Verna Cook Garvan

Verna Cook Garvan (1910-1993) was a business woman and philanthropist in the state of Arkansas. Her main business holdings included the Wisconsin & Arkansas Lumber Company, and Malvern Brick and Tile Company. She is the founder and benefactor of Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Early life Garvan was born Verna Cook in Groveton, Texas, in 1910. where the girls were primarily raised. Arthur Cook managed the Wisconsin & Arkansas Lumber Company and later Malvern Brick and Tile, and consequently exposed Verna to business matters at a young age. For secondary education Verna and Dorothy attended Holton-Arms girls' school in Washington, D.C.

Personal life Shortly after her father died in a tragic car accident, Verna Cook wed Alonzo "Lonnie" B. Alexander on October 1, 1934. Her mother and sister hesitated to involve themselves in the businesses or let Verna manage them. Garvan began landscaping and construction on family property in Hot Springs. Continuing work during her marriage to Patrick Garvan, Verna's plan was to create a home set on a beautifully landscaped lot along the shoreline of Lake Hamilton. After Patrick's death, Garvan gave up her plans to build a house on the property. With the help of Acme Brick superintendent Warren Bankson and his assembled work crews, she was able to continue her landscaping project.

After a significant amount of work was completed on the property Verna sought a benefactor that would agree to maintain the grounds after her death. This led her to create an endowment agreement with the University of Arkansas that remains in effect under the Fay Jones School of Architecture. One major landscape architecture component completed prior to Garvan's death is known as the Verna Cook Garvan Pavilion, co-designed by famed architect E. Fay Jones.