Often when we think of gardens and flowers in Westfield, local gems such as Grandmother’s Garden and Stanley Park come to mind. Yet when it comes to flora and fauna,very few of us are likely to think of local teacher, Adelbert M. Jakeman (1905-1983). While you may have heard of Jakeman’s book on covered bridges in New England*, it’s Jakeman’s Wildflower Collection, held in the Westfield Athenaeum archives, that is truly remarkable.
The Jakeman Western and Eastern Wildflower Collection consists of approximately 1000 color slides as well as field notes that document wildflowers in both the western and eastern United States in the 1960s. The part of the collection that focuses on eastern wildflowers is a local history treasure, with scores of local wildflowers from in and around Westfield documented. Field notes entries, which supplement the information on the slides, give helpful information including: the name of the plant, physical characteristics,when it blooms, and the location where the film was taken. If you want to follow in Jakeman’s footsteps and explore our regional blossoms, this summer is a great time to take the opportunity to explore outside (check out our At the Table In the Garden initiative to promote movement and wellness) while taking in the beauty of our nearest blooms.
–Kim L. Pereira
Local History Librarian
Sources:
Jakeman, A. M. (1935). Old covered bridges: The story of bridges in general. Stephen Daye Press.
Jakeman, A. M. (1966). Devil’s Paint Brush
. Westfield Athenaeum, Westfield, MA, USA. westath.orgJakeman, A. M. (1967). Star Thistle
. Westfield Athenaeum, Westfield, MA, USA. westath.orgJakeman, A. M. (1966). Valerian
. Westfield Athenaeum, Westfield, MA, USA. westath.orgJakeman, A. M. (1965). Golden Rod
. Westfield Athenaeum, Westfield, MA, USA. westath.orgJakeman, A. M. (1966). Flowering Raspberry
. Westfield Athenaeum, Westfield, MA, USA. westath.orgJakeman, A. M. (1969). Pink Yarrow
. Westfield Athenaeum, Westfield, MA, USA. westath.org
