Scituate -- Coggeshall Garden

Located in Scituate, Rhode Island, the Coggeshall property was apparently an old farm that was undergoing a transformation into a country estate. The 35 snapshot views in the photograph album show a house in the process of extensive remodeling and modernization as well as outbuildings and grounds ripe for the same process. The album images were taken at various times between September 7, 1912, and the summer of 1913. Also included in the album is faded photographic print showing an aerial perspective drawing of the plan for the property. The two glass negatives include a general plan for the site and a sketch for an arbor garden near the house. In keeping with the rural nature of the site the general plan includes extensive vegetable gardens, an orchard, and farm animal areas, as well as more traditional flower gardens. It is another design that features the names of both Thomas W. Sears, with a Providence address, and the firm of Sears & Wendell in Philadelphia. It is not clear, however, whether a detailed design or installation ever took place.

Persons and firms associated with the garden include J. W. Coggeshall (former owner, circa 1912-1913); Thomas W. Sears (landscape architect and photographer, circa 1912-1913); and Sears & Wendell (landscape architects, circa 1912-1913).