Toms family photograph collection, 1880s, 1900s

University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library

1150 Beal Avenue

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113, USA

bentley.ref@umich.edu

Scope and Content:: Photo of the family's formal garden in Ann Arbor and photos of nursery, location unknown.
Biographical / Historical:: James Toms was born in Surrey, England in 1817. He moved to Ann Arbor in 1854, where he helped build the Union School building. In 1858, he purchased some swampy land on the corner of Miller Avenue and Chapin Street. After draining and cultivating the land, he and his wife Lucy Toms (born Lucy Cornish) converted it into a garden and established Sion Greenhouse, which was the first greenhouse in Ann Arbor. Gradually, his business grew to cover two and a half acres of land and offered a variety of vegetables and flowers. Toms was particularly known for his chrysanthemums and pansies, and was an honorary member of the Michigan Horticultural Society.
Acquisition Information:: Donated by Bonnie L. Sullivan (donor no. 9082 )
Rules or Conventions:: gihc

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RESTRICTIONS:: The collection is open without restriction.
USE & PERMISSIONS:: Copyright status is unknown. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials.

PREFERRED CITATION:: [item], folder, Toms family photograph collection, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.