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P.O. Box 564
Flourtown, PA 19031
May 16 "A Morris Arboretum History: From Private Estate to Public Garden"
presented by Mr. Robert Gutowski - See below
A Morris Arboretum History:
From Private Estate
to Public Garden

presented by

Mr. Robert Gutowski
Director, Public Programs -
Morris Arboretum
of the University of Pennsylvania


Thursday, May 16th, 2013
7:30 pm

First Presbyterian Church
Bethlehem Pike and East Mill Road in Flourtown, PA

John and Lydia Morris

The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, located on Northwestern Avenue in Chestnut Hill, is an internationally known 92-acre historic landscape with beautiful gardens and architecture right in our own backyard. Their renowned collection of trees and plants from around the world are maintained and displayed in a setting that encourages learning, fun and relaxation. This spring, as in every season, the Arboretum offers events and tours for the public to enjoy. While many local residents have visited these gardens or support it as members, most know little about its creation, what it once looked like, or why it is here.

Join us as the Arboretum's Director of Public Programs, Bob Gutowski, shares his insights, images, and stories of the people, places, and times that shaped the Arboretum from the days of William Penn to today. Bob is a township resident and former STHS board member. He has over 25 years of service at the Arboretum where he established the Archive and History program. He is currently engaged with the Run of the Mill Volunteers, restoring the historic Springfield Mill to operating condition.

The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania began in 1887 as "Compton," the summer home of John and Lydia Morris, brother and sister. The I.P. Morris Company, an iron manufacturing firm founded by their father and later run by John Morris, was a source of family wealth. The land the Morrises purchased in Chestnut Hill was barren, with poor soil that drained too quickly; but with diligent care they surrounded their home with a landscape and plant collection devoted to beauty and knowledge. John and Lydia Morris laid plans for a school and laboratory at Compton devoted to horticulture and botany. Through the stewardship and vision of the Quaker family, Compton became the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania in 1932. Listed on The National Register of Historic Places, it is an interdisciplinary resource center for the University, and is recognized as the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Please join us on May 16th to find out more about this historical landmark and garden. The program is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Also, immediately following the presentation, we will be raffling off prizes generously donated by the Morris Arboretum, including a family membership. Light refreshments will be served. To learn more about the arboretum visit Morris Arboretum at www.morrisarboretum.org

For more information call 215-233-4600

PLEASE NOTE:
Attendees to the May program are encouraged to bring a canned food item to donate to the First Presbyterian Church's neighborhood food pantry. Please help us to support this important cause.





Note: For more information and updates about the BLACK HORSE INN
including a "virtual tour" - you can click here to visit the USHistory.org website.

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