Alto Dale

Jacob Blaustein and his wife, Hilda, bought Alto Dale in 1928 from John Goucher.  A working farm at the time of purchase, the Blausteins embarked on the complicated business of re-fashioning the grounds and house to their specifications.  Part of the Goucher house was removed entirely, new entrances and porticoes designed, and an entire new wing built adjoining the south wall of the old house.  The collection includes much material documenting the work, including building contracts, correspondence, catalogs, blueprints, invoices, notes and drawings.  Baltimore architects Palmer and Lamdin, the contracting firm of L.L. Chambers, and the interior design firm of Milton H. Blum worked on the renovations.

The Blausteins opened their farm to tours for nursery school and elementary school children.  Chaperoned children were allowed to touch the livestock, inspect the barns, and view the care and feeding of the animals.