Hopkins Gardens | Photograph | Wisconsin Historical Society

Photograph

Hopkins Gardens

Hopkins Gardens | Photograph | Wisconsin Historical Society
The gardens behind the residence of Johns Hopkins, an artist from Whitehall.
DESCRIPTION
The gardens behind the residence of Johns Hopkins, an artist from Whitehall.
RECORD DETAILS
Image ID:35625
Creation Date: 07 21 1946
Creator Name:Unknown
City:Whitehall
County:Trempealeau
State:Wisconsin
Collection Name:Place File*
Genre:Photograph
Original Format Type:photographic print, b&w
Original Format Number:PF Whitehall.b
Original Dimensions:5.75 x 3.75 inches
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
From the article featuring the home: Late American colonial and early Victorian element blend with the mellow relics of golden eras of Europe and the practical beauty of modern architectural schemes in Hopkins house near here. Owned by Johns Hopkins, colorist, designer and painter of national note, the house and estate have been a part of the Trempealeau valley scene in some form or another since 1839. Today's Hopkins house is the fifth structure built by James Hopkins, grandfather of Johns Hopkins, who built first of sod and then of logs. Tall and stately in the colonial tradition with white colonades, the house is painted Victorian red. Victorian "graveyard furniture" adorns the rotico and silver carriage lamps are set at each side of the main door. An Artist's House: It is, in the main, an artist's house, expressive of the personality and imagination of its owner. This personality is what has molded charming, picturesque Hopkins house into a show place. He lives here with his mother, Mrs. F. D. Hopkins, 80, who is still a talented gardener. Gardens Have Charm: Surrounding the house and the curved loggia which connects it with the servants' quarters are gardens, cool and green and with all the charm of the gardens of old Virginia and the villas of suburban Rome. The gardens are planned wth long views. The best example of this is the east garden, a formal garden of annuals, starting at the lily pond which is watered by lead dolphins brought from England. One can look from the east garden through a lilac alley into a pine grove. Two pillars topped by eagles brought from Italy form the entrance to the alley. Near an inner court is a toolhouse patterned after the Mount Vernon toolhouse and near by are a vegetable garden and a dahlia garden. Laid Around Oak: Probably the most attractive spot is the sunken garden which lies beyond the Hopkins kitchen. Laid out around a 150 year old oak, the garden is flanked by lilac hedges and is decorated with a Pompeii satyr. Beyond the sunken garden is an informal family garden. Additions under way include a trillium garden and a figure carved in oak. The interior of the house is equally as charming and as period as the gardens. Much of the furniture is original 1790-1840 and the dining room is painted to match the famous Octagon house dining room in Washington, D.C. The 300 year old dining room doors come from England and on the wall is a mirror used by George Washington. Watercolors by Hopkins and pieces by nationally known artists are displayed in the library, upon whose shelves are many first editions. The library furniture is original Chippendale, the rug a gray Aubusson. Modern times are apparent in the kitchen, which is lined with gray cabinets whose interiors are a soft red and whose light comes from fluorescent tubes and wide windows. Equipped with the best in modern tools, it retains an old world charm. But in spite of its treasures, Hopkins house is a lived in house--a home for an artist.
SUBJECTS
Outdoor photography
Shrubs
Trees
Architecture, Domestic
Gardens
Cities and towns

How to Purchase a Copy

Buy The Image

For commercial or non-profit use, please contact Image Sales.

By clicking "BUY" you agree to our Terms of Use.

10-percent discount for Society Members.

Image-purchasing questions? Please Contact Us.

RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS
This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society.
Reference Details
Location:Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin

How to View in Person

To view this image, visit the Archives Research Room on the 4th floor at the Society Headquarters building in Madison, WI. Print out this index page and present it to the librarian. Use the links below to plan your visit to the Society's Archives.

Checking Out Materials

Visual materials in the Archives do not circulate and must be viewed in the Society's Archives Research Room.

How to Cite

For the purposes of a bibliography entry or footnote, follow this model:

Wisconsin Historical Society Citation
Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Image ID. Viewed online at (copy and paste image page link).
Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research Citation
Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research, Creator, Title, Image ID. Viewed online at (copy and paste image page link).

Have Questions?

Contact our Archives staff by email.