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The Grotto
One of the original features of Bellingrath Gardens is its riverfront Grotto. According to a hand written memo by George Rogers, the Grotto was completed in February of 1931. "On the 28th day of the month, water first spilled down the runnel to fill the pool beneath the Grotto and spilled out into the Fowl River. Although the Bellingraths certainly would have seen grottos in English and European gardens during their 1927 trip, nephew Ernest Edgar, Jr. recalled that they had actually seen something similar on a boat trip through Canada's Thousand Island region.
With its splashing waterfall, lovely seasonal plantings and riverfront location, the Grotto at Bellingrath Gardens is as popular with Garden visitors today as it was in 1931.
Turning eastward toward Fowl River, visitors can see what drew the Bellingraths to the area. The love of fishing and the outdoors as well as the encouragement from his doctor, inspired Mr. Bellingrath to purchase his fishing camp that would become Bellingrath Gardens and Home. In fact, Mr. Bellingrath also bought the undeveloped acreage in the distance as a preserve to protect the view from the Gardens.
“Belle Camp” (as it was known then) included two dilapidated shacks and a boat dock but no electricity or running water. Mr. Bellingrath and his father-in-law fixed up the cabins and added screened porches while using the property for hunting and fishing. In the 1920s one of the shacks was removed to build a lodge with beamed ceilings, a large fireplace and screened porches overlooking Fowl River. Even as the camp was transforming into the lovely Gardens we know today, Mr. Bellingrath would enjoy all the benefits life on the river had to offer. The river pavilion that is here today replaced an older boat house which was the center of summer activities for the Bellingraths and their guests.
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