Olmstead wasn't just the man, it was a company that begain in the mid 1800s and continued through subsequent generations until the 1960s. They kept unbelievable records and catalogued them with the library of congress in DC. The Original FLO was very active during his famous Central Park desigin and implementation. Also active was his involvment with the City of Bridegport and their parks system beginning in the 1870s. The photo above is an example of his work going full circle in CT history. That is the home of Annie B. Jennings descendant of original setters to this area but daughter to a billiant man who made a fortune in the gold rush, not panning for gold himself, but providing structure, support, tools and ultimately infrastructure in California. She was an extraordinarily wealthy woman who never married and loved the home she built for herself and lived in for many decades. She asked that her home be demolished in her will after her death and the property sold. I have a lot of respect for Annie B. Jennings. She opened her home to the public when it was in full bloom so they could enjoy it. The black and white photo does not do it justice. Originally, it extened from there Sunnie Holme off Beach Road.. all the way to the water.  

THE DEMISE OF SUNNIE HOLME AND ST MARGARET'S SHRINE ON PARK AVENUE IN BRIDGEPORT

So Annie died and the home was demolished. But the millwork and the materials were so fine, a church was built using the materials from the demolished home at St. Margaret's shrine in Bridgeport that thrives today. My niece, Lucia Palmieri Zager, as of this date the cantor there. My parents and their siblings all supported the shrine that had its heydey in the 1950s and 60s when I was small. We visited there on Sundays and monuments were donated in their names. But the history lover in my wants you to see the Olmsted Hardscape there. His signature entrance molded cement fencing still adorns the entrance. The raised platform on the left when you go in is in remarkable shape and one can only imagine what it once surrounded. My guess is a grand statue of Columbus  and perhaps fountains since it was called Columbus Park before city of Bridgeport sold it to the Catholic Church. 

OK, I admit it. I am a little obsessed with local history. Landcapers have a soft spot in my heart as I grew up at a landscape nursery where my parents had a thriving business in Westport for many years. As a realtor, I can still recognize my father's work still standing strong at some of the older homes in town. He and my brothers knew how to get it done. You can contact me at MaryGai@Bhhsne.com or my cell at 203-984-2169