Cammie G. Henry. Image credit: Cammie G. Henry Research Center, Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Thursday, June 9 brought Debbie and me to the Cammie G. Henry Research Center at Northwestern State University here in Natchitoches. Quick, initial research showed us that Louisiana native Caroline Dorman–author, conservationist, horticulturist (and several other hats)–was somehow involved in the early years of Hodges Gardens, perhaps through planning or consulting. We called the folks at the Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve, and they highly recommended our checking with the Cammie G. Henry Center.
[Hosting items associated with such subjects as Kate Chopin and the Federal Writer’s Project, the Center is named after a woman who collected Louisiana documents and books and lived at Melrose Plantation. An establishment with a rich and significant history, Melrose is located in a community of the same name, along Cane River Lake south of Natchitoches].
We met Mary Linn Wernet, Head Archivist and University Records Officer, during our appointment just after lunch. Since we consulted the Center’s online database beforehand, we were able to request our items shortly after arriving. There were three (3) folders of interest to us—collections of documents related to Caroline Dorman / Hodges Gardens / A.J. Hodges correspondence. I’ve highlighted some of our discoveries below. [Credit for the following notes and any related images to: Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Watson Memorial Library, Cammie G. Henry Research Center, Dorman Collection, Folders 171, 172, 173 ].
– January 5, 1954: A letter from this date documents what appears to be Caroline Dorman’s first correspondence with Hodges Gardens founder A.J. Hodges. Citing her wild flower preserve, she contacts him with interest in conversing about the his development of the Gardens. She also mentions her collection of rare and native (to the South) trees and flowers.
– May 18, 1955: A.J Hodges appoints Caroline Dorman as “Consultant on Natural Areas.”
– Names and notes to further investigate: a Mr. Marshman; “landscape man from Kansas City;” Bruce and Lee, landscape workers; a Mr. Evans; Owen Lattimore; S.D Coleman Nurseries; W.J. Chalupnik, horticulturist.
– July 26, 1956: Caroline Dorman expresses interest in resigning and desires a discussion with Hodges on the subject
Caroline Dorman (1888-1971). During the early years of Hodges Gardens, Dorman was appointed "Consultant on Natural Areas." I am a new fan of this Louisiana native. Among her many accomplishments, she was a leader in establishing the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana's only U.S. Forest unit. Image credit: Cammie G. Henry Research Center, Northwestern State University of Louisiana and KnowLA, the encyclopedia of Louisiana history and culture.
Samples from material viewed at Cammie G. Henry Research Center. Credit: Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Watson Memorial Library, Cammie G. Henry Research Center, Dorman Collection.
Scanning documents. Looking for correspondence between Caroline Dorman and Hodges Gardens founder A.J. Hodges. Image credit: Debbie Smith, NCPTT; Documents credit: Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Watson Memorial Library, Cammie G. Henry Research Center, Dorman Collection.
Exploring Hodges Gardens 