Project Details Page

synopsis

Lewis Henry Lapham purchased the 240-acre property, originally the home of Thomas Wells Hall, in 1904 and hired the Olmsted Brothers to redesign and expand the estate. John Charles Olmsted and Percivial Gallagher worked on the New Canaan, CT estate primarily with Mrs. Lapham as she took more interest in “improving the beauty and livableness,

Lewis Henry Lapham purchased the 240-acre property, originally the home of Thomas Wells Hall, in 1904 and hired the Olmsted Brothers to redesign and expand the estate. John Charles Olmsted and Percivial Gallagher worked on the New Canaan, CT estate primarily with Mrs. Lapham as she took more interest in “improving the beauty and livableness, not only of the place as a whole, but more especially of the immediate surroundings of the house…and she will wish to have a hand in the devising and supervision of the execution of the of formal and informal flower gardening.” [JCO to Mr. Lewis Lapham_10-21-1907_LOC-OAR-B-R195_im.7] The planting plan for the landscape showed geometric square of gardens surrounded by a gravel walk and a large oval lawn encompassed by areas with dense plantings of trees (plan 03393-118-pt1).

A portion of the property was gifted to the city and later became Waveney Park.

more