In 1922, Anna Virginia Scripps and Edgar Bancroft Whitcomb purchased a large part of the historic T.P. Hall estate known as "Tonnancour." The gracious manor house, set on beautiful lakefront property, reflected their love of fine art and flowers. Exceptional Old Master paintings hung in each room and rare orchids filled the greenhouse.

During their lifetimes, the Whitcombs carried on the philanthropic tradition of the Scripps family. Their personal interests led directly to major donations and bequests to two of Detroit's cultural jewels: the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Belle Isle Conservatory. For a unique glimpse into the Whitcombs' world of Art & Orchids, View The Exhibit