Celebrating Women’s History Month ~ Pauline Martindale Pope Day
Pauline Martindale Pope Day was a genteel woman of remarkable character and unwavering resilience. Born on September 11, 1875, in New York, Pauline overcame significant hardships with strength and grace. Childhood measles left her deaf, and in 1907, she tragically lost part of a leg in a train boarding accident at Millburn Station, New Jersey. Yet these challenges did not diminish her spirit, and she went on to lead a rich and fulfilling life alongside her beloved husband and six children.
On June 1, 1898, Pauline married Joseph P. Day in New York City. At the time of her marriage, her husband earned only $50 a week, but soon after he entered the real-estate business. Less than a decade later, the Days were millionaires.
In 1906, even though the now wealthy couple maintained a city residence in Gramercy Park, they purchased a country estate in the fledgling upscale suburban community of Short Hills, New Jersey. “Pleasant Days,” their name for the property, would one day become Greenwood Gardens.
A devoted wife and a loving mother, Pauline was known for organizing joyful family picnics in the wooded areas of her country estate, complete with corn roasts and homemade treats. She played games with her children and, on occasion, personally drove them in horse and buggy to Short Hills Country Day School. Notably, one of her daughters was presented at Buckingham Palace to King George V and Queen Mary during a European trip in 1926–27.
Pauline also found purpose at Pleasant Days. There were extensive vegetable gardens on the property, and she sold the excess produce weekly at Newark’s Central Market. She also kept over 100 chickens, selling their eggs to local grocers.
After battling an illness, she passed away on July 29, 1932, at 56 years of age. Her legacy of resilience, devotion, and warmth continues to endure at Greenwood Gardens, and we are honored to highlight her life for Women’s History Month.
