Person Record
Images
Metadata
Name |
McAdow, Marian |
Born |
09/20/1869 |
Deceased |
09/16/1950 |
Birthplace |
Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
Biographical Summary |
Marian Ann Tyrrel McAdow was born Marian Wild at Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, Lake Erie, Ohio on September 29, 1869. When she was few weeks old her father, overwrought with ten other siblings to care for, gave her to a neighboring couple, Allen Terrell and his wife, who with their new child, moved to Escanaba, Upper Peninsula Michigan. Marian developed an interest in horticulture at the early age of five. She became a school teacher and taught in Chicago where she met Perry McAdow. They were married on October 2, 1897. Dismayed when she and Perry arrived in Punta Gorda by the lack of what she expected - swaying palm trees and other flowering plants, she set about to change it. Not only was she responsible for planting the large banyan on Retta Esplanade, she also drove much of our tropical ambiance including the palms along Marion Avenue and she influenced through her writings, known to thousands of readers of the Florida Grower as the "Ornamental Lady, " the creation of a tropical paradise throughout South Florida. She was want to travel about the city and the rest of Florida in her automobile distributing the seeds of beautiful flowers. Perhaps overshadowed in what is written about her by her horticultural expertise and recognition for being a prominent hostess, was her civic involvement and active role as a business woman. It was said had she not been a woman she would have probably been a Punta Gorda mayor. She was chair of the Board that created the first city charter and recommended to be the first City Manager. She was also appointed by the Governor to the school board, but declined. She was also a philanthropist who donated to many local causes and helped raise money for the high school. She took up causes for justice including interceding with her friend, Governor Albert Gilchrist, on behalf of a black man who was to be executed. Marian was also active culturally. She’s was the music director for the Episcopal Church. She a good photographer and acclaimed artist. Many homes at the time had her paintings on their walls, although unfortunately none can be located. Her photograph collection is said to have been lost in a fire. In addition to Punta Gorda, Marion spent time at her home, Rix Haven, in the North Carolina, Mountains. She died September 16, 1950 in Treasure Island, Florida where she spent her later years. Picture Courtesy of Lawrence Newman |
Occupation |
During her childhood, Marian showed an early interest in horticulture. 1893-1897 Marian was a school teacher in Chicago, probably the John Spry School whichhad over 2,000 students. She had more than 50 students I her class. The parents of all her students were foreign born. Marian McAdow was the social leader in Punta Gorda. Her home provided a beautiful location to entertain, she made certain there was live music, and she was a gracious hostess for numerous parties and entertainments. In 1900 for 13 weeks, she hosted the seasonal PG Whist Club. |
Education |
12th grade |
Places of residence |
Born in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, an island in Lake Erie a few miles south of the Canadian Border. By age 5, Marian moved to Brampton, UP Michigan. Punta Gorda, Florida |
Spouse |
Perry Wadsworth McAdow(10/02/1897) |
Children |
none |
Father |
Born in Canada |
Mother |
Born in Germany |
Caption |
Marian McAdow on left, age 20 |
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