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 The
Fall River Historical Society grounds have been elegantly transformed
into a series of gardens reminiscent of the elaborate pleasure gardens
that once graced Fall River's nineteenth-century estates. With designs
based on historical evidence gleaned from photographs, paintings
and oral and written histories, the Society has reproduced a verdant
environment that is inviting to visitors.
The
Fountain Garden, which graces our south yard, features a magnificent
fourteen-foot Phoenix fountain adorned with a pair of cranes spouting
water into an elaborate basin. Centered on a bluestone court bordered
with boxwood parterres, the garden is planted with holly, flowering
pear, dogwood trees and lovely Bonica roses with large clusters
of pale pink blossoms. Ornamented with nineteenth-century seat furniture
and garden urns, this spot is a favorite location for wedding photographs.
The
south lawn is bordered by a mass planting of stunning Seafoam roses,
with clusters of creamy white blossoms beautifully contrasting with
their deep green foliage. Standing poised  on
the lawn is an impressive cast-iron buck, typical of those found
in Fall River's grandest gardens over a century ago. A wrought-iron
arbor and a variety of ornamental urns provide the finishing touches
for this space. Plantings here include lilac, iris, daylilies and
peonies.
The
terrace, which can be accessed from the south lawn, is paved in
bluestone and measures 30 x 35 feet. Bordered on all sides by an
assortment of plantings including iris, peonies, delphinium, lavender,
and a variety of other old-time favorites, a feature of this space
is an impressive nineteenth-century trellis (circa 1870) entwined
with clematis and Madame Alfred Carriere (1879) roses. Other roses
in this garden, all Victorian and Edwardian favorites, include Leda
(1879), Variegata di Bologna (1909), Louis Phillippe (1834), Frau
Karl Druschki (1901) and Reine Victoria (1872). This space is an
ideal spot for teas and other socials.
The Gazebo Garden,
which occupies a portion of the northeast area of the Historical
Society's grounds, is centered by a magnificent gazebo, cast by
the New York firm of Chase & Company Ornamental Ironworks in
1869 and original to the property. The four parterres surrounding
this centerpiece, each ornamented with urns and seat furniture,
form the perfect spot for visitors to spend a relaxing moment. The
plantings in this area, many of which were moved from a Fall River
garden maintained by the Foley
family since the early part of the twentieth century, include valeriana,
iris, lilies and a large variety of roses. Our gazebo has played
host to countless wedding couples, providing an elegant old-world
setting for their special day.
Construction
on the grounds continues, with two new gardens currently being developed.
The Court of the Four Seasons will feature a set of early-twentieth-century
cast stone putti and ancient Quatre Saisons roses, among other plantings.
The
Roundel Walk will feature a set of four limestone medallions hand-carved
by Thomas Richard Kessel, a Fall River stonecutter, for the old
Post Office building, circa 1875-1880. Plantings here will include
the classically beautiful Sombreuil rose (1850), hydrangea, a New
England favorite, and a variety of daylilies.
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
The Fall River Historical Society's grounds are available for rental
for private functions and photographs. The fee is $150.00 per hour
prepaid for photographs, with $75.00 charged for each additional
half hour.
For further
information, or information regarding rental for functions, please
contact us at (508) 679-1071.
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Wedding photographs taken in the Fountain Garden
at the Fall River Historical Society.
Photographs by The Bristol Workshop.
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