Sunday, July 17 at 2 p.m. — PLYMOUTH NOTCH — On Sunday, July 17 at 2 p.m., the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site hosts a program about one of the site’s most beloved features—the flower garden started by Calvin Coolidge’s stepmother, Carrie Brown Coolidge. The program is free; donations may be made to the site’s garden maintenance fund.
“Welcome to Our Garden” is an in-depth look at Ms. Coolidge’s garden, started in the early 20th century and now restored to its former glory. Volunteers Allen and Rose Buswell battled the highly invasive Bishop’s weed for three years and have reestablished new plant material based on historical records.
The presentation begins in the Union Christian Church, which is adjacent to the garden. Allen “Buzz” Buswell will have a show and tell about Bishop’s weed, also known as goutweed. Buswell will explain how she selected flower varieties to provide a season-long display that evokes the original garden design. Their talk will be illustrated with before and after photographs, as well as period images from the historic site’s collection. A tour of the garden follows.
Twelve buildings are open to the public at the Coolidge Site, which is owned and operated by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation. At the Museum & Education Center, visitors can see the award-winning permanent exhibition, “More Than Two Words: The Life and Legacy of Calvin Coolidge.” Also at the Center is this year’s temporary exhibit, “Expressions of Esteem: The Coolidge Presidential Gifts,” which features glittering treasures from world dignitaries and modest tokens from “just plain folk.”
A National Historic Landmark, Plymouth Notch is considered one of the best-preserved presidential birthplaces in the country. The site is located at 3780 VT-100A, Plymouth. It is open daily through Oct. 16, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more info., call 802-672-3773 or visit HistoricSites.Vermont.gov.
