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General questions about the park
Q: Is the park open in the Winter?
From November to Late May the exhit galleries are closed, but he grounds remain open during daylight hours. Be aware that the walkways and trails are not maintained for public use during this period and may be icy and snow covered.
Q: Are dogs allowed in the park?
Dogs are allowed on the grounds, but must be on a leash and under the owner's control. Owners are responsible for removing dog waste. Except for service animals, dogs are not permitted in any of the buildings.
Q: Is there parking for large RVs?
Large RVs must park in the auxiliary parking lot located on the left, 1/10 mile before the entrance to the main parking lot. RVs towing vehicles should always turn into this lot as there is no easy turn-around further up the road.
Q: Do you sell the America the Beautiful annual and senior passes at the park?
You may obtain the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, Senior Pass, and Access Pass at the entrance kiosk duing the open season from 9:00-4:00. A $40 annual park pass for Saint-Gaudens NHS is also available.
Q: Is food available at the park?
There are no food services or vending machines at the park. The closest full-service restaurants are located in Windsor, Vermont (2 miles).
Q: Can you bring a picnic?
There are picnic tables near the parking areas and the Visitor Center. If you have a box lunch you may also sit at one of the benches located throughout the park.
Q: Is there a gift shop at the park?
A museum shop operated by Eastern National, is located in the Visitor Center and stocks books and other items related to Saint-Gaudens, art, local history, the "Cornish Colony", and nature.
Q: May I hold my wedding at the park?
Wedding ceremonies are permitted in four specific locations only after 5:00 P.M., though not receptions. You must first obtain a Short Term Lease from the park. Fees vary depending on location.
Q: Is camping allowed?
The park does not have a campground. Camping and overnight parking at the site are not permitted. Commercial campgrounds are located nearby in Ascutney, Vermont.
Questions about Augustus Saint-Gaudens' life and family
How do you pronounce his last name?
Saint-Gaudens himself, stated that his name is pronounced: “ ‘Gaud’ as in ‘gaudy’, ‘ens’ as in ‘enslave’”. Also, there was to be no hyphen in the name. However, Augustus himself signed his name several different ways, sometimes using a hyphen and sometimes abbreviating the word saint. While Augustus mainly used “Saint Gaudens”, his son Homer preferred to use the hyphen. Augustus' brother, Louis, and nephew, Paul, preferred “St. Gaudens", and always abrreviated "Saint."
Where was Saint-Gaudens born?
Augustus was born on March 1, 1848, at 35 Charlemont St. in Dublin, Ireland. He came to the United States at the age of six months on the ship Desdemona.
Why is the house called "Aspet"?
The house was named after Saint Gaudens' father's birthplace, the village of Aspet in the Pyrenees of southern France. Aspet is located next to the town of Saint-Gaudens, from which the family name derived.
Who was Louis St. Gaudens?
There are three Louis’ in the Saint-Gaudens family. The first with that name was the first child of Bernard and Mary McGuiness Saint Gaudens, Augustus’ parents, who died in early childhood before Augustus was born in 1848. The second Louis, was Augustus’ younger brother, born in 1854, who also became a sculptor. The third Louis, nicknamed “Novy”, was Augustus’ son with his model and later, mistress, Davida Clark.
How many children did Augustus Saint-Gaudens have?
Two. He had one son, Homer, born in 1880, with his wife, Augusta. He also had a son, Louis (nicknamed “Novy”) born in 1889, to his mistress, Davida Clark.
What happened to Homer Saint-Gaudens? Homer became a writer, art critic, theatrical engineer and Director of Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had three children, Augustus II, Harold and Carlota. Homer died in 1958.
What happened to Louis, Augustus' son?
Louis moved to California, where he worked in a hospital, married and had three sons. He died in 1958.
What was Saint-Gaudens' wife’s name?
Her name was Augusta Homer, although close friends and family called her “Gussie.” She was from Roxbury, Massachusetts.
Was Augusta related to Winslow Homer?
Yes, Augusta Homer Saint-Gaudens was a third cousin to painter, Winslow Homer.
What happened to Davida Clark?
Because of his declining health during the last year of Augustus’ life, there was no communication with Davida. After Saint Gaudens died in 1907, Davida moved from Darien, Connecticut, to Arlington Heights, New Jersey. She lived there for three years before also succumbing to cancer in 1910 at the age of 48.
Where is Saint-Gaudens buried?
Augustus died on August 3, 1907 from the effects of colon cancer and was cremated. His ashes are interred here on the grounds at the "Temple". Also at the Temple are the ashes of his wife, Augusta, brother Louis, son, Homer, daughter-in-law, Carlota, and nephew, Harold.
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