The Story of Bellingrath Gardens and Home

In 1903, Walter Duncan Bellingrath began Mobile’s first Coca-Cola bottling operation.  His franchise spanned a 100-mile radius, which he covered single-handedly at first.  It was not uncommon to see Mr. Bellingrath walking the train tracks between small towns because he lacked the train fare.  His perseverance and warm personality won him many customers and his hard work made him a tremendous success. 

By the time the United States became initiated in World War I, Mr. Bellingrath’s Coca-Cola Bottling Company was a major business operation in Mobile.  This success, compounded by sugar shortages during the war, took its toll on Mr. Bellingrath's health.  In 1917, he was advised by his physician to buy a fishing camp overlooking Fowl River he had been admiring to balance his hectic work schedule with needed rest and relaxation. 

By this time, the Bellingrath's home in Mobile on Ann Street was known for its beautiful garden, which the couple graciously allowed drivers to enjoy during the spring.  The collection of azaleas was the city's largest and Mrs. Bellingrath began bringing cuttings down to her husband’s fishing camp, which had been named Belle Camp. The conditions were ideal and each spring the collection became more spectacular. 

After an extensive European tour of gardens, the couple decided to get professional assistance in the design of their property in 1927.  They hired George B. Rogers, Mobile's most prominent architect.  Rogers worked continuously on developing the property, as well as the couple's home, until his death in 1945.  His plan for the Gardens is still being enjoyed today. 

In the spring of 1932, the Bellingraths opened their property along the Fowl River up to a Depression-weary public for a day of azalea gazing.  The response was phenomenal, as the roads between Mobile and the Gardens became one long traffic jam.  The astounded couple decided to open the Gardens permanently, while charging a fee to assist in their care and upkeep. 

The Gardens began to expand as azaleas and camellias were shipped in from across the South.  In Mobile, Mrs. Bellingrath was known for her generosity in paying tremendous sums for plants from individual's gardens.  The higher demand for the plant normally meant a higher price Mrs. Bellingrath was willing to pay. 

The Bellingraths had no children, but they enjoyed the company of their young nieces and nephews.  As both were from large families, the need for extra guest rooms moved the couple to have George Rogers design a guest house in 1939.  The building also contained a large garage, an intimate Chapel and a laundry.  Since 1967, the garage space has served visitors as the Delchamps Gallery of Edward Marshall Boehm Porcelain.  The collection is the largest of its type open to the public and contains a wide variety of wildlife art created by the veterinarian turned sculptor. 

After Mrs. Bellingrath died in 1943, Mr. Bellingrath continued the couple's plans for their beloved Gardens until his own death in 1955.  Mr. Bellingrath had not only created a tribute to the region's natural beauty, but had also contributed much to his community. 

Mr. Bellingrath's obituary listed numerous accomplishments, in addition to creating Bellingrath Gardens.  He had been a staunch member of the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, even writing at least two checks to cover annual deficits.  He served as the director of the Mobile Community Chest, as well as its President.  A Deacon and benefactor at his church, Mr. Bellingrath was also an ardent supporter of Mobile's Rotary Club and the Mobile Infirmary. 

In the business community, he was well respected as the president of the Lerio Corporation, Mobile Warehousing, Inc. and was one of the four founders of the Waterman Steamship Corporation.  He served as an officer for several Coca-Cola bottling companies in Mobile, in addition to other cities.  He was a director of the First National Bank of Mobile and the Mobile Press Register, Inc. 

The Bellingrath-Morse Foundation 

At the age of 80, Mr. Bellingrath created the Bellingrath-Morse Foundation to perpetuate the existence of his beloved Home and Gardens for future generations to enjoy.  The Foundation is also set up to further the efforts of three church-related colleges: Rhodes College in Memphis, TN; Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL; and Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL.  Mr. Bellingrath's church, Central Presbyterian as well as that of his wife’s family, St. Francis Street Methodist, is also beneficiaries of the Foundation.  These institutions receive approximately 85% of the Foundation's earnings.  There is no doubt of Mr. Bellingrath's sincere interest in education.  Having a limited formal education himself, Mr. Bellingrath made certain that many others could further themselves through a college education.