The Historic 40-room Estate of Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson
I spent a really delightful day at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Site when I met with the non-profit historic site’s Executive Director David Hutchings to interview him for a video I am working on about sustainable tourism.
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion is the stunning former estate of banking magnate Frederick Ferris Thompson and his wife, Mary Clark Thompson, daughter of former New York State governor Myron Holley Clark. The couple made their primary residence in New York City, and they purchased a farmhouse in Canandaigua on 14 acres in 1863. Between 1885 and 1887, they built this 40-room Queen Anne Style Mansion on the land that they called Sonnenberg, meaning “Sunny Hill” in German. Many of the rooms in the house are open for viewing and decorated with furniture and décor from the period in which the house was built.
Many of Sonnenberg's Gardens reflect Mary's love of travel
Mary Clark Thompson was an avid gardener, and flowers were shipped from Sonnenberg to the couples’ home on Madison Avenue in New York City. After her husband’s death in 1899, Mary undertook a redesign of the gardens between 1902 and 1919, under the guidance of Boston landscape architect Ernest Bowditch. The nine gardens you will now see reflect Mary’s passion for horticulture, and her love of travel, particularly in the Italian and Japanese gardens. The entire property is breathtaking and meticulously manicured, so if you love horticulture, don’t miss this treasure! Check out Sonnenberg’s Garden Blooming schedule to see what’s in store.
Wait staff in costume add to the ambience during the Victorian Thursday Teas in August
During my visit, several trolley riders (free trolleys give tours of the grounds) commented how much they enjoy the Victorian teas that take place on the veranda on Thursdays during August. Guests were also treated to an annual exhibition of lovely period dresses and gossamer gowns that would have been worn by Mrs. Thompson and her contemporaries for garden parties and evening galas. Throughout the season, and even during the winter months when the mansion is closed, Sonnenberg hosts many fun and educational events and lectures.
These gowns may have adorned Mrs. Thompson's contemporaries
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion is a prime location for weddings, and an enormous white tent was being erected for a wedding to take place the next day amidst the splendor of the grounds, with the mansion as a backdrop. For information about holding your wedding or a special event at Sonnenberg, contact their wedding/events manager or call (585) 919-0087 (May – Oct.) or (585) 394-4922 (Nov. – April.).
Sonnenberg practices organic principles when possible
On my tour, I was impressed by the many activities being done to be environmentally conscientious, through Sonnenberg’s recycling policies, organic gardening principles, zoned approach to greenhouse management and composting efforts.
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion is located at 151 Charlotte Street in Canandaigua, NY and is open May 1 through May 29 from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and from Labor Day through October 31 from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for Adults (18 – 59), $9 for Seniors (60 +) or AAA Members (w/valid AAA member card), $5 for Military personnel with Military ID and Students (13 – 17, or college students with valid college ID), and Free to children 12 and under. Admission includes entrance into the gardens and mansion.
"Abundance," a gift to the estate, fills one wall of the tasting room
If you have the time to visit the charming town of Canandaigua, you’ll see many aspect of the community that have benefited from Mary Clark Thompson’s generous philanthropy.
P.S. Be sure to stop by their gift shop for an assortment of unique gifts and Finger Lakes wines, or pop into the Finger Lakes Wine Center to taste an assortment of 15 different wines and to see the beautiful wall-size 1911 Tiffany-style stained glass window. If you’re hungry, you can also catch a bite to eat in their cafe that serves an assortment of tasty salads, sandwiches, drinks and more.
If you enjoyed this piece, you may enjoy “Postcard for Greentopia” that offers a snapshot of what Sonnenberg Gardens and other tourism-oriented businesses in the Finger Lakes are doing to preserve the environment and promote responsible tourism.
All photos and text, copyright 2011© Carol White Llewellyn. All Rights reserved.