Burghers of Yonkers

June 21, 2019

Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens,

Despite seemingly unceasing rain, the garden is looking splendid and is being enjoyed by all kinds of people. The Muslim festival of Eid celebrates the end of Ramadan, and it is one of our most colorful days of the year. Beautifully attired families come to enjoy the Persian garden. This family traveled to Untermyer Gardens from Queens:

Our Persian concert in early June was sold out. Amir Vahab and his ensemble gave a spirited performance, including an entrancing and exotically costumed dancer. Untermyer gardener Maryam Farzaneh insisted that an afternoon concert of Persian music wouldn’t be complete without asrooneh, or afternoon tea. So, with her help, we were able to offer delicious and healthy Persian snacks during intermission. We hope to make this an annual event.

Our head gardener, Timothy Tilghman, has thrown us a curveball in his most interesting plantings at the top of the Rock and Stream Garden. Three Siberian spruce (Picea omorika ‘Pendula’) look like odd-shaped sentinels. More than a few people have said that they reminded them of Auguste Rodin’s great sculptural group the Burghers of Calais. Think of them as the Burghers of Yonkers!

Another artifact from Samuel Untermyer has made its way to us. We recently acquired this card promoting an article in the June 1933 issue of New York Life, “The Truth about Hitler: Beast or Man—What Is He?” This exclusive story by Untermyer describes the importance of a boycott of Germany and exposes Nazi atrocities.

Finally, please mark Sunday, August 11, on your calendar for our inaugural Summer Jazz Concert, featuring the Victor LaGamma Quartet. The concert in the Walled Garden starts at 4:30 – it’s a perfect way to wind down the summer weekend. You can purchase tickets at $20 online here.

Kind regards,
Stephen F. Byrns
President, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy