There were no female landscape architects in the firm. However, there were several women (about whom very little is known) who played key roles in the operations.
The first was Helen Bullard, the de facto office manager, who can be seen in the above cartoon She was hired as a secretary to John Charles Olmsted in 1892. Bullard was the highest paid female employee and, according to The Cultural Landscape Foundation, earned $225 per month in 1925, comparable to a male plans clerk.
Another prominent female player was Stella D. Obst, a graduate of Wellesley College, who served as the secretary for FLO, Jr. from 1913- 1953.
Marion Olmsted, a sister of Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., is believed to have undertaken some landscape plans. But, here again, there is no record of her work or research into her endeavors.
Obviously, more research here is needed. In general, there is much research to be done on the work of the firm, the designers, the draftsmen and the early years of the discipline. Scholars and practitioners can surely benefit from information about design concepts, construction practices, maintenance and other issues. The Olmsted Network welcomes inquiries and encourages expansive study in this area.
