46 
at the foot of "McKean's Hill," will hardly be able to picture 
the beauty which once dwelt there. 
On west side of the pike extending from the railroad to 
the foot of the hill, rested "Old Oaks Cemetery," whose 
prominent monument to Peter Lyle, showed clearly to . the 
pike. Near the bottom of the hill stood the white washed 
toll house, with its swinging gate, both presided over by the 
genial "Al" Kooker. To the east, was a stretch of green 
field, and beyond were the beautiful grounds, and modest cozy 
home of the Germantown Cricket Club. To the north with 
magnificent trees standing before them appeared the mansions 
of Charles J. Ingersoll, and Henry Pratt McKean. West 
of the pike, with its well-known front facing the south, stood 
the red-stone mansion of John Tucker, and beyond it appear- 
ed the stately residence of George Blight, while farther 
beyond, though out of sight, were the fine estates of James A. 
Wright and Dr. James Gardette. Here is a rich field which 
we may only harrow over, but just to indicate it may be of 
interest. John Tucker was President of the Philadelphia & 
Reading Railroad, and the gardener who made the plans and 
prepared the notable gardens, — once here, — was William 
Thompson, of Lee Park, Sussex, England, at which place he 
had been gardener to Sir George Staughton. Thompson was 
engaged in England by Andrew J. Downing, but upon reach- 
ing America he learned his employer had lost his life a few 
weeks before. Thompson thereupon proceeded to Baltimore 
where he planned and planted the gardens of Mark Hopkin. 
This work completed he came to Philadelphia, and became 
foreman for Peter McKenzie, a celebrated grower of 
camellias, who had his last place of business at northwest 
corner of Broad Street and Columbia Avenue. From 
McKenzie's, he came to John Tucker, for whom he designed 
and had planted an old-fashioned "English Garden," and 
also served as superintendent for his estate. 
Under Thompson at Tucker's was William Grassie, who 
had charge of the graperies, and William Cochrane, who 
served as general gardener. Both Grassie and Cochrane were 
