Cummer Gardens – Jacksonville

The Cummer family, originally from Cadillac, Michigan, arrived in Jacksonville in 1896.  The family, owners of the Cummer Lumber Company, is credited with the creation of the Jacksonville and Southwestern Railway and the magnificent gardens located on Riverside Avenue.

The three gardens, often attributed to Ninah – the wife of Arthur Cummer, were bequeathed to the Jacksonville public to enjoy as Ninah had requested in her will.  Opened on November 10, 1961, the now known Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, is sure to appeal to almost everyone with its 20th century ornate English and Italian gardens as well as the Olmsted garden cultivated in the early 1930’s.

The next time you are in Jacksonville explore the beautiful landscape of the Cummer’s gardens.

References:

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens – http://www.cummermuseum.org

Jacksonville Historical Society -www.jaxhistory.wordpress.com/tag/ninah-cummer

Riverside Avondale Preservation – http://www.riversideavondale.org