Kitchen gardening is steeped in history. During the first half of the nineteenth century, the outbreak of Asian Cholera in the urban areas of America had a great impact on the way of life in rural America. As an alternative to the unhealthy urban life, all of the positive aspects of gardening (a diet with […]
Early photographs from the 1880s and 1890s show a garden in front of the Mansion, located near the steps that led guests from the circular driveway to the front staircase. It had become overgrown with, among many things, Lilies of the Valley and a menacing rosebush when Centre Furance Mansion gardener Margery Johnstone and her […]
A gift for the purchase and planting of approximately three dozen period lilacs was given to the Centre County Historical Society in 2005 to honor Laura Bower with her favorite flower. This rich collection, given in her memory by her son, Jeffrey M. Bower, has been named Laura’s Lilac Bower. Lilac varieties have been chosen […]
Many, many people have helped in the restoration of the Centre Furnace Mansion and grounds for public use, but few have given more commitment than Lois and Everett McLaughlin. In 1993, a memorial gift of a gazebo was given in Lois’s honor as a lasting tribute, given by the McLaughlin family – Everett, children Elliot […]