(Spohrs Gardens...Continued from Page One)In the spring, flowering trees and many thousands of daffodils bloom, followed by azalea blossoms and lilies of the valley, then rhododendrons, day lilies, and numerous other species. In addition to the plantings, Charlie Spohr scattered items from his large collection of millstones and bells along the many paths. Along the Pond shoreline, he placed a number of centuries-old large ship anchors, one of which is reputed to have come from HMS Bounty. In their wills, the Spohrs (who died several years ago) established a Charitable Trust to ensure that the Gardens would continue to serve the public. They left the greater part of their estate to fund the maintenance of the Gardens, although the principal does not fully cover expenses and fund raising efforts are required to build up the endowment. |
One of the great assets of the Gardens is the presence of Oyster Pond and the lovely views from the pondside walk. Thus, the Board of Trustees of the Gardens has a large stake in the health of the Pond, and a strong interest in the successful activities of the Oyster Pond Environental Trust.
To this end, the Spohr Gardens and OPET Boards have joined forces to ensure an ecologically healthy Pond and watershed. A member of the OPET Board (Bill Kerfoot) serves on the Garden’s Board, and a member of the Garden’s Board (Art Silverstein) serves on OPET’s Board. More than this, OPET has generously contributed to the Garden’s fund raising, and the Garden has provided storage space for OPET’s papers and supplies. |
Visit the OPET WebsiteWe would like to remind our readers to visit our online website www.opet.org. Here you will find everything from a history of our organization to a variety of maps, a discussion of projects, and archived newsletters dating back to 1995 (plus a predecessor from 1991). Our photo gallery features Oyster Pond beautifully documented in all four seasons, thanks especially to Birgit Rose, long-time Board member. We also provide a list of useful links to related websites of interest, and annual meeting highlights of the past five years. We welcome feedback on the website, so have a look! |
In MemoriamPete (Albert) Swain, of Oyster Pond Road and a member of OPET, died in early June at the age 94. His love for the sea led to a lifetime devoted to the ocean as a lobsterman, boat builder, owner of Edwards Boat Yard in East Falmouth and as an assistant harbor master. He leaves behind two sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and his longtime companion, Julie Rankin, also a resident of Oyster Pond Road and an OPET member. |
Back to Page One of The Watershed v8 n2
Email OPET
Contact Webmaster