Name/Title
SouvenirEntry/Object ID
2002.1.3Description
Fragment of tree trunk, irregularly shaped. Label is affixed by means of four thumbtacks (one on each corner). Label is typed on white stationery with brown backing. Heading on stationery reads, "GEORGE E. NITZSCHE/ 1024 WESTVIEW AVENUE/ PHILADELPHIA 19 PA". Typed portion reads as follows, "DR CHRISTOPHER WITT came to America in 1704 and for some time was one of Kelpius' hermits of the Wissahickon. He was an eminent scholar and scientist and in Germantown established one of the two earliest Botanical Gardens, DR. WITT was a friend of JOHN BARTRAM who in 1728-1730 founded what is usually regarded as the first Botanical Garden in America and still survives. They were known to have collaborated with each other.
This is a piece of the trunk of Bartram's "Lady Peter Pear Tree planted from seed about 1730. The tree died in 1934, when I secured this stump. On October 23, 1763 Bartram wrote to Collinson, of England, that the tree "hath born a number of the finest relished fruit, I think a better is not in the world."Dimensions
Height
5 inWidth
9 inDepth
12-5/8 inProvenance
Notes
See transcript of label in "description" field.
Donated by George E. Nitsche, 1024 Westview Street"