George Landis Arboretum - History

History

In 1903 Herman Franklin Lape purchased Oak Nose Farm, named for a white oak on a promontory overlooking the Schoharie Valley. He, his wife Emma (née Happe), and their son Frederick began the arduous life of farming on the 95 acres. They lived there until 1913, when the family moved to Esperance so that Fred could attend high school, first in Altamont, then in Cobleskill. In 1917, Fred continued his education at Cornell University. His mother and father moved back on the hill, but to the old Silvernail farm, located near Oak Nose Farm. After earning a degree in English, Fred taught first at Cornell, then at Stanford University in California.

In 1928, Herman Lape, now 62, became ill and could not continue farming. He and his wife moved back to Esperance for the remainder of Herman’s days. Fred returned from California and moved onto the old farm, which had become decrepit. Having sold an article to Collier’s, he decided to try to make a living as a writer. Although he wrote several articles and even a novel, sales were slow during the Depression. He worked the farm and did odd jobs, such as playing piano for area establishments. 1n 1932, he began a local poetry magazine, Trails, which featured his poetry as well as the work of many area writers, including W. W. Christman. Fred was interested in all artistic expression and encouraged visits from people involved in theater, music, sculpture, and other artistic endeavors.

Near the end of the 1930s, it became clear that more income was needed. In 1937, he became a part-time English professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. There he became good friends with George Edwin Landis, a professor of economics. In 1948, George purchased a house in Troy and wanted to landscape it with unusual trees and shrubs, so he asked Fred for assistance. Many plants selected were planted on Fred's farm as well as at George’s home. In December 1950, George Landis died unexpectedly, leaving the bulk of his estate to Fred. Using this legacy, Fred decided to continue the vision of an arboretum, naming it for the “friend who had made it all possible both in life and in death.” With help from taxonomists and botanists, Fred learned by his own successes and mistakes. His expertise grew until he became known world-wide, participating in seed exchanges with other arboreta and botanic gardens across the globe.

In the late 1950s, another man important to the Arboretum began visiting. His name was Levan Loveland, but preferred to be called Van. He was a bank manager from NYC and an avid flower gardener. He moved to the farm after his retirement, and he planted beautiful flower gardens near the farmhouse. Under his guidance, the Arboretum became a corporation in 1966 and achieved IRS non-profit status in 1967. As the men aged, it became harder to maintain the gardens and grounds. Van died in 1977. While some projects such as the library (1982) were completed, the general condition of the Arboretum declined. Fred died in 1985 while wintering in Mexico. After Fred’s death, improvements began under the direction of President Elizabeth Corning. In 1987, Pamela Rowling was hired as horticulturist and director, continuing the Arboretum’s goals of expansion, protection, and education. In the years 2000 to 2005, new lands were donated and purchased, increasing the acreage to 548. With the assistance of our current director, Fred Breglia, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, the Arboretum is realizing its full potential as a “tree museum,” scenic park, and education center.