Robert Allerton's Mansion

Built at the turn of the century and modeled after Ham House in England, Allerton’s mansion can be seen in this aerial photo. The exterior of the house has changed little over the years.

The Fu Dog Garden, Phase 1

The Fu Dog Garden origionally had triangular hedges in front of the famous statues.

The Fu Dog Garden, Phase 2

Other then planting two rows of pine trees, the only other change with the Fu Dogs was a switch from hedges to a Greek "key style" of concrete borders to save the gardeners some work.

The Buddha Pavilion

Although the structure never changed, the color often did, going through phases of white and black both on the building and the ironwork on top. The statues on top and outside were changed often and eventually were removed from the pavilion altogether.

The Buddha Pavilion today

The Buddha Pavilion as it looks today with white paint, foliage, different doors, and no statues on the outside, although it still houses three Buddha statues it was built to display.

The Death of the Last Centaur

In 1929, workers uncrate the "Death of the Last Centaur" statue. Although the setting for it was completed in 1927, the statue was mistakenly sent to Japan before being sent to Allerton.

The Lost Garden

Dismantled in 1974, the Lost Garden was several miles away from the rest of the formal gardens and was Allerton’s favorite picnic spot.

The initial development of the Sunken Garden.

Today the Sunken Garden is a popular place for concerts, weddings, and reunions, but when Allerton built the garden it was a landfill.

The Sunken Garden, Phase 1

The Sunken Garden had several changes made to it. This photo shows Allerton's original design.

The Sunken Garden, Phase 2

A few years later, Allerton added a second wall, pine trees and a taller pavilion.

The Sunken Garden, Phase 3

The third and final phase was designed by John Gregg, the man Allerton later adopted as his son, who decided to mix oriental and art deco styles.

The Sunken Garden today

The garden now looks much the same as it did when Gregg designed it.

Installing "The Sun Singer"

Allerton expected "The Sun Singer" statue to be 6 ft. tall. Instead he received a statue that was 15 ft. tall! Allerton originally planned to display the statue near the house. Because of the larger size, he had Gregg design a new setting for it.

Uncrating "The Sun Singer"

Workers uncrate and unwrap the statue for the first time in its new location.

Securing "The Sun Singer"

Workers secure "The Sun Singer" into place as the installation is completed.