History
In the early 70's, the Marion County Historical Society spearheaded a citizen effort to acquire the 4.03 acre property known as Deepwood. The area was located east of Bush's Pasture Park and contained a Victorian mansion with carriage house, formal landscaped gardens, an open meadow and a wooded area called "Deep Woods."
Deepwood House was built by Dr. Luke Port in 1894. Dr. Port lived in the house only a short time before selling it to George and Willie Bingham. Clifford and Alice Brown were the third owners of the home. It was Mrs. Alice Brown, later Alice Brown Powell, who, with the help of her friends, landsape architects Elizabeth Lord and Edith Schryver , developed the landscaped gardens. It was Mrs. Brown Powell's desire that Deepwood, with its gardens, be preserved for public purposes. She would be pleased with its place on the National Register of Historic Places today.
The acquisition of Deepwood was given support when City Council adopted a resolution stating the City would accept ownership and maintenance of Deepwood if private funds were found for its purchase. The front half of the property was purchased in 1971, and the back portion in 1973. The local share was raised through contributions from the Marion County Historical Society, Walton Trust, Donna W. Aldrich Trust and many groups and individuals from the area. Local contributions were matched by a Federal Open Space grant.
In 1976, the Deepwood Advisory Committee was given recognition for a job well done and since they had fulfilled the tasks for which they were appointed, the Committee was dissolved.
The Friends of Deepwood were organized in September, 1974, to promote the improvement, development, preservation and use of the house and gardens. The Friends of Deepwood have raised funds to employ guide service for the open house days. You may visit the house on specified days for a 75 cent fee for adults, 25 cents for students, and 10 cents for children. (Please note these are 1978 fees).
The house and gardens are open for reservation by the public through the Park and Recreation Agency. There is a fee schedule for use of the house and another for use of the gardens. A resident caretaker is available to care for the house and to maintain the calendar schedule.
A Historic Preservation grant has been approved by the National Park Service to assist with restoration of the house. Painting and a new roof for both the house and carriage house are the main projects to be accomplished. It is a beautiful old house with tiffany stained glass windows that were brought around "The Horn" by ship, and original oak paneling. Deepwood has slowly gained more use for special meetings, weddings and receptions. The grounds are used extensively.
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