Congdon Park in Duluth in Saint Louis County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Gardener's Cottage

— Historic Glensheen Estate —

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024

1. Gardener's Cottage Marker

Inscription.
The estate housed three head gardeners before employing a Scotsman named George Wyness in 1921. His arrival in Duluth, along with his wife and three sons, marked the beginning of a family gardening dynasty.

In 1955, George turned the position over to his youngest son, Bob. As new head gardener, Bob continued to live in the cottage, which had been his home since age six. Bob remained through 2004, years after the estate had opened for tours, with his wife, Elsie. He often mingled with visitors, telling stories of his 83 years at Glensheen.

The original cottage was expanded in 1927. Currently, the space is used for bridal functions and office space.

Did you know?
There was once a chicken coop behind this cottage, adding fresh eggs to the many ways Glensheen was a self-sustaining estate.

Erected by Historic Glensheen Estate. (Marker Number 1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 46° 48.933′ N,

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92° 3.03′ W. Marker is in Duluth, Minnesota, in Saint Louis County. It is in Congdon Park. It can be reached from London Road (Voyageur Highway) (State Highway 61) 0.2 miles north of South 32nd Avenue East, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located along the Glensheen Estate interpretive trail. Walking access is from the Glensheen Estate parking lot on the northeast side of the property. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3300 London Road, Duluth MN 55804, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region

and in the Iron Range.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Vegetable Garden (a few

Gardener's Cottage (<i>southeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024

2. Gardener's Cottage (southeast elevation)

The marker is located directly in front of the Gardner's Cottage.

steps from this marker); Carriage House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Greenhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Glensheen, A Family Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Carriage House (within shouting distance of this marker); Bowling Green & Tennis Court (within shouting distance of this marker); Bent Brook (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Servant's Courtyard (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Duluth.

Regarding Gardener's Cottage. Contributing property, Chester and Clara Congdon Estate — Glensheen, National Register of Historic Places № 91001057.

From the National Register Nomination prepared by Michael Koop, 8/1990:
Gardener's Cottage, 1908, Clarence H. Johnston, Sr., architect. The Gardener's Cottage is a one-and-one-half-story, Flemish bond brick and false half-timber building with a saltbox profile and clay tile roof. Windows on the first floor have segmentally arched lintels and granite sills; all windows are double hung sash with diagonal muntins. The present configuration is the result of a 1926
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024

3. Gardener's Cottage Marker
Gardener's Cottage (northeast elevation)
remodeling that raised the gable roof into a saltbox profile. Changes included removing parapets, altering and adding upper windows, installing false half-timbering and a second-floor overhang, remodeling upstairs rooms, constructing a small pantry on the north wall, and raising the brick chimneys. When the alterations were completed the Gardener's Cottage more closely reflected the design of the Carriage House.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Glensheen — The Historic Congdon Estate

Gardener's Cottage (<i>east elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024

4. Gardener's Cottage (east elevation)

From the National Register Nomination: North of the Carriage House a large rectangular parcel of land extending nearly to London Road is occupied by the Gardener’s Cottage, vegetable garden, flower and rose garden, tennis court, and bowling green.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 160 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 17, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.