The 22 acres making up Edgerton Park were given to the City of New Haven in 1965. Eli Whitney was the original owner of the property and it was later given to his niece Caroline Whitney. She 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 its grounds, designed by Robert Storer Stevenson, were completed in 1909 as a wedding present to Brewster’s wife Margaret. The estate was
intended as a retreat from the industrial city. The grounds were re-designed in the style of 18th Century English landscape gardens, to reveal both natural and man-made vistas. In 1957 Brewster’s will stipulated that the house be demolished and the grounds be given to the City of New Haven for a park after his wife’s death.

Although the main house was destroyed, the original wall, greenhouses, carriage house, gatehouse, and bridge are still standing. Edgerton Park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As you walk through the park you will notice other remnants of the estate still in use.

The Carriage House

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.

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. The balustrade and terraced area around the fountain were restored with contributions from park supporters.

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 emonstrations for school children and other groups. The Conservatory is wheel chair accessible.To arrange for a tour, call (203) 624-8941.

Greenbrier is a program of the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center. The workers receive training in horticultural skills and raise and sell plants in one
wing of the greenhouses. For information call (203) 777-1886.
Individuals may rent bench space in the Community Greenhouses. Call (203) 397-3861 to get on the waiting list.

In 1981, the Brewster’s kitchen garden and shrub nursery was opened to the public as Community Gardens. Call (203) 624-6721 to get on the list.