A photographic postcard in sepia shows the lawn, evergreens and small goldfish lake on the spacious 8.5-acre grounds of the August Meyer home at 4415 Warwick Boulevard in Kansas City. Part of the red brick mansion is seen in the background. The 26-room Flemish Queen Anne style home, designed by the architectural firm of Van Brunt & Howe, was built in 1895-96. The goldfish lake, part of Meyer's Oriental Gardens, was located at the northwest corner of the Meyer property. August Meyer, a German-born nature enthusiast, who made a fortune in mining and smelting before he came to Kansas City, was president of the city's first board of park commissioners. (Under Article X, the charter amendment adopted June 6, 1895, a park and boulevard system was provided.) Meyer continued as president until 1900. A Kansas City boulevard bears his name. Enthusiastic over the rugged terrain and wooded hills, Meyer obtained the services of landscape architect George E. Kessler. His extensive plans for our parks and boulevard system were carried out and made Kansas City world famous. Kessler retired in 1907. Howard Vanderslice, Kansas City philanthropist and art patron, bought the mansion and donated it as a home for the Kansas City Art Institute in 1928. Today, known as Vanderslice Hall, it serves as the administration building of the school. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Kansas City Times, January 31, 1985.
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