The Legacy of Maria Aull

Few names inspire as much as Marie Aull. Generous conservationist and gardener, Marie Aull is one Daytonian everyone ought to know. Marie Sturwold was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 8, 1897. Marie was born into a family with several generations of gardeners which deeply affected her interests. Her gardening knowledge and passion for plants led her to study at the University of Cincinnati. There she studied botany, biology, and ornithology. Marie, unsurprisingly, also loved to travel. On vacation in Alaska, she met her husband John Aull in 1922. John lived in Dayton, Ohio and was a very successful businessman who owned Brothers Paper and Box Company. John’s wealth and large vacation home north of Dayton would bring great change into Marie’s life.

Marie and John were married on June 26, 1923, despite their 30-year age gap. The couple connected over travel, the outdoors, nature, plants, and many other shared interests. Their wedding was located at John’s large property located north of Dayton which the couple quickly made their home and dubbed “Aullwood.” The newlyweds traveled extensively but when at home Marie was involved with many different gardening clubs and maintaining the land. The Aullwood became a symbol of the couples love for gardening and conservation.

John passed away in 1955 and Marie began to explore the future for the property. To ensure proper conservation of the land, Marie entrusted a large portion of the land to the National Audubon Society to create the Aullwood Audubon Center in 1957. Another portion of the land was donated to the Antrim farm, which continues to operate as historic farm. In 1967, she made her final major land donation of 30 acres which consisted of her house and large gardens to the Five River MetroParks. Marie was a known supporter of the MetroParks having already donated fifty thousand dollars to them in 1964. She continued to live in her house, garden, and educate the public on conservation until her death at the age of 105 on August 30, 2002.

Sources:

1. “About Us,” Aullwood Audubon, accessed on March 18, 2019, http://aullwood.audubon.org/landing/about/about-us.
2. [Photographs of Marie, Box 38, Folders 19 & 25], MS-501, Marie Aull Papers, Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio.
3. [Box 39], MS-501, Marie Aull Papers, Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio.