The Memorial Tablet for Eloise Butler

The Memorial Tablet for Eloise Butler was dedicated on May 4th, 1934. The idea for a memorial tablet is mentioned in the April 19. 1933, minutes of the Board of Park Commissioners. It was planned, created and presented by some of her friends and some of her former pupils from her years as a botany teacher in the Minneapolis Public Schools. A committee of these persons had been formed at the suggestion of Theodore Wirth, General Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park System, in mid-1933 following Eloise's death. There were several suggested dedications which were submitted to Martha Crone for her approval and for her to sample the preferences of garden visitors as to the wording. A fund raising campaign was initiated with the suggested donation being limited to no more than one dollar. The committee felt that they must raise the funds independently so as to "prove to Mr. Wirth and the Park board that the Reserve (The Wild Flower Garden) has many friends." (1) The dedication as shown below, being the one recommended by the committee. Martha and all interested others approved and the bronze tablet was cast.

(1) Letter to Martha Crone from Clara Leavitt (fellow teacher of Eloise Butler) dated Sept. 15, 1933.

At the end of the path from the front gate of the garden to the Martha Crone Shelter will be found a large granite boulder bearing a dedication to Eloise Butler. The boulder was placed the year following her death and sits in front of an oak tree that was planted in her memory. The text of the dedication tablet reads as follows:

In loving memory of Eloise Butler (1851-1933), teacher of botany in Minneapolis Schools, Founder and first curator of this native plant reserve. This oak has been planted and this tablet erected by a grateful public.

To this sequestered glen Miss Butler brought beautiful native plants from all sections of our state and tended them with patient care. This priceless garden is our heritage from her and its continued preservation a living testimony of our appreciation. Here her ashes are scattered and here her protective spirit lingers.

Dedicated Arbor Day 1934

(Click on the photo for a larger image)

Below: At the dedication of the memorial tablet are (l. to r.) Miss Elizabeth Foss, Botany teacher at North High School (She made the presentation of the tablet); Clara Leavitt, fellow teacher of Eloise; Minneapolis Parks Superintendent Theodore Wirth; Audrey Kelly; Parks Vice President Frances A. Gross (who accepted on behalf of the Park Board); Dolores Hoiby and Jennie Hall, Science Supervisor of the Minneapolis Public Schools. Photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society, Martha Crone Collection 142.J.1.8F