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from the center like spokes of a wheel, separating huge individual garden beds for distinct types of bush and tree roses. Rambling and hedge roses border the walks, and climbing roses cover the archways. He added the Heritage Garden in 1912, at the request of the American Rose Society who used it as the first rose-garden test site in the United States. Another test garden was added in 1936. The park is one of only 22 test sites in the country still in operation.

To help finance the park, Wirth employed Lord & Burnham to build the historic greenhouses located on site. Tulips and other bulbs were grown and sold to the public every year, and has grown into a world-renowned spring event. The original greenhouses are currently being restored, but many are open to the public and house a fascinating horticultural variety.

At one point, the Hartford boundary lines were changed, which put a large portion of the park within the boundaries of West Hartford. In the 1970's Hartford faced budget shortages and determined that it was no longer able to finance the garden park. With no help available from West Hartford, the decision was made to plow the gardens under. Volunteers came to the rescue and banded with then-superintendent Vic Jarm to form the Friends of Elizabeth Park. With the aid of the American Rose Society and funding from the Ethel Donaghue Trust, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and from individuals, this group continues to restore and maintain the gardens today.

Elizabeth Park is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Friends of Elizabeth Park host a series of tours, bird-walks, and lectures that are free to the public, and also host monthly volunteer days to help maintain the park. Facilities have been added to include picnic tables and grills; baseball, tennis, and bowling greens; and other public services. The Pond Park Caf and gift shop raise needed funds along with public flower sales, and some facilities can be rented for weddings, reunions, and parties. With these renovations, Elizabeth Park's future is assured for generations to come.

Three local volunteers - librarian Alicia M. Cornelio, photographer William Shepard, and artist Diana Lyn Cote - collaborated on a book called 'Elizabeth Park: A Century of Beauty' for the park's centennial celebration. The book is designed to be a pictorial tour and contains a wealth of unique and interesting history. More information can be found at http://www.epcentury.com/. Other ongoing projects include greenhouse renovations, the Sunrise Overlook restoration, and a future concert stage development.

If you would like more information about the Elizabeth Park or the Friends of Elizabeth Park, they can be found at http://www.elizabethpark.org/.

Learn more about this author, Alice Shoaf.
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