Last updated: May 24, 2024
Place
A.H. Anderson Estate
Olmsted Archives, Job #03723, Port Williams, WA
Quick Facts
Location:
Port Williams, WA
Significance:
Olmsted Designed Estate
MANAGED BY:
Privately Owned
A.H. Anderson owned 1,000 acres along Washington’s Strait of Juan de Fuca, which he used as a fishing and hunting retreat. Olmsted Brothers partner James Frederick Dawson recommended a preservation and enhancement plan for the native vegetation, as well as a practice golf course and pools, but Anderson never requested the firm to draw any plans.
While little was done at Anderson’s estate, it shows how much Olmsted Brothers, particularly John Charles Olmsted, appreciated the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. In 1909, Anderson did consult with Olmsted Brothers on landscape improvements, with Dawson making a visit that summer. Dawson wrote that “Mr. Anderson’s house is beautifully located, nestled into the edge of the timber land and commanding fine views looking out across the sea.”
Respecting the natural setting Dawson recommended “development in a modest way, such as properly arranging drives, court yards and walks, together with planting…of the native sort such as the Dogwood, wild roses and syringas [mock orange]…to strengthen the character of the present growth.” Known today as Graysmarsh Farm, it is used as a commercial berry farm and private hunting retreat, far more rustic than Anderson ever envisioned.
Source: "A.H. Anderson," Olmsted Online
For more information and primary resources, please visit:
Olmsted Research Guide Online
Olmsted Archives on Flickr
While little was done at Anderson’s estate, it shows how much Olmsted Brothers, particularly John Charles Olmsted, appreciated the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. In 1909, Anderson did consult with Olmsted Brothers on landscape improvements, with Dawson making a visit that summer. Dawson wrote that “Mr. Anderson’s house is beautifully located, nestled into the edge of the timber land and commanding fine views looking out across the sea.”
Respecting the natural setting Dawson recommended “development in a modest way, such as properly arranging drives, court yards and walks, together with planting…of the native sort such as the Dogwood, wild roses and syringas [mock orange]…to strengthen the character of the present growth.” Known today as Graysmarsh Farm, it is used as a commercial berry farm and private hunting retreat, far more rustic than Anderson ever envisioned.
Source: "A.H. Anderson," Olmsted Online
For more information and primary resources, please visit:
Olmsted Research Guide Online
Olmsted Archives on Flickr