Letter from John S. Thacher to Beatrix Farrand, Valley Club of Montecito, Santa Barbara, California, March 26, 1942 Digital

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, comments or suggestions before sending it on to the Trustees for Harvard for ratificaition. He notes the inclusion of Anne Sweeney's salary in the budget and points out that, with the addition of Jenkins and J.S. Studds, Jr., the garden is only one less in personnel than before. He states that the only other change is the budget item of tools, etc. for $250, and reports that James Bryce assures him that this can be covered within the $750 equipment budget. John Thacher affirms that, despite the loss of one man and the elimination of the $250 for tools, the inclusion of Anne Sweeney's salary has resulted in an increased rather than decreased garden budget. He expresses support for the budget and confirms that, with her approval, he will recommend that the budget be accepted by the Trustees, though he cannot guarantee that they will approve it.