Cultural Landscape Report
In 2011, Weymouth embarked on a landmark study on the history of the Boyd family and the landscape of their Weymouth estate. The Cultural Report Part I was led by Davyd Foard Hood, author, historian and landscape professional.
The report explores the Boyd family’s symbiotic relationship to the landscapes of both Weymouth and Southern Pines, with an introduction to the artistry of landscape architect Alfred Yeomans. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the estate’s recognized period of historic significance spanning the years of the Boyd family residency between 1904 – 1974.
The groundswell of support for the Weymouth CLR Part I inspired a preservation movement in Southern Pines, supporting the listing of The Walthour-Moss Foundation’s 2,852 acres to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013, and an update to the Southern Pines Historic District Design Guidelines.
The Cultural Landscape Report Part II, led by Glenn Stach and completed in 2015, serves as a master plan for the Weymouth grounds. The plan incorporates a comprehensive assessment and management strategy for the grounds and forest. Project team member Glenn Bradley developed an accompanying landscape management handbook, serving as a lasting compendium to the Cultural Landscape Plan for use by management team and volunteers.
The Minnette C. Duffy Landscape Preservation Award
For the commissioning and implementation of the Weymouth Cultural Landscape Report Part II, Weymouth received Preservation North Carolina’s 2015 Minnette C. Duffy Landscape Preservation Award. This is North Carolina’s highest award presented for the preservation, restoration or maintenance of landscapes, gardens, streetscapes, or grounds related to historic structures.
This study was funded by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, with additional funding for the economic sustainability addendum provided by the Healy Family Charitable Endowment. Special thanks also goes to the Southern Pines Garden Club, State Historic Preservation Office, and the Town of Southern Pines for their financial support, and to Ray Owen for his guidance and inspirational vision that have made this study possible.