1949 – Walter Bellingrath announces the formation of the Bellingrath-Morse Foundation, amidst the celebration of his 80th birthday. The foundation will maintain the Gardens, oversee the operation of the Museum Home, and benefit Central Presbyterian Church, St. Francis Street Methodist Church, Southwestern at Memphis, Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, and Huntington College in Montgomery. The Gardens and his Home are to be maintained as “a fitting and permanent memorial to my wife”.