On one morning of this summer's teacher institute at Fort Ticonderoga, we took off for the shore of Lake Champlain. Our destination was the Carillon, a 1920's replica canal boat, which we would take for a cruise on the lake. Along the way, we toured the King's Garden.
This pristine garden would have supplemented the military installment at the fort - a time when a soldier would have been used to living on a meat-and-bread diet. When the Pell family restored the fort, they also reclaimed the garden, making it partially functional and partially decorative. The restoration of the garden has become a part of the history of the place, and the fort has kept both functions. On a mild day, it is quite peaceful and serene.
The vegetable garden is also picturesque. I especially liked the fences in this area. Barns and greenhouses round out the area. One of the barns, in the last two pictures below, is actually a carpenters' shed. For now, this houses the construction of another bateau (a flat-bottomed boat) that can be used on the lake. Later in the week, I would be able to aid in the construction of one of the new boat's rockers.
The large, white house in the photos above is the Pell House, constructed by the Pell family to give them a view of Lake Champlain and yet remain near the garden. The Pell House is currently being renovated, and will soon be used in the interpretation of the restoration story at Fort Ticonderoga. It would be suitable for a permanent display of the Pell family's involvement in World War II. I could picture a tableau devoted to President Taft, as he visited the fort property on July 6, 1909. Taft remains the only sitting president to visit the fort.
After our cruise (photos coming soon), we skirted around the garden. The outer walls hold an appeal for me, as I quickly appreciated the textures and design of the structure.
After our cruise (photos coming soon), we skirted around the garden. The outer walls hold an appeal for me, as I quickly appreciated the textures and design of the structure.
The gate for the garden used to be the main gate to enter the fort property. After a food delivery truck struck the gate, it needed serious repairs. The good folks at the fort decided it was too nice to have another vehicle destroying it, so it was relocated to the garden, where it makes itself quite at home.
I'm looking forward to sharing more photos from my Ticonderoga experience.
In the meantime, you can find all of the information about my studies there, on my Fort Ticonderoga page.
In the meantime, you can find all of the information about my studies there, on my Fort Ticonderoga page.
