From Seventeen to Cymbidiums: Enid Annenberg Haupt’s Horticultural Legacy
This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast:
May 13, 1906
On this day, we celebrate the birth of Enid Annenberg Haupt, an American publisher and philanthropist who would come to be known as "the greatest patron American horticulture has ever known," according to the president of the New York Botanical Garden.
Born into a family of publishing magnates, Enid was one of eight children - seven daughters and one son - of Sadie and Moses Annenberg.
Can you imagine the bustling household, filled with the voices and dreams of these future influential figures?
Enid's journey into the world of horticulture began with a romantic gesture. When she became engaged to her second husband, Ira Haupt, he presented her with a cymbidium orchid. Enid was so captivated by this elegant bloom that she requested 13 more as a wedding gift.
Who could have predicted that this simple request would blossom into a lifelong passion?
In 1953, Enid's brother Walter entrusted her with the helm of Seventeen magazine. Under her guidance, the publication soared to unprecedented heights, becoming more popular than Glamour and twice as widely read as Mademoiselle. At its peak, more than half of the teenage girls in the United States were regular readers.
Can you picture the excitement of young girls across the nation eagerly awaiting each new issue?
But it was in her philanthropic endeavors that Enid truly found her calling. By the time of her passing in 2005, she had donated more than $140 million to charities, with a particular focus on gardening causes. This generosity earned her the affectionate titles of "the fairy godmother of American horticulture" and "the patron saint of public gardens."
One of Enid's most significant contributions was to the New York Botanical Garden. Over her lifetime, she gifted them over $34 million, including $5 million dedicated to restoring the stunning Victorian glass greenhouse now known as the Enid Haupt Conservancy. Without her intervention, this architectural gem would have been lost to time.
Can you imagine the beauty of this restored conservatory, filled with lush tropical plants and bathed in filtered sunlight?
In 1973, Enid's love for American history and horticulture converged when she learned that the Soviet Union was considering purchasing River Farm, a 27-acre property once owned by George Washington. Determined to preserve this piece of American heritage, she donated a million dollars to the American Horticultural Society to acquire the property, stipulating that it must remain open to the public.
However, the story of River Farm took a dramatic turn in November 2020 when the American Horticultural Society attempted to sell the property for $32.9 million. This decision caused a significant rift within the organization, with five board members vehemently opposing the sale.
After a year of turmoil, in the fall of 2021, River Farm was officially taken off the market. The AHS board, now composed of the five members who had fought to keep the historic property, declared that River Farm would remain the permanent headquarters of the AHS and a public green space, honoring Enid Annenberg Haupt's original vision.
As we reflect on Enid's remarkable life and legacy, let us consider the profound impact one person's passion can have on the world of horticulture and beyond.
Her story serves as an inspiration to all who cherish gardens and green spaces, reminding us of the importance of preserving natural beauty for future generations.
Until next time, dear readers, may we all strive to be fairy godmothers and godfathers to the gardens in our own communities, nurturing beauty and fostering a love for the natural world.
