The estate, along with the mansion built in 1887, was owned by Frederick Ferris Thompson and Mary Clark Thompson. As Mary was originally from this area, we like to think that Sonnenberg was a gift from Frederick to Mary. When Frederick died in 1899, Mary traveled for a few years and then came back to create many of the beautiful gardens that the estate has today -- some modeled after places she and Frederick visited and others after places they would have liked to visit.
Frederick Ferris Thompson. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Ferris_Thompson
I can't remember. Very good question. I would give them a call or take a tour. It is a great place to visit!!
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