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Women have taken on important roles in the history of the land that comprises the Deering Estate. From the earliest European settlers like Mary Addison to Edith Richmond who ran the only hotel between Coconut Grove and Key West from 1900-1915. These frontier women were the contemporaries of notable figures in society who led the development of Miami such as Mary Brickell and Julia Tuttle.
Born in Pennsylvania in 1857, Marion Whipple Deering was the daughter of well-known Civil War figure Bvt. Major General William Denison Whipple and his wife Caroline Mary Cook. Growing up she was an avid reader and as a young woman established herself as an active member of women’s groups like the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Fortnightly Club of Chicago bringing them together and encouraging discussion of literature, social and current events.
On January 2, 1883, she married Charles Deering. Their combined interest in art and literature guided their travels throughout Europe in the years that followed as they established a diverse collection of art works and formed lasting friendships with artists and thought leaders of the day.
In 1922, when the Deering’s established their year-round home at Cutler, Marion’s involvement in the community saw her hosting luncheons and dinners welcoming and befriending key figures of Miami’s conservation society like Mary Barr Monroe and Marjorie Stoneman Douglass.
Rose Connett Richards reflects on her time with Marion in “Life in Cutler with Mrs. Deering as a neighbor,” describing her as a woman who loved books, art and conversation. In a 1983 interview, Marjorie Stoneman Douglass, recalled Marion’s striking personality saying: “I remember, Mrs. Charles Deering who was great friend, she was a perfectly enchanting woman, so outspoken and so amusing.”
Following Charles’ passing in 1927, Marion and her daughters Marion Deering McCormick and Barbara Deering Danielson served as stewards of the estate. Following Marion’s passing in 1943, her drive and encouragement of women’s involvement in the community continued through her daughters.
Eldest daughter, Marion, inherited her mother’s independent spirit with a dash of her father’s business savvy she became a champion for community organizations like the Illinois Children’s Home and Aid Society. One of her most treasured achievements was in establishing and an internationally recognized breed of cattle at her family ranch.
The Deering’s youngest daughter Barbara, born in 1888, took on an active role in the community with contributions to hospitals, educational and outreach organizations like the Boston Perkins School for the Blind and the Boston Museum of Science. Drawn to nature as well and an avid hunter, Barbara achieved status as a Master of the Hunt for the Groton Hunt Club in 1934. In later years she sought out the quiet of the family’s Cutler estate, as her father had before her, continuing work with botanist John Kunkel Small to identify the diverse flora found there.
The efforts of the Deering Women ensured the collection would be shared with future generations through organizations like the Chicago Institute and Northwestern University. Today, their work continues on though the Deering Estate staff which works in partnership with the State of Florida, the 100 Ladies of Deering and Deering Estate Foundation in ongoing projects focused on art conservation, historical interpretation, and education to bring about impactful change, encourage public engagement and the preservation of the cultural and natural resources of this National Landmark.
By Tamara McDonald, J.D. Associate Registrar with contributions by Bethany Gray, Historic Preservation & Curatorial Manager
