Newark, DE 19711 - University of Delaware Library Institutional ...

History
The restoration of historic structures in Salem began in 1950
under the guidance of the non-profit organization, Old Salem, Inc.
However, it was not until December of 1972, twenty-two years later,
that a lack of authentic gardens and landscapes around exhibit
buildings prompted the formation of a Landscape Restoration Com-
mittee. Prior to this time gardening in Old Salem consisted of
planting and mowing grass and installing several inaccurate gardens.
The Landscape Restoration Committee immediately assumed the
tasks of developing an active program of garden construction in
the town, planting native flora, removing non-conforming landscape
features, and interpreting the newly re-created landscape. As
then, the committee today is composed of Salem residents and trustees
and staff members of Old Salem, Inc. Mrs. Flora Ann Bynum, a long-
time resident of Salem and garden researcher and lecturer, was the
first chairperson of the committee. She led the group in develop-
ing landscape restoration policies and yearly programs of work for
the Horticulture Department.
With little monetary support or professional help in 1973,
the Landscape Restoration Committee concentrated on a program of
research and tree planting. In June, 1974, funds were appropri-
ated to employ the first professional horticulturist, Peter Hatch.
He designed and installed many family gardens and orchards through-
out the historic district. Mr. Hatch also assisted Salem resi-
dents with appropriate designs and plants for their yards and
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