Corinne Melchers

Corinne Lawton Mackall Melchers (February 27, 1880 – April 7, 1955) was an American painter, humanitarian, and gardener. She was the wife of painter Gari Melchers and maintained their Belmont estate after his death. As a gardener and rosarian, Melchers was an early supporter of the Historic Garden Week and was heavily involved with the restoration of the grounds of the Kenmore plantation. She led humanitarian efforts during World War I and World War II. Melchers initiated the creation of the Stafford County Health Association and the hiring of the first Stafford County nurse. Melchers helped establish the Mary Washington Hospital and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She served on the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Early life and education Corinne Lawton Mackall was born into a prominent Baltimore family on February 27, 1880. Her father, Leonard Covington Mackall, was a sugar industry businessperson, her mother, Louise Lawton, was the daughter of Alexander Lawton, a lawyer and confederate veteran who served as the Quartermaster-General, and her brother was historian Leonard Mackall. Mackall's father died in a horse and buggy accident in 1890. Her mother raised Mackall and her two brothers. Her maternal grandfather was pardoned for his role in the Confederate States Army and was appointed ambassador to the Austrian court of Franz Joseph I of Austria. Mackall's family traveled to Europe frequently to visit her grandparents. During her schooling, she travelled to Europe with her mother and younger brother. In April 1902, while aboard the S.S. Aller, she met painter Gari Melchers who encouraged her to study at his art colony, , in Egmond aan Zee.

Gardening Melchers was a gardener and rosarian. She was involved with the Garden Club of Virginia and an early supporter of Historic Garden Week. Melchers hosted her first public garden tour in 1933. She was a founding member of the Rappahannock Valley Garden club and heavily involved in the restoration of the gardens at the Kenmore plantation.

Humanitarianism Melchers was recognized as a humanitarian and frequently corresponded with her friends in Europe during the World War I. She sent food, money, and clothing. During World War II, Melchers fundraised for war bonds and chaired the women's division of the local War Finance Committee. She was also chief of civilian mobilization for Stafford County, Virginia. Melchers volunteered at Marine Corps Base Quantico and entertained American Red Cross personnel and military patients on base. She initiated the creation of the Stafford County Health Association and led the hiring of the first Stafford County nurse. She created a healthcare programs for poorer individuals who could not afford eyeglasses or inoculations. Melchers helped establish the Mary Washington Hospital.

Personal life Melchers was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She died on April 7, 1955. Her ashes were mixed with her husband's and added to a repository in the wall of his art studio on their Belmont estate. Melchers had no children and she bequeathed her estate to the Commonwealth of Virginia.