ABOUT THE PARK & ITS SCOPE
HISTORY
The 25 acres making up Edgerton Park were given to the City of New Haven in 1965 by Frederick F. Brewster. Eli Whitney was the original owner of the property. His niece Caroline lived on the estate in a grand Victorian house called “Ivy Nook.”
In 1906, the property was sold to Frederick F. Brewster, a New Haven industrialist, who tore down “Ivy Nook” and replaced it with a Tudor style mansion named “Edgerton,” for its location on the edge of town. The house and grounds, designed by Robert Storer Stephenson, was completed in 1909 as a wedding present to Brewster’s wife, Margaret. Intended as a retreat from the industrial city, the grounds were in the style of 18th Century English landscape gardens, to reveal both natural and man-made vistas. Brewster’s will stipulated that the house be demolished and the grounds be given to the City of New Haven for a public park after his wife’s death. (Click here to see photos of that house.) Happily, the original wall, greenhouses, carriage house, gatehouse, and bridge still stand. Edgerton Park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As you walk through the park you will notice other parts of the estate still in use:
The 25 acres making up Edgerton Park were given to the City of New Haven in 1965 by Frederick F. Brewster. Eli Whitney was the original owner of the property. His niece Caroline lived on the estate in a grand Victorian house called “Ivy Nook.”
In 1906, the property was sold to Frederick F. Brewster, a New Haven industrialist, who tore down “Ivy Nook” and replaced it with a Tudor style mansion named “Edgerton,” for its location on the edge of town. The house and grounds, designed by Robert Storer Stephenson, was completed in 1909 as a wedding present to Brewster’s wife, Margaret. Intended as a retreat from the industrial city, the grounds were in the style of 18th Century English landscape gardens, to reveal both natural and man-made vistas. Brewster’s will stipulated that the house be demolished and the grounds be given to the City of New Haven for a public park after his wife’s death. (Click here to see photos of that house.) Happily, the original wall, greenhouses, carriage house, gatehouse, and bridge still stand. Edgerton Park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As you walk through the park you will notice other parts of the estate still in use:
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THE CARRIAGE HOUSE (see photo above)
The Edgerton Park Conservatory maintains a fine horticultural library in the Carriage House. The collection contains books on gardening, flower arranging, and conservation as well as periodicals and catalogs. You will also find a display of photographs of “Edgerton” and “Ivy Nook” in the Lecture Room. Hours: Sundays 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. Call 203-624-9377. See our Event Rentals page THE GREENHOUSES The greenhouses in Edgerton are a legacy from the Brewster’s time. Since 1982, The Edgerton Park Conservancy has raised funds from individuals, foundations, and state and federal sources for their restoration. Though repair work continues, all of the greenhouses are filled with educational and horticultural programs. The Sarah T. Crosby Conservatory houses the collection of plants from various parts of the world and features a rainforest exhibit as well as a dry landscape from the Tropics. Docents lead tours and hands-on demonstrations for school children and other groups. The Conservatory is is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for major holidays. It is wheel chair accessible. To arrange for a tour, call 203-624-8941. THE BRIDGE The bridge in the dell was part of the original Brewster estate. Today it is in disrepair and, for the sake of public safety, has been closed. Plans for its restoration are in the early discussion stages. THE GATE HOUSE The Gate House near Whitney Avenue was the Brewsters’ chauffeur’s quarters. Today, a member of the New Haven Parks Department lives there. |
COMMEMORATIVE BENCHES AND TREES
The benches throughout Edgerton Park have been given by devoted park users; each one carries a commemorative plaque. Many special donations are received from individuals and groups to replace trees now missing from the master plan. THE BREWSTER FOUNTAIN The Brewster Fountain, winner of an area wide design competition, was built in 1991 on the original fountain site. Its construction was made possible by the descendants of Frederick and Margaret Brewster, who gave the park to New Haven. The balustrade and terraced area around the fountain were restored with contributions from park supporters. COMMUNITY GARDENS In 1981, the Brewsters' kitchen garden and shrub nursery was opened to the public as Community Gardens. Members are eligible to rent Community Garden space. Details |