MCKEESPORT, PA (May 28, 2009) – 2009 marks the 20th year Angora Gardens has been helping residents of the Mon Valley living with mental health issues find comfort and security in caring for plants and animals. Angora Gardens’ makes its home in a mid-nineteenth century farmhouse located in White Oak Park, surrounded by a greenhouse, barn and rose garden. Set against 810 acres of tranquility, Angora Gardens has become a respite for MYCS clients who seek training and companionship through gardening, plant cultivation and animal care.

Angora Gardens was founded and championed by Cindy Lambert and Kathy Phelan Wells during the summer of 1988, and celebrated its first year in the community in 1989. Lambert and Phelan first began the campaign to renovate a vacant farmhouse. Their dream was to create a cross between South Park’s Oliver Miller Homestead (a recreation of the Whiskey Rebellion period), and Round Hill farm (a working exhibit farm located in Elizabeth Township). Significant renovations were made to the mansion that sits on the site known as Fort Reburn. Adam Reburn built the original blockhouse in 1786 for protection against Native American attacks. Then the 219-acre homestead was purchased in 1834 by John Jones Muse, and became part of the Allegheny Regional Parks System in 1967.

Angora’s original purpose was to provide local residents suffering from mental illness a chance to raise and care for a number of Angora rabbits. MYCS clients would visit Angora, and pluck or comb the rabbits. The fur was then blended with nylon to produce a fine strand of Angora wool. In 1988, a 1-ounce skein of Angora fur sold for $3 to $7.

Executive Director, Noreen Fredrick, is proud of the services Angora Gardens continues to provide: “People really seem to thrive at Angora. You can feel the essence of community, friendship and growth when you step onto the grounds. It’s a hard place to describe.” Clients continue to work in the gift shop, tend the garden and care for several English and French Angora rabbits that live in the estate’s barn. Angora Gardens is open to the public for house, garden and barn tours and for special events. In addition, a variety of annuals, perennials and herbs grow in the greenhouse.

For more information, contact Noreen Fredrick of MYCS at 412-675-8350.

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