Kelsey, Harlan P.

• Harlan P. Kelsey (July 9, 1872 -July 28, 1958) held many titles: nurseryman, conservationist, landscape architect, and preservationist. He was a past president

of the New England Nurseryman's Association and the Appalachian Mountain Club.

• Harlan Kelsey had a big impact on two Salem institutions, Pioneer Village and Greenlawn Cemetery.

• After moving to Boston where he opened an office, hoping to expand his nursery business. He was hired by Mrs. Low of the Daniel Low family

and met their daughter Florence. He and Florence were married in 1902. They moved to Salem where they lived at 285 Essex St.

• He founded the Kelsey Highlands Nursery in Boxford (Massachusetts).

• Beginning in the 1930's, he began many important legacies to Salem. In 1930, he was responsible for providing all the original plant material

for Salem 1630: Pioneer Village and in 1938, he had the lead role in Derby Wharf being preserved as the Salem Maritime Historic Site.

• In 1932, Kelsey was tapped for his nurseryman's knowledge to choose the plants and trees for Greenlawn's expanded cemetery. WPA-funded

employees planted hundreds of trees, shrubs, evergreens and perennials.

See Also

Vertical File in Salem Collection - Greenlawn Cemetery Tour Tour Pamphlet Oct. 2015, Capturing Nature