The Lila Wallace Effect: On Legacy, Beauty, and the Urge to Preserve
I’ve heard about a moment, walking the grounds of Boscobel House and Gardens, when you catch your breath—not just because of the view, but because of the sheer luck that a place like this still exists. The gardens seem to have grown there by the grace of nature, not a careful human hand. But the truth is that places like Boscobel don’t survive on beauty alone. They thrive because of people who understand the cost of losing history and the grace in saving it.
Maple Lane at Boscobel
When I recently spoke with Boscobel’s team, something they said stuck with me: historic places need more Lila Wallaces. People who value and who are willing to fight for preservation. This sentiment echoes louder with each conversation I have about these historic places.
Lila Wallace was a philanthropist, visionary, and cultural steward whose legacy helped protect and preserve American history. As co-founder of the Reader’s Digest Association alongside her husband, she amassed wealth and influence that she used to fund institutions dedicated to preserving our cultural and historical heritage. She is known for restoring and preserving historic landmarks—including Boscobel.
In the 1950s, Lila Wallace donated to Boscobel, a 19th-century estate along the Hudson River. At the time, like many other great estates, the mansion was in peril of being lost. Her contribution allowed it to be restored to its former glory, securing its place as one of the finest examples of early American architecture and design.
Lila didn’t just fund a project; she ignited a preservation movement.
Drawing Room at Boscobel
It’s precisely this kind of stewardship that we see less of today. We assume that the places we love will stay intact because of their inherent value. But the truth is that stewards make the difference between a house crumbling and a story continuing.
Think about an old porch that’s seen generations. How many tired porches have been torn down in the name of progress? And how many have survived because someone knew it was worth saving? That’s what Lila did for Boscobel.
Not all of us can be Lilas, but we can all be keepers. We can preserve what is important to us and, in doing so, keep those stories alive. Small gestures will ensure we leave something behind.
Boscobel is a testament to those who came before us and those who continue to fight for beauty. Consider how we might do the same.
Listen to my full conversation with Boscobel House and Gardens here.
Do you have a place you’d fight to preserve? Let me know in the comments below, or share your thoughts on Instagram (@grandmillenniallifestyle).