Letter from Beatrix Farrand, Reef Point, Bar Harbor, Maine to John Thacher, Dumbarton Oaks, 3101 R Street, Washington, D.C., June 30, 1944 Digital

Typescript letter with handwritten signature from Beatrix Farrand to John Thacher, Lieutenant Commander, U.S.N. [U.S. Navy] tells him a letter was sent two days ago which includes notes on practically the same points he has. She answers his questions in order. Anne Sweeney's vacation may be more wisely taken in the winter if the gardens are to remain open in August. She thanks him for allowing Anne Sweeney to type copies of the [plant] record book in her spare time. The Herbaceous Border drawings are ready and in his files. Robert and Mildred Bliss have decided not to do anything with regard to the Herbaceous Border wall scheme. The drawings for the Ellipse are to be re-worked in consultation with Mildred Bliss and on the Dumbarton Oaks account. No vegetables are to be planted at Dumbarton Oaks except for the small area reserved for James Bryce and Matthew Kearney. No planting is to be done at the dump. Flowers are to be curtailed int he greenhouses ans spaceused for propagation. The Blisses are willing to grant the use of a plot on their Whitehaven Street lot. The oak trees are to be planted in the Green Garden next spring and possibly the Magnolias later. The design for the flagstone in the Green Garden also agreed upon, and the costs for that will be submitted when drawings are approved. The question on postcards are in her notes and will be reported to him. Beatrix thanks Thacher for $25 for books that Anne Sweeney can use to purchase garden books under direction of Beatrix Farrand. The topic of James Bryce traveling to Bar Harbor with Thacher's permission and the D.O. budget allows is mentioned. The tree work is likely to cost less as it has in the past, but Beatrix doubts the Dumbarton Oaks budget can count on the elimination of the cost of the full time of one man. Beatrix feels that it would be most helpful if the Army would release Matthew Kearney as he seems to be a key man in James Bryce's group of men. The question of the use of the cottage for the garden staff that Mrs. Ethel Clark is occupying was addressed. Beatrix tells him it is wise to give the gardeners two weeks vacation. Not only are they legally entitled to it, but they should have relief from their work. Maybe the vacations could be spaced out and some taken in the winter. She does not feel that James Bryce can do without the service of one man. The upkeep of the garden has suffered even with all of Bryce's efforts and a considerable amount of pruning, thining, and replanting must be done which requires a certain amount of labor. A study of moving the exit drive should be put on the agenda. Ruth Havey may come with Beatrix to Dumbarton Oaks next Autumn, but no intermediate visits were thought necessary. She supports the need to spend time on the budget with Thacher. Beatrix intends to make a contribution to Harvard for the garden budget at Dumbarton Oaks allowing it to be used for the utility garden books for Anne Sweeney and part of it toward's James Bryce's holiday.