Maxon, William R., Smithsonian Institution, 1918-1946

This series provides a cross-section of the scientific and administrative issues faced by Dr. Gleason during his tenure at the New York Botanic Garden. Correspondence with the principal botanical institutions and the major botanists of the time, especially those engaged in the study of Latin American flora can be found here. Often attached to correspondence are manuscripts or lists of specimens either sent to or by Dr. Gleason for collegial review. Material in the John M. Merrill file contains financial data relative to the New York Botanic Garden’s operations in the 1920’s. Correspondence with the landscape architect, Anne M. Baker who designed the herb garden is located in the “Herb Garden” folder. Amateur botanists frequently wrote to Dr. Gleason for identification of their finds. Examples of their questions and Gleason’s thoughtful replies can be found here. Six years of correspondence with H.C. Oakley regarding the never-to-be-realized establishment of the “California Botanic Garden” illustrates Gleason’s administrative generosity and his commitment to development. Correspondence between Gleason and Maxon is both from his files at NYBG and material photocopied from Maxon’s files at the Smithsonian Institution.