History of Deepwood Grounds

Alice Bretherton Brown near Tennis Court - c. 1927 (Deepwood Collection)

Deepwood was owned by three families over its 70 years as a private residence. Each family had their own vision for the property. Now a public park owned by the City of Salem, the property maintains elements of each of the owners.

Deepwood c. 1895 (Deepwood Collection 76.58.18)

Port Era 1894-1895

Dr. Port had a vision for his beautiful property in Yew Park. Originally there was to be a pond visible from the front porch, just below Mission Street fed by a natural spring. Though the plans were made, the spring dried up once Mission Street was paved. Dr. Port liked the rustic nature of the majority of the property. It created quite a striking image, juxtaposed against the Queen Anne Victorian home.

George Bingham in Vegetable Garden (Deepwood Collection - 82.101.16)

Bingham Era 1896-1924

Under the Bingham family’s stewardship, the 4 1/2 acre property served more as a working farm. Judge George Bingham was an avid gardener. He grew a vast array of fruits and vegetables, holding a particular fondness for onions. The quince tree located between the Carriage House and Spring Garden is a reminder of the fruit orchard once contained within that space. The grape arbor was also part of the Bingham garden layout.

Alice Brown Powell in Scroll Garden (Deepwood Collection)

Brown Era 1924-1968

Alice Bretherton Brown would largely shape how the property looks today. Many of the more notable elements were added under her ownership. In 1930, Alice hired the landscape design team of Elizabeth Lord & Edith Schryver to design parts of the Formal Gardens of Deepwood, which are now the only residential example of their work under public ownership. The gardens were developed over the next decade and flourished under the loving care of Mrs. Brown (later Mrs. Powell) until 1968.

Alice particularly loved entertaining in her gardens, hosting parties, teas, and numerous weddings over her 43 years of residence. The Solarium was added in 1924, and would be one of Alice’s favorite rooms from which she could enjoy her gardens and entertain.

City of Salem Public Park

The property was purchased by the City of Salem in 1971 and Deepwood became a Salem city park. During the late 1970s the City also acquired a number of properties formerly located along 12th Street. This space was cleared to expand the park, adding Yew Park and the parking lot. Deepwood’s beloved gardens are maintained by dedicated volunteers of the Friends of Deepwood and the Lord and Schryver Conservancy. To volunteer to work in the gardens, click here.