Arbor Terrace
The Book Box
Construction drawing, 1934
The lead book box is one of many garden details possessing a unique story within the greater context of the Arbor Terrace. Installed in 1935 the book box was intended to hold Mildred Bliss’ books. Unfortunately, the lead box was too damp, prompting Farrand or Anne Sweeny to write in the Dumbarton Oaks Plant Book:
"This lead box has not proved practical, as the dampness in this position would ruin any book before many weeks."
Yet the box remained fixed to the center of the southern stucco panel through the renovation of the Herb Garden. The box was removed some time between 1967 and 1979. Where the panel and lead box were once mounted is blank today.
Construction drawing, top and bottom of book box, 1934
Book box plan, 1934. Click to see the uncropped image
Book box section, 1934
Photograph of book box mock up, full scale
Photograph of book box and stucco panel with Lotuses
Photograph of lead book box, removed from arbor panel
July, 2012 photograph showing the blank southern panel under the arbor