Maryland Woods: a late Ross/McGovern that never happened

[Joe Bausch]

While poking around the Tufts archives for Ross drawings I noticed preliminary plans for a course called "Maryland Woods" in 1947.  What I found surprising is the course was to be located in SE PA.  Haverford Township!  In fact, adjacent to Merion West.  I know little more about this subject, but looking for more.

Here is the drawing:

[Mark McKeever]

Great find Joe!  You can clearly see the practice are and putting green by 10 tee right next to the old mansion (current maps show its gone) 

I wonder what the triangular piece is there to the left of 1 fairway?

MM

[Mark McKeever]

On a website discussing golf architecture, Im surprised this tread actually needs a bump.  

[Dave Maberry]

It looks like triangle area left of 1 is labeled teaching.

[Mike_Trenham]

Was this the Haverford State Hospital site.  I have never heard this project mentioned before.

[Joe Bausch]

Was this the Haverford State Hospital site.  I have never heard this project mentioned before.

I don't think so Mike.  I believe HSH was west of MWest.  This proposed Maryland Woods course was east of MWest, with Ellis Road dividing the two courses.

[Jim_Kennedy]

Joe,
Is this the property (1948) ? Looks to be a reasonably good match to the plan.

[Mark McKeever]

Sure looks like the winner Jim.  You can even see the mansion still there too.

MM

[Joe Bausch]

Yes, Jim, that is it.

[Jim_Kennedy]

Mark,Joe,

I was looking for the manse on google street views, but you can't see much behind the shrubbery. I did find that Mary Thomson was originally married to one of the Wannamakers before she wed Archibald Thomson, a doctor. They were fairly well off as they listed a few maids, cooks, handymen, etc., as living on their estate.
Archibald was a member of the Philadelphia Club, The Philadelphia Country Club, The Racquet Club, and The Radnor Hunt Club.

[Joe Bausch]

Mark,Joe,

I was looking for the manse on google street views, but you can't see much behind the shrubbery. I did find that Mary Thomson was originally married to one of the Wannamakers before she wed Archibald Thomson, a doctor. They were fairly well off as they listed a few maids, cooks, handymen, etc., as living on their estate.
Archibald was a member of the Philadelphia Club, The Philadelphia Country Club, The Racquet Club, and The Radnor Hunt Club.

Thanks for the knowledge Jim!