Among other Carnegie scientists, the greenhouses were used by Albert Blakeslee, a plant genetics investigator hired by the Carnegie Institution in 1915 after the departure of George Shull. While assistant director and later director (1934-1941), Blakeslee continued his research on Datura (jimson weed) chromosomes.

In the photo above, note Blackford Hall to the northwest and the McClintock Laboratory (then known as Animal House) directly north of the potting sheds. It was here that E.C. MacDowell conducted his research on mouse genetics and leukemia.