Beatrix Farrand, Landscape Gardener

In 1912 Morgan engaged Beatrix Jones (later Farrand), a friend of McKim’s, to landscape the grounds of his Manhattan property. In this letter, she outlined her terms to Belle da Costa Greene, Morgan’s librarian. Morgan died in March 1913 and never saw his garden “looking nicely,” as Jones had hoped he would.

Greene and Jones were the only two women who held prominent positions during the early years of the bookman’s paradise. Both went on to become national leaders in their respective fields.