“Local Matters” from the Baltimore Sun , 1852

“Local Matters” from the Baltimore Sun 

February 5th, 1852; Baltimore, Maryland

Improvements at “Clifton Park” Country Residence of Johns Hopkins, Esq.—This magnificent county residence, situated on the Harford road, a short drive from the city, has lately been enlarged by an entire re-modelling of the old mansion, whilst the grounds have been greatly extended by the addition of several hundred acres, constituting it on of the most elegant, extensive and beautiful villas in this country.

The central building has been raised one story, and received considerable addition on the north side, besides the extension of the wings, and the building of a prospect tower on the west, with a wide arcade, 109 feet in length, the building measuring 133 feet in extreme length, by 73 feet, its greatest depth. From the gate lodge, at the Harford road entrance, a well gravelled road winds majestically through the fine trees and lawns of the park, to the main entrance of the building, the Port Cochere in the tower, affording passage through an arched way into the principal hall, 23 feet high, paved with marble, lighted by four richly stained arched windows, and wainscotted with black walnut, of which the doors and massive stairway are formed. From the main corridor on the principal floor, the first door to the right leads to the parlor, 19 by 23 feet, adjoining which is the breakfast room, 18 feet square, both of which open on the large southern arcade, supported by 23 arches and pillars. Adjoining the breakfast room are the back stairs, running from the basement to the main chamber story and also to the servants’ rooms. Further east are the housekeeping rooms, closets, water fixtures, & c.

Opposite the parlor is the dining room, 18 by 26 feet, which opens on the west to a spacious arcade of 5 arches, whilst a door on the east conducts to the large saloon, which is of elegant proportions, and 15 feet high, with a semi-circular room on the north 18 feet diameter. A folding door in the east wall connects the saloon with a library 20 feet square, which opens on the eastern arcade, looking towards the garden and lake. All these elegant apartments are supplied with elaborately carved Italian marble mantels, made in Italy. The main chamber floor and tower contain 8 large chambers, bath room, etc, also a large billiard room, 20 by 30 feet, opening on a terrace, over the bay room, and to another over the north-eastern arcade, decorated by balustrades, with pedestals, supporting richly ornamented vases. The third floor of the central building has been appropriated for the use of the servants, containing a number of large rooms. The basement contains a large kitchen, servants’ hall, washhouse, pantry and store-rooms, milk, vegetable and fuel cellars, and a large covered area under the southern and eastern arcades. A convenient stair leads from the second floor of the tower through the various stories of the pavilion which is supported by twelve arches, and surrounded by an iron balcony, sustained by ornamental iron brackets. From the pavilion, a stair leads to the terrace of the tower, affording magnificent and extensive views of the entire city and surrounding country, the Patapsco and Gunpowder rivers, the broad, expansive Chesapeake, whitened by the sail of an increasing commerce, besides a bird’s eye view of the extensive park, with its richly ornamented grounds, the large artificial lake, with its islands and pretty little rustic bridges, the beautiful group formed by the Gardener’s lodge and conservatory in the terraced garden, and the extensive grapehouse and orangeries, stretching along several hundred feet, the ornamental structures scattered over the whole park with taste and judgement, as well as the finely tilled farm grounds beyond. The inviting panorama which meets the view from this point of observation is well worth a visit to the tower. The exterior of the villa is rough-casted to imitate free stone work, and develops the graceful proportions of the “Italian Villa” style of architecture, with massive arcades, projecting cornices and brackets, depending for its effect on the varied masses and outlines of the whole rather than on the minuteness of its details.

The entire improvement reflects credit upon the well known architects, Messrs. Niernsee & Neilson, who have designed the superintended the progress of the work, which viewed from a proper position, displays the most unexceptionable architectural beauty and excellence of design.

But attractive as is the building, it would be unjust not to render a passing tribute to the admirable, extensive and valuable conservatories and general out buildings of the place. The former contains exotic plants and fruit of surpassing excellence even superior to those of foreign countries in flavor and size, whilst the floral departments may be viewed as an extensive and inviting horticultural exhibition, well re paying the time expended in a visit. The manager of the park and grounds, Mr. William Waddel, an old and experienced horticulturist, has exhibited very rare skill in the management of these valuable plants and fruits, all of which are in the very best condition. It may be worthy of mention that the proprietor has spared no means in the improvement of this great residence, the appearance of which as well as the grounds, evidences the skill and ability of Baltimore, mochanics, and foreign artists. The production of the latter may be seen in the hundred beautiful specimens of marble statuary and sculpture which are observed from every point. The following persons aided in the improvements — H.J. Bayley, carpenter; James Murray, brick layer; Jas. Sullivan, painter; Andrew Merken, iron worker; John Rothrock, roofing, Bevan & Sons, stonework; Hayward, Bartlett & Co, plumbing; S. W. & H. T Gernhardt, glass strainers, George W. Starr, plasterer.

“Local Matters” article from the Baltimore Sun, February 5th, 1852; Baltimore, Maryland. This article was retyped as printed. Composed by Ann Lawson, October 2, 2018.

THE JOHNS HOPKINS CHARITY

Enthusiastic Mass Meeting of Colored Citizens — Resolutions and Speeches.

[Reported in the Baltimore Sun, April 9, 1873.]

A mass meeting of the colored citizens of Baltimore was held last night at the Douglass

Institute, pursuant to a call, for the purpose of showing their appreciation of the “great charity” of

Johns Hopkins, Esq. in founding a free hospital, orphan asylum and college, all of which are to

be open to colored people upon equal terms with white citizens. The committee of

arrangements were John H. Butler, Sr., Wm. F. Taylor, Henry W. Martin, John W. Jacks, Willian

H. Bishop, Sr., H. Clay Hawkins, Jacob A. Seaton, Samuel W. Chase, Sr., George W. Foster

and George W. Perkins. The hall was filled, and the gallery was also crowded with many of the

gentler sex. On motion of Mr. Isaac Myers the following officers of the meeting were

unanimously elected.

OFFICERS OF THE MEETING

President, John H. Bulter; vice-presidents, Wm. F. Taylor, Henry W. Martin, Isaac Myers,

Wm. H. Bishop, Sr., John W. Lochs, George W. Lester, Samuel W. Chase, Jr., George W.

Perkins, Jacob A. Seaton, John H. Smith, James A. Harris, Sr., Wm. Perkins, John A.

Fernandis, James T. Bradford, Burwell Banks, C.L. J. Lee, Wm. H. Brown, Charles A. Deaver,

Nathaniel T. Burgess, Solomon McCabe; secretaries, H. Clay Hawkins, George Myers, W.S.

Emerson, Dr. Reverdy Hail, Wm. J. Gray, Dr. J.A. Jordan, James H. Hill, Dr. W.P. Thomas and

J.A. Harris, Jr.

Mr. John H. Butler returned his thanks for the honor. He said of the many meetings

heretofore held in Douglass Hall this meeting was the most important. He stated the object of

the meeting, which was to express the gratitude of the colored people to Johns Hopkins for his

munificent endowment of institutions which the colored people were to share in all their

advantages. Few men ever dreamed of the great object to which his wealth was to be devoted.

Mr. George Myers moved the appointment by the chair of a committee to report

resolutions, and the chair appointed Messrs. Myers, S. W. Chase, Robert Deaver, J.H. Smith

and Dr. Gross. The committee retired, and shortly after reported the following

PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS

Whereas Johns Hopkins, Esq., has recently added his name to the list of those who by

their lives have sought success only that it might enable their warm-hearted philanthropy the

more to serve the great cause of a common humanity; and whereas for the first time in the

history of Maryland a generous impulse, throbbing in the noble breast of one of its best citizens,

who, regarding not the clamor of the hour, but realizing the demands of the times, at the

dictation of statesmanlike views, unbiassed [sic] by popular prejudice, has elevated himself

above all other men in Maryland, in the mode and manner of the distribution of his charity, and

out of his private means donated to the public good, without distinction of race or color, more

than four millions of dollars to endow a free hospital and a home for colored orphans in

Baltimore. Therefore be it

Resolved by the Colored Citizens of Baltimore City, in Mass Meeting Assembled, That

Johns Hopkins, Esq., heartily receives our warmest expression of heartfelt thanks for his

generosity in regarding and recognizing our race in his great act of munificence.

Resolved, That Johns Hopkins, Esq., will ever be regarded as the friend of the colored

race, and that we will teach our children to do honor to his memory when we shall have passed

away, because of his noble liberality of spirit, and the comprehensiveness of mind

characterizing his conduct in recognizing our race as being entitled to equal consideration and

treatment with all others.

Resolved. That a copy of these resolutions be presented to Johns Hopkins, Esq., signed

by the officers of this meeting.

THE COLORED ORPHAN ASYLUM, ETC.

Mr. Hopkins’s letter of instruction to the trustees of the Johns Hopkins Hospital was read

by Mr. H. Clay Hawkins amidst such applause. The letter stated that he had given thirteen acres

of land on Broadway upon which to erect the hospital, and suggesting his wishes upon the

subject. Also to erect suitable buildings for the reception, maintenance and education of 300 or

400 orphan colored children, who have lost one parent only, and in exceptional cases to receive

those who are not orphans, and he appropriates annually $20,000 for its support. Also that he

had dedicated to the support of the hospital property worth two millions of dollars, from which

$120,000 will be annually derived. The indigent sick of this city and its environs who require

medical or surgical treatment are to be received without charge, without regard to age, sex, or

color. The whole to form a part of the medical school of Johns Hopkins Hospital University, for

which he has made simple provision by his will.

REMARKS OF ISAAC MYERS.

Isaac Myers said he called to mind the liberality of Mr. Peabody, of Mr. Astor, of Peter

Cooper and others, but there was only one man in this country or in Europe who says his wealth

shall be equally distributed for the relief of the colored man—but one man who has said in

words not to be misunderstood by executors, nor evaded by the law, and that man is Johns

Hopkins. By this grand demonstration they propose to put Johns Hopkins at the head of all men.

He gives to the colored people without putting himself up for office and asking their votes or any

other favors. He gives four millions [sic] of dollars to the people of Maryland without distinction

of color, and twenty thousand dollars a year for a colored orphan asylum. That is the kind of

friend he wanted.

He then referred to the opposition which he had to encounter in obtaining the hospital

lot, how some persons wanted to run a street through it, &c [sic]. But, true to the instincts of his

own nature, to the teachings of the Friends’ Society, he persevered, and declared there should

be no distinction of race or color within the walls of the noble institution he has founded.

REMARKS OF J. SELLA MARTIN.

Rev. J. Sella Martin, of North Carolina, was then introduced. He said the white people

were not disposed to give anything to the colored people except from necessity. They did not let

them fight or vote until they found it a political necessity. There was now an educational

necessity, and Johns Hopkins was the first man to see that necessity. He has taken the highest

expression of the spirit of the age as his guide.—Others have left their money to be expended

after their death, but Mr. Hopkins gives his money while living, and keeps an eye on its

disbursement. It requires the best of training, that of the Quaker Society, to produce such a man

as Johns Hopkins.

The speaker here paid a high compliment to the members of the Society of Friends in

this country and in England. Johns Hopkins will be lifted in the future to that high station which is

accorded to the true philanthropist. [Cheers.]

REMARKS OF ELDER GIVENS.

Elder J.V. Givens, of Virginia, next addressed the meeting. He said he could hardly

express his feelings on this occasions [sic]. Mr. Hopkins rises above all men that he knew of.

His great act makes him thank God for the existence of such a man in the country. They should

teach their children to lisp [sic] their gratitude. Mr. Hopkins’s fame will not be local. He belongs

to the whole Union. Wherever the colored man may be, there will his name be known.

The resolutions were then adopted, every man and woman in the hall rising to their feet,

and the committee of arrangements was instructed to have them handsomely framed and

presented to Mr. Hopkins. The meeting then adjourned.

https://exhibits.library.jhu.edu/omeka-s/s/johnshopkinsbiographicalarchive/item/3007

Clifton Mansion: A Historic Treasure

Clifton Mansion, perched on grassy knoll in Clifton Park just north of Baltimore’s inner harbor, has a rich history worth exploring. This landmark building is most often associated with businessman and philanthropist Johns Hopkins, a renowned Baltimore figure and the namesake behind Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital. He used Clifton Mansion as a summer residence for many years in the mid-1800s. That connection, along with the majestic architectural features and landscaping design, offers visitors a way to understand more than two centuries of history in the region.

Clifton Mansion’s First Years

Clifton Mansion’s roots actually predate Hopkins. This home was originally built in 1802 by Henry Thompson as a Late Georgian stone structure. Thompson was a prominent merchant and ship owner who served as Captain of the First Baltimore Horse Artillery in the War of 1812. He was born in England. At age 20, he migrated to Baltimore in 1794 where he established a mercantile business, shipping goods to Baltimore from England.

He purchased a 26-acre tract of land along what is now Harford Road for an estate he dubbed “Clifton.” Here, he built a mansion where his family moved in 1803. Thompson likely drew several sources of inspiration for the design of the original Clifton mansion, which began as a five-bay, two-story mansion facing south. Among them were the Montebello and Furley Hall mansions, which were located nearby along what is today Herring Run Park.

Thompson’s life brings its own historical significance to Clifton Mansion. Aside from a rich military history that included serving in the War of 1812 and making a name as a ship owner, Thompson left an indelible mark on the Baltimore’s infrastructure. He was the builder and president of the Baltimore and Harford Turnpike Company, responsible for a toll road from Baltimore the Conowingo Bridge at the Susquehanna River, which is about halfway to Philadelphia. He was also part of the decision-making team responsible for laying out streets in Baltimore, among many other pivotal roles in the city’s development.

Johns Hopkins Connection

Although Thompson was responsible for establishing the roots of Clifton Mansion’s notable history, Johns Hopkins is arguably its most famous connection.

The Quaker merchant was raised in the Maryland area on a plantation in what is now Anne Arundel County. He then moved to Baltimore to help his uncle with his grocery store before launching his own grocery business.

Hopkins’ savvy business moves led him to become one of the wealthiest Marylanders, with his estate eventually founding the famous hospital and college we associate him with today.

During his more productive years, Hopkins eyed Clifton Mansion as a summer home to take a break from his busy schedule working downtown. He eventually bought it at auction for $20,100 in 1841. He then built upon what Thompson had started by adding to the grandiose and fashionable architectural features, although with a different style.

Hopkins transformed the home into an Italianate Villa, as Italian themed designed were popular at the time. With this era came walls and ceilings decorated with paint design, an expanded parlor with a featured medallion, larger windows and an elaborate wrap-around porch, among other impressive features.

Hopkins also increased the land around Clifton to 500 acres, which encompassed rolling hills and ponds. The trend at the time was to strive for the perfect balance between a statuesque home and a picturesque landscape, with architectural features blending into natural surroundings.

Architectural Significance

Now recognized as a historic American gem with its place on the National Register of Historic Places, Clifton Mansion boasts a wealth of features that reflect several historic time periods with classical elements.

Restored woodwork, intricate door surrounds and original crown molding are among the countless ways Clifton Mansion takes you back in time. Each room offers its own historic details. For example, among its more striking features in the parlor are ornate niches (now restored with faux marble) and cake-decorating-like plaster work attributed to Irish artisans said to have worked on the U.S. Capital.

Considering the extensive time and thought behind the details of the building, it’s easy to see why Clifton Mansion was once deemed “one of the most elegant, extensive and beautiful villas in the country.” Visitors today can still enjoy that beauty, along with the added advantage of appreciating the building’s role in a bigger historical picture.