to travel East are not soon realized. He comments on Professor Focillon's health. He reports that Robert Woods Bliss...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand sends her a check for her services from January 1 to June 30, 1942. He asks that she let him know when her account needs to be replenished. Thacher reports on his health screening for entering the Navy Reserves and taking a few enjoyable days away to the Hot Springs where he had good conversations with Lewis Delafield. There is still no final word about the bulbs for the National Gallery [of Art]. He reports on happenings at...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand answers her letters of May 13 (D:BF 1941.05.13) and May 14 (D:BF 1941.05.14) regarding the formation and membership of a 5 person Dumbarton Oaks Park Committee. John Thacher also discusses the employment of previously-held gardeners, who would now be under the park's foreman and James Bryce. Anne Sweeney's future still appears to be undecided as John Thacher waits to see if Dumbarton can afford her salary. He says there is a lull...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand discusses her next visit to Dumbarton Oaks and answers Beatrix Farrand's questions put forth in her May 20 letter to him (D:BF 1941.05.20B), including where Dumbarton Oaks lies in relation to the original land deed, whether Anne Sweeney could be kept on as garden guide with the new, reduced budget, and which days they could meet while Beatrix Farrand is in town. Ethel Burnet Clark tells Thacher that the deed to Ninian Beall's...

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Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand responds to Isabelle Stover's letter of July 22, 1941 (D:IMS 1941.07.22) confirming that Anne Sweeney's salary would be paid with contributions from Beatrix Farrand, Mildred Bliss, Dumbarton Oaks, and the balance paid from savings of James Bryce's garden budget. He sends to her a check for the Beatrix Farrand, Agent account. He is assuming that Anne Sweeney's railway fair will be taken out of it.

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Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand ask her opinion on how Dumbarton Oaks and the gardens should adapt for World War II, specifically if they could close the greenhouses and build an air raid shelter underneath it at the west end. James Bryce suggests moving the orchids to the Orangery and for building the shelter under the main greenhouse as it would not require excavation for it.

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand thanks her for her March 10 letter confirming her April 12-17 visit to Dumbarton Oaks, and expresses pleasure at the news of Ruth Havey's coinciding visit given the importance of furthering designs for future plans in the gardens. He notes that he had observed Dumbarton Oaks Park personnel spraying the trees and conveys disappointment at learning from James Bryce that they lack funds or manpower to dredge the Branch. He conveys...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand expresses relief that the Orangery question has been clarified and affirms that James Bryce has been given instructions not to make changes at present. He reassures her that unless an emergency should occur, there is no need for making any changes in plans regarding the gardens until they can meet and talk about the coming year. John Thacher reports that Paul Sachs is coming to Dumbarton Oaks which will give them an opportunity...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand thanks her for her January 29 letter and encloses her letter to Paul Sachs of the same date. He returns the letter with the suggestion that they wait until the three of them can meet. He expresses confidence that he, Beatrix Farrand, and the [Administrative] Board are in agreement regarding the gardens and therefore there is no need for anxiety. He hopes to be in Washington, D.C. in mid-April during Farrand's visit. John Thacher...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand confirms receipt of her February 13 letter in which she had enclosed statements for the Beatrix Farrand and Beatrix Farrand, Agent accounts. John Thacher explains that he will be delayed in sending her a check for the Beatrix Farrand account, and asks if she needs another deposit to the Beatrix Farrand, Agent account to let him know. He thanks Beatrix Farrand for sending a check to cover one month of Anne Sweeney's salary, and...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand thanks her for her telegram and expresses delight that her health is improving but disappointment that her trip to Dumbarton Oaks is postponed. He reports that the Dumbarton Oaks Park Administration has "practically an army corp" dredging the stream and pond; he states that he has said nothing about this to Irving Root. John Thacher encloses a proposed garden budget for the 1942-1943 fiscal year and asks for her approval,...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand tells her Ruth Havey's visit was successful and she later sent dummies for the 32nd Street tablet and historic tablet on R Street. They were returned to her with suggestions. He reports the trefoil gate drawing is improved, but still needs work. An answer about flowers for the National Gallery [of Art] is still pending. David Finley will go over the question with Bryce this coming week. Finley needs to get three competitive bids...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand tells her Robert and Mildred Bliss were shocked by the condition of the Dumbarton Oaks Park and made their concern clear to Irving Root and Donald Kline from the National Park Service. He reports the Blisses have probably decided to hold off on establishing a trust fund for the park until the Park Commission has taken some action. James Bryce is working with David Finley about bulbs for the National Gallery [of Art]. He is...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand tells her that due to governement red tape providing bulbs to the National Gallery [of Art] is impossible. He reports Robert and Mildred Bliss will be returning to Washington, D.C. in the autumn. He outlines the needs for flowers in the house and surrounding buildings. Mr. Baker is not likely to resume his former work after his accident. He asks if another tree man should be hired or if an outside person/company should be hired....

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Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand tells her to order what plants she thinks Robert and Mildred Bliss need. He is worried about the rain and damage to the basement floors of the new wings. His plans are uncertain about getting a regular tree man. He sends his regards to Max and Beatrix Farrand.

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand thanks her for sending her travel dates to Dumbarton Oaks. He offers her a smaller "sky apartment" to stay in while at Dumbarton Oaks. He suggest Ruth Havey also come during her visit and James Bryce can offer her a room to stay in. He is anxious to get the plans for changes to the North Vista and Herbaceous border walls, but doubts any work can be done for another year. He asks that he, Farrand, and Bryce agree on the position...

Scope and Contents: Copy of typescript letter from John Thacher to Beatrix Farrand thanks her letter and receipted bill and her confidential letter of Easter Day. He is delighted that she approved the budget and reports that Paul J. Sachs has also done so. He discusses his contribution to the garden fund; Farrand's plans to visit Dumbarton Oaks; not wanting to put pressure on Mildred Bliss; Francis Baker, a tree man falling from a tree and needing surgery, a tree service taking over his work while he is in the...

Scope and Contents: Letter from L.A. Howard, Bobbink & Atkins to Beatrix Farrand responds to a request for roses for the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, Washington, D.C., but regrets that they are unable to supply any listed on the order. He tells her they discontinued propagation of all of the listed roses some time ago. He has no suggestions where she can get them. Written in pencil may be instructions given to Isabelle M. Stover, Farrand's secretary: "Tell Bryce [James Bryce] [and] ask what he thinks best to...

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Handwritten letter from Margaret W. Fisher, Secretary to Mildred Bliss tells her the members of the Chevy Chase D.C. Garden Club wish to express their appreciation for the pleasure given them through the privilege of visiting her lovely gardens and greenhouses. They also want to thank Mr. [James] Bryce through whom this invitation was made possible.