tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30332726558528483572024-02-07T04:40:27.192-08:00Historic American Landscapes SurveyThis site will feature the Historic American Landscapes Survey and my personal adventures to visit and write about cultural landscapes in CaliforniaChris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-25522774309174414652021-04-16T10:16:00.000-07:002021-04-16T10:16:03.268-07:002021 HALS Challenge: Merritt College<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcEXngzS0dIAwOtWpQYY3M9fZ_ciECRUR_kUIo_mTVlrNdCp3JGWElyqyKL9GpoMEnxgFvUAVeNRdPZZD0rE0gqLFAj8rLqhpeshNAoHgJSmzLAxGEnti8cD_0eOYrbA3_O_HzjzqUeQ/s1331/Merritt+Collage+IMG_0005_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcEXngzS0dIAwOtWpQYY3M9fZ_ciECRUR_kUIo_mTVlrNdCp3JGWElyqyKL9GpoMEnxgFvUAVeNRdPZZD0rE0gqLFAj8rLqhpeshNAoHgJSmzLAxGEnti8cD_0eOYrbA3_O_HzjzqUeQ/s320/Merritt+Collage+IMG_0005_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street frontage of the campus looking south</td></tr></tbody></table>Merritt College is the
place where Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton met and strategized to form the
Black Panther Party and the party’s ten-point social justice program. Merritt
College is where the idea to develop a Black Studies program was conceived
and first implemented. It played a key role in the Black Power movement of the 1960s and 1970s.</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Merritt College buildings and associated landscape occupy an area measuring
720’ by 293 feet. The buildings face Martin Luther King Jr. Way, a major
thoroughfare between the cities of Oakland and Berkeley. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a 60-foot-wide band of planting the full
length of the block that is planted with lawn, three rows of foundations shrubs
consisting of daylilies (Hemerocallis hybrids), boxwood (Buxus japonica) and holly
olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus), and a row of Irish yews (Taxus bacatta
fastigiata) that align with elements in the building architecture. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Two
of the building entrances are flanked by pairs of mature Hollywood juniper
(Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’). The mid-block entrance to the main campus
building is flanked by a pair of deodar cedars (Cedrus deodora). The yew trees,
deodar cedar and Hollywood juniper are all visible in a newspaper photograph of
the campus taken in the 1960s. There are a couple of camellia trees (Camellia
japonica) near one building entry.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GvZ4ZWNmVV-ilZVg1DgkcMTn3oELY_xLuF4V-_8g8fkz0mDsYN-uloAfUWmyLP9oydY1Py-b9bqKZE2StWI7lqmFAGDheLFVGEGv1IYpdXrwWE7Nf1rMnR8gzhrGOpfCv4ZYmwVMAeI/s1331/Merritt+Collage+IMG_0004_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GvZ4ZWNmVV-ilZVg1DgkcMTn3oELY_xLuF4V-_8g8fkz0mDsYN-uloAfUWmyLP9oydY1Py-b9bqKZE2StWI7lqmFAGDheLFVGEGv1IYpdXrwWE7Nf1rMnR8gzhrGOpfCv4ZYmwVMAeI/s320/Merritt+Collage+IMG_0004_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auditorium entrance with Hollywood juniper</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
classrooms were laid out to form two symmetrical rectangles. At the center of
each rectangle is an open-air courtyard measuring 70’ by 150’. The north
courtyard is mostly planted with sycamore (Platanus acerifolia) while the south
court provides a patio and places to sit with ornamental planting. These
courtyards were renovated in the 1990s and continue to function as they did
during the era of Merritt College providing enclosed outdoor gathering spaces
for the building occupants.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Landscape
improvements and the planting at the senior center, CHORI entrance, side
streets and rear of the building is not as it was during the time period
associated with Merritt College. Everything is in good condition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-insideh: none; mso-border-insidev: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1248;">
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Merritt College Campus was built in 1923 in the Spanish Colonial-revival
style of architecture. Originally it was built and used as University High
School. The campus accommodated the children of faculty from the University
of California Berkeley. The high school closed during World War II and when
it reopened in 1946 it had been converted to the Merritt School of Business.
Between 1954 and 1975 Merritt Junior College was part of the Oakland Unified
School District.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuSNqzhoxfdPv16nw5XMEe7SDzoVoifWdXcNyn-vX5efWa3PfUHcb45E5joahhr2urDjxeko2jimrxjIjgzHmcG9gG0vVL_SlBp4f2vPYYLrC95F0Y7geCYuWWsuO9E-2rzvAl8CuclY/s1331/Merritt+Collage+IMG_0002_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuSNqzhoxfdPv16nw5XMEe7SDzoVoifWdXcNyn-vX5efWa3PfUHcb45E5joahhr2urDjxeko2jimrxjIjgzHmcG9gG0vVL_SlBp4f2vPYYLrC95F0Y7geCYuWWsuO9E-2rzvAl8CuclY/s320/Merritt+Collage+IMG_0002_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main entrance to what had been the Merritt <br />classrooms</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">By
the mid-1960s Merritt had a large number of African American students who had been recruited to the school. Students formed the Soul Students Advisory
Council – the predecessor to the Black Student Union. In October of 1966 two activists, Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale met at Merritt College, and shortly thereafter formed the Black Panther Party of Self Defense, later known simply as the Black Panther Party. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
September of 1966 they formulated their ten-point platform which advocated
for social equity for Black people. Some of the most successful programs to
come out of the platform were a breakfast and lunch program for school
children, free health clinics, and testing sites for sickle cell anemia,
tuberculosis and later HIV/AIDS. The Panthers advocated for affordable
housing, education, an end to police brutality of Black people, juries that
included people from the Black community, political control through holding
elected positions, justice and civil rights</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Huey
Newton, who had studied law, research laws pertaining to the right to bare
arms which enabled members of the party to carry loaded weapons to defend
Black people and to monitor police activity. This attracted the attention of
the federal bureau of investigation (FBI) which in 1969 labeled the Black
Panthers as “One of the greatest threats to the nation’s internal security.”
The FBI worked to undermine the party and to create disputes among its membership which ultimately led to the demise of the party that officially ended in 1982.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkNZHakWFKjYuu2Vw2_yas_-CLibBulDl-ygbg8XDxmUK_AoddE3ky4fh2kLFP4jmg7HIV5G0KtoL9yaJonryWjQMGowIiuby-BptUcp4cKLr19PXSEDXj47mgTM8fmkHVUH1AqwgKz8/s1331/Merritt+Collage+IMG_0001_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkNZHakWFKjYuu2Vw2_yas_-CLibBulDl-ygbg8XDxmUK_AoddE3ky4fh2kLFP4jmg7HIV5G0KtoL9yaJonryWjQMGowIiuby-BptUcp4cKLr19PXSEDXj47mgTM8fmkHVUH1AqwgKz8/s320/Merritt+Collage+IMG_0001_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street frontage looking north with the deodar<br />cedar trees at the main campus entry</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Party
organizing meetings, debates and community gatherings were held at Merritt
College and other sites in Oakland. More than 40 chapters of the Black
Panther Party were established in the United States and in other countries including in England, India, New Zealand, Israel, China, North Korea, Vietnam and Algeria. At its peak in 1968-1970 the party had about 2000 members. The
greatest concentrations of members were in the Oakland-San Francisco Bay
Area, Los Angles, Chicago, New York, Seattle and Philadelphia. The assassination of Black nationalist Malcolm X, the killing of Black people in
Oakland and San Francisco, and the larger Black Power movement set the stage for the development of the party.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
of the lasting contributions of the Black Panther Party was the establishment of Black Studies Programs which started at Merritt College and today are available at colleges and universities throughout the country.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Merritt
College relocated to a site in the Oakland hills in 1971 and the original campus
was vacant for several years until it was renovated and reopened as a
combination Senior Center operated by the City of Oakland and the Children’s
Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI) in 1999.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_k0VGTLeI2hb50uC9Qo8jgzVXAfl7HICoFgu6ZhNhbKh5brJIpYrC5uTYCNKcsqhyphenhyphenTXG3csc0EbSw_JXYmmt6r3Us_qcF_Wj73PHW-n1OWrPN87EAFD6PYpR5eSSFQEhKqUiL_MqF_7o/s1331/Merritt+Collage+IMG_0006_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_k0VGTLeI2hb50uC9Qo8jgzVXAfl7HICoFgu6ZhNhbKh5brJIpYrC5uTYCNKcsqhyphenhyphenTXG3csc0EbSw_JXYmmt6r3Us_qcF_Wj73PHW-n1OWrPN87EAFD6PYpR5eSSFQEhKqUiL_MqF_7o/s320/Merritt+Collage+IMG_0006_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CHORI entrance</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-insideh: none; mso-border-insidev: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1248;"></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><p></p>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-24337304794252908312013-03-24T16:13:00.000-07:002013-03-24T21:51:41.620-07:00Elmshaven, St. Helena <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XP0Do1-VDG6M-skn-tWtHLjBf8ms3xHSJA92BVktgrGNHMujfp4v3HWM2uyLz-LG7wGrTmfvRIOnoxD4rfZk7ISip399Q_TppqgihI0Xe0NbChb9E9npM-vWCrWpZwlOD0v507DhxZ0/s1600/Elmshaven+porch_R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XP0Do1-VDG6M-skn-tWtHLjBf8ms3xHSJA92BVktgrGNHMujfp4v3HWM2uyLz-LG7wGrTmfvRIOnoxD4rfZk7ISip399Q_TppqgihI0Xe0NbChb9E9npM-vWCrWpZwlOD0v507DhxZ0/s320/Elmshaven+porch_R.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the front porch of Elmshaven</td></tr>
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The theme of this year’s HALS challenge is to document historic landscapes that reflect the heritage of women. The purpose of this year’s challenge is to increase awareness of the role of women in shaping the American landscape. The idea started four years ago, when the Northern California Chapter of HALS challenged the rest of the nation, to prepare a HALS short form for a children’s theme park. We got the idea when Jennifer Liw, a PGAdesign employee wrote up a form for Fairyland in Oakland’s Lakeside Park.
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Folks at the National Park Service liked the idea so much that they adopted the program and have been running it ever since. Each fall they announce the winners of that year’s challenge, during the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) annual conference, and they announce the theme for the coming year. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-JT351XA7hIniAwuW6chD9ke9Qy8vxqukDbVrsr0GR2Nrw_IGztFQT9tgd08mlMpbbo8QZowH7y1IF9Ezo-I2yaw4tunBJa_iPUr6qUtXeYQiG6Xf-EFg_i2-NwJbBtxr3nj73mTOcM/s1600/House+from+drive_R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-JT351XA7hIniAwuW6chD9ke9Qy8vxqukDbVrsr0GR2Nrw_IGztFQT9tgd08mlMpbbo8QZowH7y1IF9Ezo-I2yaw4tunBJa_iPUr6qUtXeYQiG6Xf-EFg_i2-NwJbBtxr3nj73mTOcM/s320/House+from+drive_R.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of house from the entry drive with a large elm tree</td></tr>
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Initially, this year’s theme had me stumped. Sites that came to mind had already been done. I kept waiting for an inspired idea, but nothing presented itself until last weekend when I’d promised to take my mom on a day trip. I decided to drive up to the Napa Valley which is a pretty drive any time of year but with flowering trees in bloom I thought it would be a perfect time to go. I was right. <br />
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We headed for Elmshaven in St. Helena the heart of the wine growing Napa Valley. <a href="http://www.elmshaven.org/elmshaven-history">Elmshaven</a> was the home of Ellen G. White from 1900 until her death in 1915. Ellen White was a founder of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She was also an extraordinarily prolific writer who produced 40 books. Much of her writings were on religious topics – some inspired by visions she had or angles who spoke to her throughout her life. She also wrote about healthy living and the importance of education. She is associated with several major institutions including Pacific Union College, Loma Linda University and several medical institutions. According to the brochure available at the site, “She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender.” <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUTdQKDeW8c9Dn09-xVqd6g2NAyo2SFDYAmZjrZWwtwWYFd9Tp18L1F_vu6mBniYZVMGBlIJsZ9nZavPAUczIRFdqea6HJXI0Vw2azq1A8d1bgaLmpEqsPhwiye0oaoj7zg5AII_HCbY/s1600/Elmshaven+SW+corner_R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUTdQKDeW8c9Dn09-xVqd6g2NAyo2SFDYAmZjrZWwtwWYFd9Tp18L1F_vu6mBniYZVMGBlIJsZ9nZavPAUczIRFdqea6HJXI0Vw2azq1A8d1bgaLmpEqsPhwiye0oaoj7zg5AII_HCbY/s320/Elmshaven+SW+corner_R.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SW corner of residence with vine covered porch & foundation shrubs</td></tr>
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In 1900 when Ellen White purchased the property there were 60 acres; what remains today is three acres. The site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993. Elmshaven is at 125 Glass Mountain Lane. There is a small parking area with an arched gateway to a narrow drive that leads up to the house complex. Three buildings define a central courtyard – the two-story Stick/Eastlake Victorian-style residence, an office and vault where White and her secretaries worked, and a Tank House where one of the care takers / docents lives. Today the courtyard space is paved with asphalt. In historic photos, I found online at the <a href="http://www.whiteestate.org/photos/photos.asp">Ellen G. White Estate Gallery</a>, it appears to be compacted earth. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeZU9s0sAQBtu8SJ8O3qWHevQsCzVZoxRzws-tg49QLcVYlU1i9ytZv5hCdOG0Uff7a5BfKOX_wflz03XeUeFA0WHd_rzVfDuLvW_8XXYjvp22dMwfQM48HsWGa64dql3q3XkBsc5ncw/s1600/Writing+chair+&+windows_R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeZU9s0sAQBtu8SJ8O3qWHevQsCzVZoxRzws-tg49QLcVYlU1i9ytZv5hCdOG0Uff7a5BfKOX_wflz03XeUeFA0WHd_rzVfDuLvW_8XXYjvp22dMwfQM48HsWGa64dql3q3XkBsc5ncw/s320/Writing+chair+&+windows_R.jpg" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room where Ellen G White wrote while sitting in the green chair</td></tr>
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Narrow foundation planting beds surround the home and appear much as they did in 1915. The site is surrounded by a mixture of endemic and imported ornamental trees, as it was in Ellen White’s time. There are remnants of fruit trees and a small vineyard surrounding the structures. At its peak the property had 2000 plum trees, 5 acres of grapes, 5 acres of olive trees, and several peach trees. The household grew and processed the fruit and olives for their use and they supplied the nearby Rural Health Retreat and sold their products through the Home Fruit Company. </div>
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This site has so many stories to tell – it is fascinating. I am astounded that I’d never heard of Ellen G. White and knew nothing about her. It is well worth a day trip any time of year and a picnic lunch or stop at one of Napa Valley’s many wineries. We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at <a href="http://mustardsgrill.com/">Mustard’s Grill</a> in Yountville. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portrait of Ellen G. and James White at Elmshaven</td></tr>
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Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-91041708967502864432012-11-11T10:52:00.000-08:002012-11-11T10:52:32.037-08:00John Muir Home & Grounds<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCbl3eGpaFVV_YenLb3kOI2pni99x41gllhMtb6gCkowspJ3Aut0YVX8aY9uFXksimABCGjEKcSuF2Y_Yrrkr6TgZ5hjo25int_5yn1BMhGFKZCjrLvESubvlw7NfG6X5qnJNVwcc33M/s1600/House+&+Palms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCbl3eGpaFVV_YenLb3kOI2pni99x41gllhMtb6gCkowspJ3Aut0YVX8aY9uFXksimABCGjEKcSuF2Y_Yrrkr6TgZ5hjo25int_5yn1BMhGFKZCjrLvESubvlw7NfG6X5qnJNVwcc33M/s320/House+&+Palms.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stentzel/Muir home flanked by California<br />
Fan Palms</td></tr>
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A couple months ago I drove to Martinez to help celebrate a house warming hosted by my cousin’s daughter. I drove from Oakland, through the Caldecott Tunnel and took the Pleasant Hill exit onto Taylor, then Alhambra Avenue, and was surprised by what a beautiful drive it was. I feel like I know all the Bay Area roads but somehow this route was unfamiliar and a delightful discovery. On the way we passed the John Muir Home site in Martinez, which I’d visited before but had not been to for many years, so the following day I drove back to Martinez but this time to visit the John Muir National Historic Site – California Landmark No. 312. It is also a <a href="http://www.nps.gov/jomu/index.htm">National Historic Landmark</a> and on the National Register of Historic Places.</div>
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Like so many historic properties what remains of the 2600 acres of land originally owned by Muir has been carved away by urban intrusion. What remains is enough to interpret the site and tell the story of what it had been like historically. A train trestle that can be seen in historic photos is still there and helps create a gateway into town. Forested surrounding hills offer views from the Muir home that are probably much the same as those viewed by Muir and his family while resident at the site.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw6x41Q8bjg5y8haas4ToEQubBjIFFNGaL8SZ5uiH2OiVZh3TpE6pGstOiX35hf_Sr5Rejv6wRJ6jE5R8Pqprp1mC9YlgXHJLpeZYfiZQVr-_zDuzuMq81r2YoabjmNFD7bGRHGMO8cA/s1600/View+from+cupola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw6x41Q8bjg5y8haas4ToEQubBjIFFNGaL8SZ5uiH2OiVZh3TpE6pGstOiX35hf_Sr5Rejv6wRJ6jE5R8Pqprp1mC9YlgXHJLpeZYfiZQVr-_zDuzuMq81r2YoabjmNFD7bGRHGMO8cA/s320/View+from+cupola.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the cupola</td></tr>
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From a small parking area one enters the property through a visitor center. Muir is known for many things – a founder of the Sierra Club, a naturalist, someone who helped convince President Teddy Roosevelt to make Yosemite a national park, and a writer. This site tells the story of each of those roles but focuses primarily on Muir as a husband, family man and on his interest in growing trees and vineyards.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orchard with Deodar cedar and hills in background</td></tr>
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A walking path leads from the visitor center to the Muir/Strentzel Home originally built in 1823 by Dr. John Strentzel, father-in-law of John Muir. The house is filled with memorabilia from the Strentzel and Muir families. Exiting the house paths lead to the carriage house, a picturesque windmill and on to the Martinez Adobe – another California landmark on the same property. A variety of fruit trees are planted in orchard rows - cherries, apricots, figs, citrus, olive and quince. There is also a small vineyard (Zinfandel, Tokay and Muscat grapes) near the carriage house which in September bore sweet, ripe grapes nearly ready to pick. Part of the park service program includes harvesting and processing fruit produced on the land. A ranger shared a story about a regular park supporter who makes jelly rolls from the quince that ripens in October. Out towards the adobe two gigantic pecan trees caste broad shade over a few picnic tables.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHlJLgC32DdI4mJN8V3ok6pjbOuIr-96ZxZ0Y_YDLoMScI2dMF6iJ1dxgzpPvxcGBOf9Xe0n9dWMA89WAq2piacZImq_arndqDh22ZjyJkj9I1jIKRi5AF5wsquD1wtyo70n821gc6xM/s1600/Muir+office.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHlJLgC32DdI4mJN8V3ok6pjbOuIr-96ZxZ0Y_YDLoMScI2dMF6iJ1dxgzpPvxcGBOf9Xe0n9dWMA89WAq2piacZImq_arndqDh22ZjyJkj9I1jIKRi5AF5wsquD1wtyo70n821gc6xM/s320/Muir+office.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Muir's office in his Martinez home</td></tr>
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In addition to fruit trees there are good examples of a large variety of mature ornamental trees. Most notable are two gangly Mexican fan palms (Washingtonia robusta) that rise above the house at either side of the front steps. Inside the house you’ll see these same two palms appearing in photos – one with the Muir family sitting on the front steps and their dog “Stickeen” - when the trees are only about 10 feet tall. One side of the house is encircled by a row of incense cedars (Calocedrus decurrans). There are sculptural deodar cedars (Cedrus deodara), a specimen giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera) and a date palm (Phoenix canariensis) with a very rare, curving trunk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMeU7aT-kh5_cqA88bcO1VoggEoj3_HYTK9nCB42IrrETX_NR1JosEVpOlOH386-Qc_rMHp3FRwrCWk-qOV0xkZyOSxtcZFEQoPIqLIjphEbM-aP3UazsS7zdBbKVCar8MWnqyKLyFhs/s1600/Muire+family+on+porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMeU7aT-kh5_cqA88bcO1VoggEoj3_HYTK9nCB42IrrETX_NR1JosEVpOlOH386-Qc_rMHp3FRwrCWk-qOV0xkZyOSxtcZFEQoPIqLIjphEbM-aP3UazsS7zdBbKVCar8MWnqyKLyFhs/s320/Muire+family+on+porch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muir Family L-R daughters Wanda & Helen, <br />
Muir & his wife and the family dog Stikeen taken 1901. NPS photo</td></tr>
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The small town of Martinez has a lot of nice older homes and some of the downtown streets have been redesigned to incorporate outdoor café spaces. Check it out next time you are exploring in the North Bay Area.</div>
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Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-84342804911382685042012-07-22T15:04:00.000-07:002012-07-22T15:04:00.043-07:00Shibata Garden and Mt. Eden Nursery Company<div>
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Last Sunday was a beautiful day in the Bay Area so we decided to take another HALS day trip. I pulled out my list of historic sites for Alameda County and decided to visit the Shibata Garden - a privately owned Japanese style garden in Hayward. Since I’m working on the Sakai and Oishi Nurseries, I thought it would be interesting to see how the Shibata Garden compared.<br />
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We used our TomTom navigation system to find the site and when we arrived were puzzled to find a relatively new business park – no trace of a historic nursery or garden, but we weren’t going to give up yet. We drove into the business park and found a sign for the Shibata Garden. Driving to the back corner of the parking lot, wedged between the business park and freeway off ramp, we found the garden. I parked the car in the shade, for the benefit of our two yellow labs, and headed for an elaborately detailed, traditional Japanese wooden gate into the garden.<br />
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Once inside the gate the architecture of the big box business park buildings was screened by evergreen and coniferous trees – mostly Redwoods/Sequoia sempervirens, Casurina, Magnolia and a variety of pines. The path here is pea gravel, there are several large, sculptural boulders (4-6’ in dimension), and the first of several stone pagodas found in the garden, each about 4 feet in height.<br />
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Offset by a jog is a curved wooden bridge that rises up as it traverses a curvilinear shaped pond that is lined with stones of varying sizes. The bridge railing is wood with simple detailing and a 2x6 cap, painted red. At the far end of the, bridge there is a concrete and stone patio that widens out to about 10’ x 12’. One section of the pond edge is defined by wood logs set on end – these jut in and out to form a strong serpentine line.<br />
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From the bridge walking left, on a three foot wide concrete and stone path, leads to an elaborately detailed entrance to the residence. There is lawn at either side of the path, a sculpted pine, and a low, busy palm to the right of the door. There is a large Sycamore tree at the corner of the house and beyond that a small brick and glass greenhouse with a U-shaped workbench inside.<br />
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At the rear of the house there is a small nicely detailed structure (about 10’ x 15’) made of concrete block, glass block and wood. One can see Japanese joints in the roof structure. The building is used to store tools and garden supplies. A line of Casurina trees provides screening inside the fence and an impressive line of timber bamboo is behind the house.<br />
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Walking around the back of the residence there is a dense planting of a smaller, much more closely spaced bamboo at the side of the house that creates a dense, visual screen. At the front of the residence there is a brick patio with a stone fireplace and wood shade structure approximately 16’ x 32’. A brick path, 3 feet wide, leads to a door to the house and two wide steps lead back to the pond. The brick patio, fireplace and shade structure appear to have been constructed in the 1950s.<br />
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Between the brick patio and the pond there is a stone path consisting of flat stones – 8” – 12” in diameter, three across forming a path 30” wide. The path curves to the right and terminates with a boulder at the residence. To the left, the path transitions to flat, flagstones set in dirt and the edge of the path is defined by pieces of 3”x6” wood members set on end 5” high. The wood pieces are offset from each other to form a zigzag pattern. As you walk around this path, that encircles the pond, the wood members on the left side change to a rock wall 12” to 20” high.<br />
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At the far end of the pond, furthest from the house a grouping of large boulders are set on end and are set back from the edge of the pond. This appears to have been the source of water for the pond. Originally there was very likely a small waterfall here. A line of rounded boulders, along the path route, are placed so one can step over the water that would have flowed from the falls to the pond. This spot is the focal point of the primary view from the residence and is accented by the waterfall, a mature Japanese Maple to the left and a Cherry Tree in the background. The pond with its reflecting surface and floating water lilies are in the foreground.<br />
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HISTORY<br />
Zenjuro (or Jinjiro) Shibata started Mt. Eden Nursery Company in Hayward. Originally, they grew vegetables and had fields of flowers. The first greenhouse was constructed in 1918 and was used to grow carnations, but in the mid 1930s they switched to roses as their primary crop. According to the California Florida Plant Company website, “During the internment of Japanese-Americans during the war, friends and neighbors ran the business. The Zapatini Family took care of the Mt. Eden Nursery, and returned it to the Shibatas as prosperous as ever, a shining example of generosity during a dark time. After the war's end, Mt. Eden came under the leadership of the oldest son, Yoshimi, supported by his three younger brothers. In 1957, Mr. Shibata founded the California Florida Plant Company and under his leadership the company grew to become the premier supplier of carnations in the world. Yoshima Shibata was a floral industry leader for nearly 70 years. He is the former president of the Wholesale Florist and Florist Supply Association and served on the boards of directors of the Sumitomo Bank of California and the California State Chamber of Commerce, as well as Roses, Inc., the national trade association of rose growers.”<br />
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During World War II the Shibata family was interned at Tule Lake. After the war they went to Chicago, Illinois and then returned to their home at Mt. Eden. At one point the nursery included 34 greenhouses, a boiler house, and a packing house in addition to the residence. The Online Archive of the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, has a black and white photograph of Jinjiro and Yoshima Shibata inside one of their greenhouses, taken in June of 1945.<br />
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The garden is owned and maintained by the Business park and is available to their tenants; otherwise it is a private garden and not open to the public. It is a good example of a traditional Japanese garden.</div>
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</div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-75308009072123992282012-07-01T21:36:00.000-07:002012-07-03T22:05:29.995-07:00China Camp HALS <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJzivXCDT4I_xIuCDHEQpz8EiP3Wc0QShGoDlaFr8fxYzf8gvq1RcDW8KHCNwWI1eLemvb3Gg_TllkhYjjpN2ZxGdRb4ATR2vte0skKafCcSsUBoNfxfhE5u-pXhAKFmNTnMnUj_jnrI/s1600/pier.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJzivXCDT4I_xIuCDHEQpz8EiP3Wc0QShGoDlaFr8fxYzf8gvq1RcDW8KHCNwWI1eLemvb3Gg_TllkhYjjpN2ZxGdRb4ATR2vte0skKafCcSsUBoNfxfhE5u-pXhAKFmNTnMnUj_jnrI/s320/pier.jpg.JPG" vca="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pier at China Camp</td></tr>
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In January of 2010 I wrote about <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=466">China Camp State Historic Park </a>in San Rafael. It is one of the 70 California Parks that was threatened with closure but thanks to the<a href="http://www.friendsofchinacamp.org/"> Friends of China</a> Camp and others this unique cultural landscape will remain open ….. for now anyway.<br />
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A few months ago the Northern California chapter of HALS selected China Camp as our 2012 project. Ellen Joslin Johnck volunteered to lead an effort to prepare a set of standard HALS documents – that involves completing three elements: a written historic narrative, measured drawings and HALS quality photographs. Saturday morning a group of HALS members met at the cove where years ago Chinese immigrants ran a successful shrimp harvesting business until they were driven out by discriminatory laws aimed at destroying the thriving business.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyaONDyH9Gotlo8aJks_h4_DwAHgZJRNF3s7fZypzbpS1lZO6YJzLpSOs9PwHVZ2Vc3xxdH9gEiYhWOXvqPH0IPNaDR5TpEdWzoHubsFcy5SGxrMkukGoRUswzEGZX4AmZ69eE5UPJPo/s1600/Frank+Quan.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyaONDyH9Gotlo8aJks_h4_DwAHgZJRNF3s7fZypzbpS1lZO6YJzLpSOs9PwHVZ2Vc3xxdH9gEiYhWOXvqPH0IPNaDR5TpEdWzoHubsFcy5SGxrMkukGoRUswzEGZX4AmZ69eE5UPJPo/s320/Frank+Quan.jpg.JPG" vca="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Kaplow, Jennifer, Cathy, Ellen (back to us) Janet Gracyk, <br />
Frank Quan and Steve Deering.</td></tr>
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We could not have hoped for a more perfect day on the bay. It was warm but not hot and not windy. The air clear and the colors of the water, the hills in the distance, and the trees, growing on the steep slope that protects the cove, were rich and vibrant. Near the end of the day I was looking up that slope and was awestruck by a massive 10 trunk California Bay Tree with a broadly arching canopy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shade structure decorated with abalone shells</td></tr>
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Our group gathered at 10:00 and had the opportunity to talk with Frank Quan, a descendant of one of the original residents, and Steve Deering with Friends of China Camp. They answered a few questions and led a short tour of the site before we convened to finalize our plan for the day. Jennifer deGraff with PGAdesign Landscape Architects had prepared base sheets that showed the basic outline of each extant building, the edge of the beach, the fishing pier and the topography of the slope. She had divided the site into four sheets – 3 for the buildings and the pier on the fourth. We divided into teams of two supplied with measuring tapes, pencils and scales and headed in opposite directions to take measurements. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsOcj_4DAni4w9tzbd91jGxS9a4x1jUDpN1PQJF7iZdY4f5S4Wm4-YO7RPEqnzwHznFs8Ahxd5Wg-PuuARhxbNBXhEIqbZFecODXQ6_AQX67g81PPZ8LyAFtKWjZH_qkYg0mxPmITxBc/s1600/brick+bldg.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsOcj_4DAni4w9tzbd91jGxS9a4x1jUDpN1PQJF7iZdY4f5S4Wm4-YO7RPEqnzwHznFs8Ahxd5Wg-PuuARhxbNBXhEIqbZFecODXQ6_AQX67g81PPZ8LyAFtKWjZH_qkYg0mxPmITxBc/s320/brick+bldg.jpg.JPG" vca="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrimp drying brick building</td></tr>
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As we were planning for the day I thought there wasn’t much there and it might take a couple of hours to get the job done, but by noon we were ready for a lunch break - we had made a good start but were far from being finished collecting and recording the existing conditions. My group started by locating one side of the foundation of one of the “lost” buildings. Cathy Garrett and Jennifer figured out the purpose for and route of two sets of train tracks that were used to move shrimp off the boats and into a long, narrow brick building where the shrimp were dried, and the third group were most intrigued by an overgrown set of stone steps that ascend the slope.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats and equipment on the beach</td></tr>
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During lunch we were very fortunate to get to see the <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Chinese-shrimp-junk-to-get-festive-send-off-on-2768874.php">Grace Quan</a>, an authentic replica of a Chinese junk, sail into the cove from the east. This reconstructed ship was built at China Cove under the direction of John Muir a curator and boat-builder at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. The junk is completely black – the hull and broad mast and stood out prominently in San Pablo Bay. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqepHGJO-1WNpJ0OoUcr6rofFZTZOoPTOqc1YGSzrem85Q7a9O6uc6ea91JOsn2oKYKGeN5HeqBciklMS_5f8zPxjz_BBG5orjBjB7MVaVuEkKeYk_e7RkJ-UjuawwgCcXS8kkekwJ9pY/s1600/Cathy+drawing.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqepHGJO-1WNpJ0OoUcr6rofFZTZOoPTOqc1YGSzrem85Q7a9O6uc6ea91JOsn2oKYKGeN5HeqBciklMS_5f8zPxjz_BBG5orjBjB7MVaVuEkKeYk_e7RkJ-UjuawwgCcXS8kkekwJ9pY/s320/Cathy+drawing.jpg.JPG" vca="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy adding notes to the field plan with <br />
HALS members Jennifer, Braan Collett and Janet.</td></tr>
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By 3:00 we finished measuring and drawing the details of what remains of China Camp – a collection of artifacts and a living history museum. Throughout the day we were joined by many park visitors who came to explore this uncommon cultural resource, to picnic and relax on the beach. It was a perfect day at China Camp – a day that demonstrated why our state parks are treasured and why we must find a permanent solution that will keep these places open now and for future generations.</div>
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</div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-35141824281759959892012-04-01T12:33:00.000-07:002012-04-01T12:33:19.601-07:00Mission San Jose, Fremont, CA<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2wY60E91MJ2gp_YdB_CmDVZML16dNv9PHScrk-lWA5DAzhAvxz8caoIiCaBkdLDnsJz1tuq7YHWB9NoPKZ1_kxJ_VLMuVIPf81Zn0ie0e-ZEPlx9nLdWvfL7VkdP7k-TpdpNI1wKfHc/s1600/Mission+stairs+bell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2wY60E91MJ2gp_YdB_CmDVZML16dNv9PHScrk-lWA5DAzhAvxz8caoIiCaBkdLDnsJz1tuq7YHWB9NoPKZ1_kxJ_VLMuVIPf81Zn0ie0e-ZEPlx9nLdWvfL7VkdP7k-TpdpNI1wKfHc/s320/Mission+stairs+bell.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main entry of church with DeAnza Trail bell in foreground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The 2012 national HALS Challenge is to document an American Latino landscape. At a recent Northern California Chapter HALS meeting the idea to record each of California’s missions was adopted. I created a flyer to announce the challenge and have been leading the group’s effort to organize volunteers who will prepare a HALS short forms for each of the 21 sites. So far 19 missions have been adopted. <br />
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Initially I prepared a form for the Carmel Mission – see my blog post from August 2010 - and used it as an example. Last month I visited Mission San Jose with my 4th grade grandson and together we observed, photographed and took field notes for that site. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRusdoCi1_AzcIcyt62mcFQjU2VZddQUFCex8jKs7GT2Hv3coPgnjhYMufffeJecR_-XMGPCyRSDbI60WNVpXWbqmO24SBL440Hdpz3K7JX8MbXSTxJqmriCg7nVRDqydp5omLTk-q-A/s1600/Central+space.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRusdoCi1_AzcIcyt62mcFQjU2VZddQUFCex8jKs7GT2Hv3coPgnjhYMufffeJecR_-XMGPCyRSDbI60WNVpXWbqmO24SBL440Hdpz3K7JX8MbXSTxJqmriCg7nVRDqydp5omLTk-q-A/s320/Central+space.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Central space between the church and monastery wing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mission San Jose was founded on June 11, 1797 by Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen. It was the fourteenth of California’s twenty-one missions and the first of five missions Father Lasuen planned to fill in the gaps between the original thirteen missions. <br />
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The Mission was known for its production of olive oil and for its Native American musicians – a band and choir taught by Father Narciso Duran. In May 1827 when Jedediah Strong Smith spent time at the mission he noted that the band had “12 or 15 violins, 5 base vials and one flute.” During the 1830’s and 1840’s Mission San Jose functioned as the social center for the ranchos on the east side of San Francisco Bay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPdD4DFgTbaBC7Hc7IR_gsL2XgaQJsSJQS9zcfuVOsFCdNRtVhotM-koFQx4pyoMTZ5a73CFPGSqtyTAe4Vc4g74f4g8pbyxQTW4V86ZXYKSKgZ_bqr_ynjk_F3b6qRBYUjGy1uhefZA/s1600/Junipero+Serra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPdD4DFgTbaBC7Hc7IR_gsL2XgaQJsSJQS9zcfuVOsFCdNRtVhotM-koFQx4pyoMTZ5a73CFPGSqtyTAe4Vc4g74f4g8pbyxQTW4V86ZXYKSKgZ_bqr_ynjk_F3b6qRBYUjGy1uhefZA/s320/Junipero+Serra.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junipero Serra in garden courtyard</td></tr>
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The original church building was completed in September of 1797 and expanded in 1798. That building was replaced by a larger adobe church in 1809. Other buildings in the quadrangle housed the padres, a granary, schoolrooms, workshops, dwellings for converts, barracks for soldiers, guestrooms, storage areas and a gristmill on Mission Creek. At its peak there were more than 100 buildings in the complex. <br />
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The 1809 edifice stood until it was destroyed in an earthquake on October 21, 1868. In 1869 the adobe church was replaced by a wooden gothic-style church built over the original foundation. That building was moved to the City of Burlingame in 1982 and an authentic replica of the 1809 adobe church was reconstructed and completed in 1985. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNarbvn910urCutSkH6Ow2sf3qRcnZhFb75dj0_kNg98hyDPVy7eDLt8Sx3V2VqtpovMiEPRhsjJLfN3NbkpPiYyudOWYXd9z0TBNJn9CsqN7UjRQn8SaZSI40on0x_NllsXi11ZpYbk/s1600/Church+from+cemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNarbvn910urCutSkH6Ow2sf3qRcnZhFb75dj0_kNg98hyDPVy7eDLt8Sx3V2VqtpovMiEPRhsjJLfN3NbkpPiYyudOWYXd9z0TBNJn9CsqN7UjRQn8SaZSI40on0x_NllsXi11ZpYbk/s320/Church+from+cemetery.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of mission tower from the cemetery</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Mission San Jose was the second to last to be secularized in 1836 and Jose de Jesus Vallejo was placed in charge. For a short time portions of the mission were used by renters and squatters. During the California Gold Rush it served as a trading post run by Henry C. Smith, a member of General Fremont’s California Battalion. In the 1860s a tavern and hotel occupied space at the mission. Today the mission church is part of St. Joseph’s Parish in Fremont, and is part of the Diocese of Oakland.<br />
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Mission San Jose is California State Landmark No. 334, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.<br />
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Studying the missions is something every 4th grade student does in California. If you didn’t attend elementary school in California you should make a point of visiting one or several missions to get a unique view of the state’s history. Even if you did attend school in California it may be time to go back and refresh your knowledge of our state’s beginnings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVtMxhC-8tw0nwwdJoZlZL500MU_BJac-S9M4XA4SwHJGVdNw6jKYDTH4PBymjCVcXbcLHkYDIXhw86mSOgnfQ6NFDjqBzXV189ha_5QJXSPuACFoCUTzh5PbAgAXA5gtU0OrfnpQjsE/s1600/Headstones.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVtMxhC-8tw0nwwdJoZlZL500MU_BJac-S9M4XA4SwHJGVdNw6jKYDTH4PBymjCVcXbcLHkYDIXhw86mSOgnfQ6NFDjqBzXV189ha_5QJXSPuACFoCUTzh5PbAgAXA5gtU0OrfnpQjsE/s400/Headstones.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The graves of many California pioneers are in the Mission cemetery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-57685678444104953772012-01-22T14:18:00.000-08:002012-01-22T14:18:03.903-08:00Kohl Mansion "The Oaks" - Burlingame<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQc8-3ZchAariN_pKKyWSnsH3fgVfSfikcgldE5UiD6j6us6fV0XokMN1IvDZFCVBXfVwxiFwdcG8ug40_AaF8pzWssJUOjmosKcWyopbUQZJzGJsO_jPeJmaUcVqLQe6bCJ5Y2fIcNQ/s1600/mansion.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQc8-3ZchAariN_pKKyWSnsH3fgVfSfikcgldE5UiD6j6us6fV0XokMN1IvDZFCVBXfVwxiFwdcG8ug40_AaF8pzWssJUOjmosKcWyopbUQZJzGJsO_jPeJmaUcVqLQe6bCJ5Y2fIcNQ/s320/mansion.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrace on the south side of the mansion</td></tr>
</tbody></table> For anyone who ever thought history was dull how is this for a headline: “How Two Beauties Are Spending “King Kohl’s” Hoodooed Millions - Plutocrat’s Suicide with his Widow Engaged to a Count and His Heart Mate Leasing A Mansion in Paris”? I found this story complete with provocative sketches while researching the Kohl Mansion in Burlingame for the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS). It was published by the Port Arthur News on November 4, 1925.<br />
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Three weeks ago my partner, pups and I set off on another HALS adventure and discovered the Kohl Mansion also known as “The Oaks” because the 40-acre property is covered with many old live oak trees. It is a beautiful campus now occupied by the Sisters of Mercy High School.<br />
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The Kohl Mansion was built for Charles Frederick “Freddie” Kohl and his wife Mary Elizabeth “Bessie” Godley. The 53-room Tudor- style brick structure was designed by architects George Howard and John White of Hillsborough and was planned to closely resemble Somerset House, the residence of the Duke of Surrey in England.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3nJc5_UZywXwZfhgKcD-jcRZVbjHuCwG9zE7_R5ISWBNtFlg31W6F9_0QPvH5ntDRFKHoXVNfZvL-6tP3FUjY0QPTLEEjcvbH2mBYuyqDZUYRuYVS9d0pM0m38unw8bCiHF0n_Bwi34/s1600/40%2527+steps.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3nJc5_UZywXwZfhgKcD-jcRZVbjHuCwG9zE7_R5ISWBNtFlg31W6F9_0QPvH5ntDRFKHoXVNfZvL-6tP3FUjY0QPTLEEjcvbH2mBYuyqDZUYRuYVS9d0pM0m38unw8bCiHF0n_Bwi34/s320/40%2527+steps.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">40' wide steps from the terrace onto the lawn</td></tr>
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Frederick Kohl was born in 1863, the son of William H. Kohl who was a pioneer ship builder and co-founder of the Alaska Commercial Company. Kohl was one of the richest men in the San Francisco “Gold Belt”. In addition to the Burlingame estate Kohl owned property in downtown San Mateo that is now Central Park, the Kohl office building in downtown San Francisco and a “castle” at California’s Lake Tahoe. <br />
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He married Ms. Godley in 1904 and acquired the 40-acre Burlingame property in order to build a home where they could entertain and where Bessie, who had a beautiful contralto voice, could perform for their guests. In 1916 Bessie left Frederick for Europe and never returned. For a time Frederick lived at the St. Fransis Hotel in San Francisco. He began a relationship with Marion Louderback Lord and left her the bulk of his $5 million estate when died by suicide November 23, 1921. Mss Lord sold the property to The Sisters of Mercy who initially used the mansion as a convent then converted it to Mercy High School for girls in 1931, which is the current use of the property.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_NVpYGrdlGmNkznc68uIxh5572ssC4wLB-Ba-OOTlzzWQ99Q1BY9bEJs0M4YWjrF91MRc46bF8MOMy65IIDeM0eLdNEO4sckvgMIbLuawpG1XJID-jZbwKTW7J5_Pwhxw0-AKF-TB3U/s1600/steps.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_NVpYGrdlGmNkznc68uIxh5572ssC4wLB-Ba-OOTlzzWQ99Q1BY9bEJs0M4YWjrF91MRc46bF8MOMy65IIDeM0eLdNEO4sckvgMIbLuawpG1XJID-jZbwKTW7J5_Pwhxw0-AKF-TB3U/s320/steps.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concrete steps and walls made to look like stone as seen in a 1916 photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table> In 1921 the Kohl Mansion was leased to United Artists and the movie “Little Lord Fauntleroy” was filmed in the house. In 1996, “Flubber” starring Robin Williams was filmed there.<br />
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The article in the Port Arthur News referred to the Kohl Mansion as “the greatest palace ever built in the West.” The grand terrace on the south side of the house extends the full width of the mansion and measures 215’ by 50 – 85’. A wall at the perimeter of the terrace is concrete with a concrete cap. It was built to emulate a massive stone wall. Weathering and the presence of lichen enhance the finish and increase the illusion that it is a stone wall. <br />
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South of the terrace a lawn extends beyond the width of the terrace and is 295’ wide and 87’ deep. The east edge of the lawn has a planting bed that includes three historic lemon trees and a border of new, white shrub roses. Mature evergreen live oaks / Quercus agrifolia and coniferous trees including Deodar cedar / Cedrus deodara and blue atlas cedar /Cedrus atlantica `glauca’ fill the space beyond the south edge of the lawn.<br />
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Much of the original sunken rose garden is present. It is set 5’ lower than the terrace and consists of brick paths set in a basket weave pattern, and small rose beds bordered with sheared boxwood hedges. Overall the rose garden measures 48’ by 54’ and is made up of 25 rose beds in a symmetrical pattern of round and rectangular beds. Two sets of brick steps with wing walls lead down into the rose garden from the south side. The surface between the rose garden and the terrace is pea gravel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9GhRKdclfa8WdmInXGAk3yLws58kf32zp97Gar7DnF4RMPWhl-bLOnBXTXU402-TpUObeKiR4q3iOHEsUP6cAtCsONmWX3UZnqKWvDFDMNCnjI1USqGVSntDVPkbCoj0SIqGolbnYo8/s1600/rose+garden.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9GhRKdclfa8WdmInXGAk3yLws58kf32zp97Gar7DnF4RMPWhl-bLOnBXTXU402-TpUObeKiR4q3iOHEsUP6cAtCsONmWX3UZnqKWvDFDMNCnjI1USqGVSntDVPkbCoj0SIqGolbnYo8/s320/rose+garden.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunken rose garden on the east side of the mansion</td></tr>
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Foundation plantings all appear to be new with the exception of a few hybrid roses with gnarled trunks. A 1916 photograph of the mansion shows only low boxwood hedges at foundations. There are also two sculpted boxwood hedges in the shape of a script “E” and two boxwood plants trimmed into three-sided pyramids. <br />
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Overall the integrity of the garden is good. The Mercy High School campus occupies similar size acreage as the original Kohl property. Changes to the grounds necessitated by the change in use are obvious but generally have been handled appropriately. Where original historic fabric was too deteriorated to be retained replacements have been executed in a sensitive manner and in such a way that the viewer can easily understand what is original.<br />
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The Kohl Mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 No. 2750.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOsdRYUkOrFURkrCgDXYHjCi7upcfH2v8DDN47DjnBwx-FfhrEbnFdlvD8Yw9Vk6Lqdb4wxbBgPxR0Dgqg9-Z8CZTrMOFtUE4ol6656AN8UGCk43WgswLHTNNq6hjyp6WiNVGxoiYiyM/s1600/Kohler+Mansion+P1010014_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOsdRYUkOrFURkrCgDXYHjCi7upcfH2v8DDN47DjnBwx-FfhrEbnFdlvD8Yw9Vk6Lqdb4wxbBgPxR0Dgqg9-Z8CZTrMOFtUE4ol6656AN8UGCk43WgswLHTNNq6hjyp6WiNVGxoiYiyM/s320/Kohler+Mansion+P1010014_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decoratively trimmed boxwood near the front door</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><u>Sisters of Mercy History</u></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>The Sisters of Mercy was founded in 1831 by Catherine McAuley, a wealthy Irish heiress, who wanted to care for poor women and children in Ireland. The sisters arrived in San Francisco prior to 1855 and established St. Mary’s Hospital, retirement facilities and four schools in San Francisco and Oakland. They purchased the Kohl Mansion in 1924 and used it as the Motherhouse for the region. By 1952 they ran a high school in San Francisco and 25 elementary schools throughout California. In 1989 they became co-sponsors of Mercy Housing, Inc. Their mission is to provide quality, affordable, housing for the poor, to strengthen families, and to promote healthy communities.Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-67661608617396793242011-11-13T16:40:00.000-08:002011-11-13T16:44:49.681-08:00People's Park, Berkeley <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8XhB7XFmQbMvkX1GfdXkT6g5QExnLmSgdkOCtdXhnptd0e-pjof4qUvbKRiYS0SHN2nor8JNxwG9VFAn6Phb2nLKaF59KAEO7r7nBfzmjtcD_xRygNM65HcrMd4DpM-kt5RsVl5kBN0/s1600/Mural.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8XhB7XFmQbMvkX1GfdXkT6g5QExnLmSgdkOCtdXhnptd0e-pjof4qUvbKRiYS0SHN2nor8JNxwG9VFAn6Phb2nLKaF59KAEO7r7nBfzmjtcD_xRygNM65HcrMd4DpM-kt5RsVl5kBN0/s320/Mural.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A portion of a mural painted on the restroom in People's Park</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Today was a nice fall day, so a HALS adventure was in order, but with other things to do I wanted to visit a nearby site. Deciding on some place in Berkeley I reviewed the list of possible places and was struck by a listing for People’s Park. Initially I wondered why someone had included it in a list of potential HALS sites in Alameda County. It is certainly not historic – the database noted a construction date of 1969. On the other hand it certainly qualifies as a cultural landscape, and since my hometown of Oakland has gained international recognition during the Occupy movement maybe this is a timely topic. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RLoaObkOE7KSZmLoRNnz77T8wyjdYDHkO2XtmdyCTBLi1ZYOIr87UdC1vUjQWIT174mv2A-4VvBt3fdl4ZWdMx5QkIl1JQoFq9MqZzgr0c03vuWcsvh5yNrZ-gNjW3cLbZ9H7OsbesE/s1600/Park+path.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RLoaObkOE7KSZmLoRNnz77T8wyjdYDHkO2XtmdyCTBLi1ZYOIr87UdC1vUjQWIT174mv2A-4VvBt3fdl4ZWdMx5QkIl1JQoFq9MqZzgr0c03vuWcsvh5yNrZ-gNjW3cLbZ9H7OsbesE/s320/Park+path.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Footpath into the park and canopy trees at the perimeter</td></tr>
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People’s Park is a lasting monument to the Free Speech movement that began in the late 60s and continued through much of the 70s while I was a student on the Berkeley campus. Walking around and through the park one sees many signs reminiscent of today’s protests. One also sees many elements comparable to any other community park – an expanse of lawn, a variety of trees and plants, a community garden, a stage, a restroom building, picnic tables, art and even a tot lot. <br />
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Though this is a park conceived and constructed by volunteers – some who considered themselves anarchists - its design is remarkably similar to other parks - conventional. It occupies about two-thirds of a city block, has paths that enter the park from each corner and side, and has signage, lighting, and trash containers. There are areas shaded by mature canopy trees and a large, open, grassy area in the center where a group had erected canopies for an event and a blow-up toy for kids. UC students were attending the event while street people relaxed in their low-profile but very obvious encampments.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhnoltiErjrvG2tOIUiW49-msSQdszYnIf_eEkhgi11rsb2yFNiVb96fX4G-_qQwKN9kLalP1CxgD1xZfrFmgrdU02c_jUF5Wh6T324je58n2SlkXDZAaFbM3LJGHD-bWW632DKn_JYc/s1600/Picnic+Table.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhnoltiErjrvG2tOIUiW49-msSQdszYnIf_eEkhgi11rsb2yFNiVb96fX4G-_qQwKN9kLalP1CxgD1xZfrFmgrdU02c_jUF5Wh6T324je58n2SlkXDZAaFbM3LJGHD-bWW632DKn_JYc/s320/Picnic+Table.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic table, event canopies & blow up toy in central lawn area</td></tr>
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Is this a cultural landscape? I say yes. What is more American than protesting? Let us not forget that our nation began with the American Revolution. A column in Friday’s paper by Thomas D. Elias tells me that “the average income of the top 1 percent of Californians rose from $778,000 to $1.2 million per year, while the average income of people in the bottom 80 percent actually fell.” And a sign in People’s Park notes, “On Bloody Thursday, the day UC administrators had a fence put up around People’s Park, we took to the streets. 30,000 people marched. LET 1000 PARKS BLOOM!” <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3C9i96vcSDaSGifXfOo4tojRuglJCKq6_Ka23Yza-IAC6r6-NZelw4wVkHcnN-JQH5BYeeoJfAIlD5SXuf-ynBQ6wSvTxcIa-TodVAToz_Jz_4iTAbsVh2D3eD-owlzMGA5UHERFkuo/s1600/Community+Garden.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3C9i96vcSDaSGifXfOo4tojRuglJCKq6_Ka23Yza-IAC6r6-NZelw4wVkHcnN-JQH5BYeeoJfAIlD5SXuf-ynBQ6wSvTxcIa-TodVAToz_Jz_4iTAbsVh2D3eD-owlzMGA5UHERFkuo/s320/Community+Garden.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Community garden beds line one side of the park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our public open spaces – both designed and vernacular – often provide the venue for public discourse. We landscape architects design these spaces to encourage quiet conversation between two friends or massive public gatherings to voice our angst. Frank Ogawa Plaza, named after a long serving City Council representative, and where Occupy Oakland is based includes a large amphitheater and stage and the Jack London Oak – the symbol of our city anchors the park. This great tree and plaza serve as the forecourt to City Hall, the center of our government.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5D54K8WdxW0TjuHdIIq6v0la-OCIWYMtM486QpO7FRzk-SjefSOXpNosyO2NW-uimjrnwmKfdnshpT8gf0-uV3CxXljLb_KXDPheAu-AmMpKJVvRdK8w_EOKZQKHb05EoBer4CYlD0w/s1600/Friendship.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5D54K8WdxW0TjuHdIIq6v0la-OCIWYMtM486QpO7FRzk-SjefSOXpNosyO2NW-uimjrnwmKfdnshpT8gf0-uV3CxXljLb_KXDPheAu-AmMpKJVvRdK8w_EOKZQKHb05EoBer4CYlD0w/s320/Friendship.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artistic commentary<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNlpqd_14X8pe7va3Megvjrt4BmAL5P18zAZ1t-3ivrOpSaboYj_hBZnIr4BME54cq3gJWJRTDFnLcptut-FYnKG-WTkcoa54qHUC6C0CfYuXnhC5REpTwVmiCLiI0bvpk9Zis0o2hv0/s1600/Park+Sign.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNlpqd_14X8pe7va3Megvjrt4BmAL5P18zAZ1t-3ivrOpSaboYj_hBZnIr4BME54cq3gJWJRTDFnLcptut-FYnKG-WTkcoa54qHUC6C0CfYuXnhC5REpTwVmiCLiI0bvpk9Zis0o2hv0/s320/Park+Sign.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another park sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKEHgs8KL_9RHkvNiHq9gXGyopkPbsC9EKUXxZ9fxnk9wwlSy9Kl9GXvPSNmaztxS1vB45TTRU2870Xv8dtclGtiDdogijuMgTR5LHZqyPTdHgJ8vF9bE764bk4TN5Zf5yoGr4D1nM6E/s1600/Flag.jpg_resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKEHgs8KL_9RHkvNiHq9gXGyopkPbsC9EKUXxZ9fxnk9wwlSy9Kl9GXvPSNmaztxS1vB45TTRU2870Xv8dtclGtiDdogijuMgTR5LHZqyPTdHgJ8vF9bE764bk4TN5Zf5yoGr4D1nM6E/s400/Flag.jpg_resize.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-5464895636940392212011-10-02T21:45:00.000-07:002011-10-02T21:45:40.961-07:00Fairytale Town, William Land Park, Sacramento<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYCuMGar4NihLDsJxBoh6XgM0G2t3jNEE9tPiZ9SKaYCB2vriHoPOlO3NWZCl7Fk5QC_pKQLH3kgTDzqDuY4epJNTVt_sfpx22MqYW1AhX3jzNmS_sNscnpGgHAsvhbFg-VlXXaC56Dc/s1600/P6080233_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYCuMGar4NihLDsJxBoh6XgM0G2t3jNEE9tPiZ9SKaYCB2vriHoPOlO3NWZCl7Fk5QC_pKQLH3kgTDzqDuY4epJNTVt_sfpx22MqYW1AhX3jzNmS_sNscnpGgHAsvhbFg-VlXXaC56Dc/s320/P6080233_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farmer Brown's Barn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Today I participated in a re-enactment of the first <a href="http://www.waterfrontaction.org/parade">suffrage march</a> that took place in California. The march took place in downtown Oakland at Lakeside Park. The first suffrage march in California occurred on August 23, 1908. That parade of over 300 women re-energized the suffrage movement which led to the successful passage of the suffrage referendum in 1911. Today’s event was organized by the League of Women Voters. Oakland’s female Mayor, Jean Quan was joined by our female member of the US House of Representatives, Barbara Lee and three of Oakland’s female members of the City Council to welcome marchers and to lend their voices to the celebration. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimORK9orX2ei1Gf1vA68XOeWBq86tTyYa-tCyG1pkNygnt3XR7TzLc7_j8gDZENAGoDy05oQRyBW0NJBcIYQpaEdxVzxesRWWHP2zzYHCOC5e_lBmq5cAbHQXZggzP-DlroiNTSalaKPk/s1600/3+little+pigs.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimORK9orX2ei1Gf1vA68XOeWBq86tTyYa-tCyG1pkNygnt3XR7TzLc7_j8gDZENAGoDy05oQRyBW0NJBcIYQpaEdxVzxesRWWHP2zzYHCOC5e_lBmq5cAbHQXZggzP-DlroiNTSalaKPk/s320/3+little+pigs.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Three Little Pigs House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This civic event reminded me that it was another women’s organization – the Junior League that led the effort to plan and build the Fairytale Town theme park in William Land Park in Sacramento. Fairytale town like Oakland’s Fairyland and Roeding Park’s Storyland, is a special place for young children. Each of these fanciful places uses fairy tales as the models for child scaled sets. These themed play places are part of a post-World War II park movement. At Land Park the Junior League initiated plans for Fairytale Town in 1956. They hired Kenneth C. Rickey and Fred E. Brooks to design the sets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhqr0wDttxwDRfK_XsGjNYqphKll_FubW3_kmJhFyA9XZDUx0N8F6w5wilmsuI-6TTCxNTqhiPOpqF92_XfBns6KusCmfj2sfF3taqc1747ka-_cvNsJ5TmeN-pUMPuMvg6etCc8qcL8/s1600/3+fat+pigs.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhqr0wDttxwDRfK_XsGjNYqphKll_FubW3_kmJhFyA9XZDUx0N8F6w5wilmsuI-6TTCxNTqhiPOpqF92_XfBns6KusCmfj2sfF3taqc1747ka-_cvNsJ5TmeN-pUMPuMvg6etCc8qcL8/s200/3+fat+pigs.jpg_resize.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 fat pigs are part of the set</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
The original exhibits included the Three Little Pigs, Mary Had a Little Lamb, King Arthur’s Castle, Cinderella’s Carriage, Farmer Brown’s Barn and others. Fairytale Town opened in 1959. Other exhibits continued to be added. Today Fairytale town is well maintained and continues to be a beloved, special place for Sacramento’s children and others who visit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_3y-GmGU4TUZEeRYl3LIgJU8ycSIH78zrHY-RyG-NN7JRQMOWwlL37DklVnJcdCdPhKxcQwp5HNfiTzzMuc03uZ6XBo1vVJHqnRNALowhlXPlUNYQLlHSJTWyaEb6GAerqrszkfpUgQ/s1600/Cinderella%2527s+pumpkin.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_3y-GmGU4TUZEeRYl3LIgJU8ycSIH78zrHY-RyG-NN7JRQMOWwlL37DklVnJcdCdPhKxcQwp5HNfiTzzMuc03uZ6XBo1vVJHqnRNALowhlXPlUNYQLlHSJTWyaEb6GAerqrszkfpUgQ/s400/Cinderella%2527s+pumpkin.jpg_resize.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinderell'as pumpkin is a very popular exhibit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVleIKT2vHVJKLvLgvPr1qb0jMe416bJswBJP2jLbcjjbDvy3GyZzypuIzifKrNUwXfMsqG2emXeFNYPVXb6e1tmcgnY8xpv3RFrQUe0LidKfD1fJBl4Z2tfMMtaRK74FLrbwZogh6pQ/s1600/Little+Engine+that+Could.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVleIKT2vHVJKLvLgvPr1qb0jMe416bJswBJP2jLbcjjbDvy3GyZzypuIzifKrNUwXfMsqG2emXeFNYPVXb6e1tmcgnY8xpv3RFrQUe0LidKfD1fJBl4Z2tfMMtaRK74FLrbwZogh6pQ/s320/Little+Engine+that+Could.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Engine That Could</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZaail8E9fKtu1_mGC6t_3I4giSZmGQJ5V5eMfeHTdeuHlzRgcXw8N-DvXtS69-mTsmLxUWd06LK0YISB3ZkKiXoA62HsVDxaCkf-jPbZ0p3PEyYHys7skUZBeyZJd4Fx-WeSGizr3ik/s1600/Mr.+McGregor%2527s+Garden.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZaail8E9fKtu1_mGC6t_3I4giSZmGQJ5V5eMfeHTdeuHlzRgcXw8N-DvXtS69-mTsmLxUWd06LK0YISB3ZkKiXoA62HsVDxaCkf-jPbZ0p3PEyYHys7skUZBeyZJd4Fx-WeSGizr3ik/s320/Mr.+McGregor%2527s+Garden.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. McGregor's Garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxLns-XWGGUMB2nqxDyCI8w_TqcJLwDPEIn-SMQ06WilL9CCWIIEyYpXgH75w9xwYQaYMhkBxUbPKTvtprmXUfoMlo8qxKVs41smEEzyf9O3UnA5b29il17KZJgBVT3bKVPxmYlvUc8c/s1600/Tale+of+Peter+Rabbit.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxLns-XWGGUMB2nqxDyCI8w_TqcJLwDPEIn-SMQ06WilL9CCWIIEyYpXgH75w9xwYQaYMhkBxUbPKTvtprmXUfoMlo8qxKVs41smEEzyf9O3UnA5b29il17KZJgBVT3bKVPxmYlvUc8c/s320/Tale+of+Peter+Rabbit.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Rabbit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18C1blIbSWBuKjJXoWAbRKDAFkGfqpagU9iFYIJtLc6Pha60bA9-H8M2ZIe3mRCClFV9b9eHp5-4NRvRi3-pe_jEW-DHSeZdxnwsp300N1d05GB7RVEjVUXP7VqhxCmKCryX_Qcn_274/s1600/Tortoise+%2526+Hare.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18C1blIbSWBuKjJXoWAbRKDAFkGfqpagU9iFYIJtLc6Pha60bA9-H8M2ZIe3mRCClFV9b9eHp5-4NRvRi3-pe_jEW-DHSeZdxnwsp300N1d05GB7RVEjVUXP7VqhxCmKCryX_Qcn_274/s320/Tortoise+%2526+Hare.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tortoise and where's the hare?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-68533875976964603732011-09-04T18:56:00.000-07:002011-09-04T18:56:05.976-07:00Land Park, Sacramento<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IjOmyR6wm8Fz2o5p_AXbOPSwF039vtTW9Xwn0IL6l3FbQcBsrMVP4-FFExwz5ggIMOIxsJvQ7_RzChUQu_3bvW6APT5qvQqt7rEEIYsY-YKywFKaGbGXzCjCrnlQefSk4ijM4Aaxx5k/s1600/Pond.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IjOmyR6wm8Fz2o5p_AXbOPSwF039vtTW9Xwn0IL6l3FbQcBsrMVP4-FFExwz5ggIMOIxsJvQ7_RzChUQu_3bvW6APT5qvQqt7rEEIYsY-YKywFKaGbGXzCjCrnlQefSk4ijM4Aaxx5k/s320/Pond.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pond. Each water feature has a wide stone edge</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Recently I was hired to survey Land Park in Sacramento as part of a larger study to assess the historic features of the park – a dream job. I spent two days in the field photographing and recording field notes about everything in the park, and then summarized my finding by category. I organized the material by feature type – circulation, vegetation, buildings and structures, small scale features, water features, etc.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Money to build a large community park was given to the City of Sacramento by William Land in 1919. City fathers spent some time debating where to build the park and finally agreed on 236 acres of land known as the Swanston-McDivit Tract. In 1922 landscape architect Frederick N. Evans prepared a master plan for the park. Evans’ plan reflected the design trend of the day and incorporated lots of recreation features – five baseball fields, many single and group picnic facilities, an outdoor stage and amphitheater, two lakes and a pond, a golf course, a zoo and two separate children’s play – Fairytale Town and Funderland. </div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyt2uSG-1yM9pKed-3NDn1yV1FVEpo82omWS3KeO93D2OxKKVk5ufasudzYS4Xpp-CiCVmZzEcEVit_Mng9qUCzLWtUTasr_ohVF8EBF0VKihyJkKsUyBNo22b5opyjI1KSKKLgI_XPc/s1600/Picnic.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyt2uSG-1yM9pKed-3NDn1yV1FVEpo82omWS3KeO93D2OxKKVk5ufasudzYS4Xpp-CiCVmZzEcEVit_Mng9qUCzLWtUTasr_ohVF8EBF0VKihyJkKsUyBNo22b5opyjI1KSKKLgI_XPc/s320/Picnic.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many group picnic facilities</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Land Park is remarkably similar to Roeding Park in Fresno which I wrote about a year ago in September 2010. There is an outdoor dance floor, called Village Green in the southeast corner of Land Park that is exactly like two found in Roeding Park – the size, construction and a raised stage are essentially identical to those built earlier in Fresno. The water features, abundance of picnic facilities and two children’s play areas are also much like those found in Roeding Park thus it seems probable that Evans may have visited Fresno and decided to emulate that successful park.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB56Capib96DqHsizFhfYmbdq3a7tzMM6-_M0-SQs1J0XhBAkf3yE7ydcNdd4m0QiKrtVxaNQmivsSDQcvbekq_cUBiG9UNE_9aeQ2p42a18ROhhgGEKC079NysGecINm28ZbzJCVZHJ0/s1600/Stage+%2526+Cypress.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB56Capib96DqHsizFhfYmbdq3a7tzMM6-_M0-SQs1J0XhBAkf3yE7ydcNdd4m0QiKrtVxaNQmivsSDQcvbekq_cUBiG9UNE_9aeQ2p42a18ROhhgGEKC079NysGecINm28ZbzJCVZHJ0/s320/Stage+%2526+Cypress.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amphitheater and stage with Italian cypress backdrop</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Both parks are located in valley communities that experience hot summer temperatures, so both parks consist predominantly of lawn and gorgeous, mature trees. Both parks include a nice variety of large shade trees – combinations of evergreens, conifers and deciduous trees, but one thing that distinguishes Roeding Park is how the trees are massed with a single species – more impressive than isolated specimens or groups of mixed species. In both parks the nearly continuous canopy of shade provided by these trees is most welcome. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl8UP36TzhO3tzqqBiYfF4ynOL45vg0LrUDKAtSMUhyphenhyphenZyqglVk72myWofzR4LeZM-EVcNnLYABuSI6GwkRgYa-el8LJZ0VaGOd0Z87TYprx_GSCzrLSfaUy3QTg52GtLB3s1nUl36h1k/s1600/Golf+Course.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl8UP36TzhO3tzqqBiYfF4ynOL45vg0LrUDKAtSMUhyphenhyphenZyqglVk72myWofzR4LeZM-EVcNnLYABuSI6GwkRgYa-el8LJZ0VaGOd0Z87TYprx_GSCzrLSfaUy3QTg52GtLB3s1nUl36h1k/s320/Golf+Course.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the fairway of Land Park golf course</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Land Park includes a number of structures constructed by the WPA – Works Progress Administration as part of President Roosevelt’s plan to put people back to work after the depression. Crews built several stone structures including a gazebo, a gracefully curved pergola, several monuments and what is now a wonderful perennial garden lovingly maintained by park staff member Daisy. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There is so much in Land Park that I’ll need to write at least one more post to tell you more.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBdBzPu-BCthInRK01z0oNjHwP4AlsqQpCXsrTH1ynxCQ0hxdKTGomPBTo1ATRhokwFX42qcz9-VkqCet39e2Gn8GeYbyBIWJSwY-FETj-OinwsyRMFwc_cQneOdhc5WnGyl_ehD9Nkk/s1600/Flamingos.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBdBzPu-BCthInRK01z0oNjHwP4AlsqQpCXsrTH1ynxCQ0hxdKTGomPBTo1ATRhokwFX42qcz9-VkqCet39e2Gn8GeYbyBIWJSwY-FETj-OinwsyRMFwc_cQneOdhc5WnGyl_ehD9Nkk/s400/Flamingos.jpg_resize.JPG" width="400" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamingos in the zoo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-30415538541640432752011-08-21T18:13:00.000-07:002011-08-21T18:13:52.996-07:00Sank Park <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1CsDithw4ZDpbLcCMkQfkdFbZsOaTIadqeztXI8ctCQKpvdxQB95Z64lzg4Bl7lipQ0KwR3kaQd1AZRp137fKnb6Bu4O98ME9KbmHEqG7PYxaBDkHPmXHfBXphtaJkjMC3MjPkJhS64/s1600/Cottage+%2526+cypress.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1CsDithw4ZDpbLcCMkQfkdFbZsOaTIadqeztXI8ctCQKpvdxQB95Z64lzg4Bl7lipQ0KwR3kaQd1AZRp137fKnb6Bu4O98ME9KbmHEqG7PYxaBDkHPmXHfBXphtaJkjMC3MjPkJhS64/s320/Cottage+%2526+cypress.jpg_resize.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two towaring Italian Cypress dwarf the cottage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While vacationing in northern California earlier this year we visited Oroville. My primary objective was to visit CaliforniaRegistered Historic Landmark No. 770 – Chinese Temple which was built in 1863 and used as a place of worship for 10,000 immigrants who came to California during the gold rush. I hoped to find a historic, traditional garden that would be suitable for submission to the Historic American Landscape Survey (HALS) annual challenge – the theme for 2011 is Landscapes of diversity. Sadly, nothing about the existing garden at the temple was historic. It was nice enough, but a recent addition. The only landscape feature that may have been authentic is an old fig tree across the street where the Chinese schoolhouse had been located. <br />
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Fortunately, there were other places to visit in Oroville including Sank Park which provides the setting for the Lott House. This modest Victorian Gothic-revival cottage was built in1856 by Charles Fayette Lott, an attorney and former state senator. He and his descendants occupied the property for over one hundred years and when the last child died the home and garden were donated to the City of Oroville.<br />
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Like other historic homes the property occupies an entire city block. Often one block is all that remains of what was originally a much larger parcel of land, but in this case it was originally one block, purchased for $200 – imagine that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9zHOhQb36US6FdsRyM2Qz72mQGv8Qk4cHRgylxE_yFQwCJf6KdnQYm8Fdr5oWzBbv3thX0Hw3IhDa1xSQpqPN6JE-0uue-g-otS2lgA4AfbDgpPk5fX-6Kl1K5rAQZKVtLxyY6XXAVc/s1600/Arbor+detail.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9zHOhQb36US6FdsRyM2Qz72mQGv8Qk4cHRgylxE_yFQwCJf6KdnQYm8Fdr5oWzBbv3thX0Hw3IhDa1xSQpqPN6JE-0uue-g-otS2lgA4AfbDgpPk5fX-6Kl1K5rAQZKVtLxyY6XXAVc/s320/Arbor+detail.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The arbor leads from the sidewalk to the front door</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCjbl00oE4rnNlICwZ_chIUsyi3iz66fDyVUC0repBgTz4PUfU2ESyWojVDgE3Em0acd0zjLL7wnGCZxHglZZf3176haNlFDZnZPghYvRA4PsWctBtIGjt3UJRVqKPUypUs4cFfm2sq8/s1600/Concrete+detail.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCjbl00oE4rnNlICwZ_chIUsyi3iz66fDyVUC0repBgTz4PUfU2ESyWojVDgE3Em0acd0zjLL7wnGCZxHglZZf3176haNlFDZnZPghYvRA4PsWctBtIGjt3UJRVqKPUypUs4cFfm2sq8/s200/Concrete+detail.jpg_resize.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scored concrete marks the entry</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The block is surrounded by a low, white fence, and the main entry to the garden and home is off Montgomery Street. At the entry there is a nicely detailed accent in the sidewalk paving and a gate that leads to an elaborate wisteria covered arbor. Constructed of concrete and white timbers the arbor is so substantial that it nearly dwarfs the delicate house. <br />
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I particularly liked the carriage house – a utilitarian building. It is painted all white and is an understated piece of architecture. It was nicely tucked into the property and surrounded by massive shade trees. There was something simply appealing about it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdC1ThuIMSkgZ4osJIGix7_h63tXw3tMgO_Vx5oOH4L9z68Dl9NJmAP5YxJ7D-cYJbInTBIN-pDI9PAFdhCqoplfyGn7zAKGfS7icHlPJMAlgDtLxnekQSFseQIco926nYWYReGHiIwI/s1600/Carriage+House.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdC1ThuIMSkgZ4osJIGix7_h63tXw3tMgO_Vx5oOH4L9z68Dl9NJmAP5YxJ7D-cYJbInTBIN-pDI9PAFdhCqoplfyGn7zAKGfS7icHlPJMAlgDtLxnekQSFseQIco926nYWYReGHiIwI/s320/Carriage+House.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The carriage house shaded by trees</td></tr>
</tbody></table> In one corner of the site there is a gazebo. As I walked in that direction, something about the gazebo did not feel authentic – the scale was not right for a private family. It felt more municipal, and sure enough when I got up to the structure there was a small plaque indicating that it was a recent addition – added after the family occupied the site. To me that was a distraction. It was nice enough but when I visit a historic home or garden I prefer to see genuine features – “the real deal”. I do appreciate that they included the plaque informing me that it was not associated with the Lott family.<br />
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Most of the park consists of lawn and gardens that are well tended. There were many indications of care being taken to preserve and maintain this site. Though we missed the Wisteria bloom, the azaleas were at their peak – lots of them. One wanders through the garden on brick or concrete paths and discovers details along the way – a bench, a pool, and an interesting assortment of inlaid tiles. Apparently, it was Jesse Sank, husband of Cornelia Lott, who built these for his bride. Follow this link to read the <a href="http://www.magnetsonthefridge.com/2011/06/cornelias-home-cf-lott-home-in-sank.html">story of their romance.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1OlEARvOIYBkWmTIPHv37gbcGqfpfrpba9w_TRfvREj36Gr_2OVW4opPNl9azCqnID5SstyuSu7ovp0ODs_Rz0hqa7PoeUAosNyXHZAfb-jV2OUne-4zCeylTNh8I7kYGOyl44uZjug/s1600/Azaleas+%2526+bench.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1OlEARvOIYBkWmTIPHv37gbcGqfpfrpba9w_TRfvREj36Gr_2OVW4opPNl9azCqnID5SstyuSu7ovp0ODs_Rz0hqa7PoeUAosNyXHZAfb-jV2OUne-4zCeylTNh8I7kYGOyl44uZjug/s400/Azaleas+%2526+bench.jpg_resize.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much of the front yard is planted with azaleas making Spring a good time to visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-5460497076906042052011-07-24T15:24:00.000-07:002011-07-24T15:24:24.602-07:00Bidwell Park, Chico <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2VXHCX34l7-ewU5ZbnkaAiu2V6bahZwlSld0Ubm36csaulUvO1QgO2Qk3yvk_7PY9RhyvW3jJh6BflJ8Hq5j_DbLTVEJaGZFX-wra4FxxauxkvDJLpD0c4VuUfratij656cL9G45vkE/s1600/Entry+Gate.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2VXHCX34l7-ewU5ZbnkaAiu2V6bahZwlSld0Ubm36csaulUvO1QgO2Qk3yvk_7PY9RhyvW3jJh6BflJ8Hq5j_DbLTVEJaGZFX-wra4FxxauxkvDJLpD0c4VuUfratij656cL9G45vkE/s320/Entry+Gate.jpg_resize.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main entry flanked by stone columns and accented by flowering Dogwood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bidwell Park is the third largest urban park in the United States. It is a long, narrow park that starts in downtown not far from the Bidwell Mansion and extends for over five miles into wilderness. It has 68 miles of walking and bicycle trails. The lower portion of the park is closest to downtown and is the most developed with several entry points from adjacent residential neighborhoods. The main entry is off South Park Drive west of Mangrove Avenue. This entry is flanked by a pair of simple, rough-hewn, granite columns, each topped with a stout, rectangular light.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Amenities in the lower portion of the park include picnic facilities, open lawn areas, a baseball field, horseshow pits, a themed children’s play area called “Caper Acres”, and by far my favorite feature - Sycamore swimming pool formed by the damming of Chico Creek. The water flows rapidly through the pool, which is about 600 feet in length and 95 feet wide, and then exits via a spillway at the east end. A footbridge crosses over the spillway. Native sycamore trees line one side of the pool. </div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTedsEFmVnXEJHiup_s5XDa9ODCYhCGyomQC25LFnBHMp7odAVn-OW3mziAlSJannevJW4aQ9U7FpfrJLcwZuhyCElHTrR-zpSykEbGXoJWvGyUJV_2C78HcTGXxJ1E-jKg75xXqGfhPg/s1600/Sycamore+pool.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTedsEFmVnXEJHiup_s5XDa9ODCYhCGyomQC25LFnBHMp7odAVn-OW3mziAlSJannevJW4aQ9U7FpfrJLcwZuhyCElHTrR-zpSykEbGXoJWvGyUJV_2C78HcTGXxJ1E-jKg75xXqGfhPg/s320/Sycamore+pool.jpg_resize.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enticing Sycamore pool is fed by Big Chico Creek</td></tr>
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</div>The middle portion of the park consists of trails and a single, one-way drive that lie beneath a continuous canopy of trees. Summer temperatures in Chico are typically in the 100s so these trees and the swimming pool are essential amenities. Tree species are predominantly valley oak (Quercus lobata), and native sycamore (Platanus racemosa). The understory is mostly grasses, willow and spice bush (Calycanthus occidentalis). Big Chico Creek continues through the middle and upper portions of the park, and there are individual picnic facilities along the drive, each with a barbeque.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvYXr0MQSukga9HJLISZSko5nZZBiowbjgyiiuWPcW8QkCCn_KMjXndbTjOvZyARgdiiClOvzVolNdZqUo-7KIGSxggCGgzfxGaO4lh20xhd0Pc8lQ5bw4_YLEaRKyo9qTP7aX8dt5qo/s1600/Bidwell+SH+Park+P4260040_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvYXr0MQSukga9HJLISZSko5nZZBiowbjgyiiuWPcW8QkCCn_KMjXndbTjOvZyARgdiiClOvzVolNdZqUo-7KIGSxggCGgzfxGaO4lh20xhd0Pc8lQ5bw4_YLEaRKyo9qTP7aX8dt5qo/s320/Bidwell+SH+Park+P4260040_resize.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paths throughout the park are shaded by mature trees</td></tr>
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Facilities in the Upper portion of the park include an 18-hole golf course, a driving range, an observatory, a fishing pier, Horseshoe Lake, picnic facilities, and equestrian trails. Just east of Manzanita Avenue is the Hooker Oak Picnic Area – named for the Hooker Oak – the largest known valley oak until it fell in a 1977 storm. The entire park has a rustic, informal quality. There is very little irrigated, mown lawn. Instead the park brings the wilderness into downtown.<br />
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Annie Bidwell donated the land to the people of Chico in 1905 for a public park. She said at the time that the grant followed the desire of her late husband. In subsequent years she made additional donations to expand the park. This generous gift is the heart of Chico – a treasure enjoyed and appreciated by visitors and residents – particularly on hot summer days. If you plan a visit and go in summer I dare you to resist a plunge into Sycamore Pool.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMAXRNCbmO0UPHxF1EKck2NWFi1KaMtk45g-tYoUCf_JCLpMU9chEuj02vW922yY2G91FajRUcoYPJaqzC8O-H3jz6_18szfSHlig_stlnPvoeWELVmD4kk0ezVDr6IzR-vFwx09-w_g/s1600/Valley+Oaks+%2526+grass.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMAXRNCbmO0UPHxF1EKck2NWFi1KaMtk45g-tYoUCf_JCLpMU9chEuj02vW922yY2G91FajRUcoYPJaqzC8O-H3jz6_18szfSHlig_stlnPvoeWELVmD4kk0ezVDr6IzR-vFwx09-w_g/s400/Valley+Oaks+%2526+grass.jpg_resize.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much of the park consists of a continuous canopy of trees with grasses below</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2VXHCX34l7-ewU5ZbnkaAiu2V6bahZwlSld0Ubm36csaulUvO1QgO2Qk3yvk_7PY9RhyvW3jJh6BflJ8Hq5j_DbLTVEJaGZFX-wra4FxxauxkvDJLpD0c4VuUfratij656cL9G45vkE/s1600/Entry+Gate.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-1583659969859118342011-07-09T18:05:00.000-07:002011-07-09T18:05:24.856-07:00Bidwell Mansion, Chico <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wQPz1NM-Tx4DhOSe6LB12fUwFa-L-mhU-ftBROPuR275zugPISfK6dsWh-ee7BxaqJBt0NekF4OrfAjpoD_HGYwuMefgdYa-RzkLJBjCOEVDV-SbOlrCtv3jZ_tCJzKPfKW-2MEw2LI/s1600/Mansion+%2526+oval+planter.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wQPz1NM-Tx4DhOSe6LB12fUwFa-L-mhU-ftBROPuR275zugPISfK6dsWh-ee7BxaqJBt0NekF4OrfAjpoD_HGYwuMefgdYa-RzkLJBjCOEVDV-SbOlrCtv3jZ_tCJzKPfKW-2MEw2LI/s320/Mansion+%2526+oval+planter.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mansion, oval planter and Southern Magnolia. Fan palm at right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Visiting Chico one cannot avoid contact with the legacy of their most famous residents – John Bidwell and his wife Annie Ellicott Kennedy Bidwell. John Bidwell was part of the first wagon trains that arrived in California, he discovered gold in 1848, laid out the town of Chico, served in the House of Representatives, lobbied for California statehood, and ran for President of the United States in 1892. Annie Bidwell was the daughter of Joseph C.G. Kennedy, Superintendent of the U.S. Census and was an advocate for prohibition and the suffragette movement. Their legacy dominates the town of Chico – the two primary components are their home - the Bidwell Mansion and Bidwell Park. <br />
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What is incredible is how much of the property retains features as they were depicted in a circa 1877 sketch by Smith and Elliott. The most significant landscape feature is a large oval-shaped planting bed, as wide as the width of the house. The bed is surrounded by an oval drive that passes beneath the porte-cochere. A southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) 25 – 35 feet taller than the three story tower of the house is planted in the oval. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6VUKTlpIiTR4h0hyphenhyphenw9YxrBtzYi-t-tfQehWEdx0qyOw7yZareFOQ4CCO5Y6PYC_0kh2D7RBHm5s-gZP9intbHdBgtdaiKqeT3w5P72gyXzQf7Zxfb6DxU_snzsDWxjZKwC-zOxLkOms/s1600/Liriodendron.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6VUKTlpIiTR4h0hyphenhyphenw9YxrBtzYi-t-tfQehWEdx0qyOw7yZareFOQ4CCO5Y6PYC_0kh2D7RBHm5s-gZP9intbHdBgtdaiKqeT3w5P72gyXzQf7Zxfb6DxU_snzsDWxjZKwC-zOxLkOms/s320/Liriodendron.jpg_resize.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)</td></tr>
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Other original trees that remain are a maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba), a spectacular – in size and form - tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), a South American monkey puzzle (Auracaria imbricata) and a Lawson cypress (Cupressus lawsoniana). These trees are growing within a broad expanse of lawn between the mansion and Esplanade – typical of Victorian era gardens, and were intended to demonstrate the owner’s wealth and taste. <br />
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A lushly planted area south of the mansion, along the Big Chico Creek, remains today though the trees are much larger than those in the Smith and Elliott sketch. Also the location of the main road – now called Esplanade appears to be in the same location as shown in the sketch. <br />
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In 1877 the area north of the mansion was planted in orchards and vineyards. Today, this area has been developed as housing and commercial areas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uOt2C1WdW8pkFbgHHrgcJAKR-Asia-l2bNiwnr0zNfNOzxObu9w1t_F-Ag0suNs5hPeokrXZWsR5D8UVsdkf6mm-xc37vJrspsCDq8WmeGBoF0H4gxCBcYbEHWwhCGq-_6ZFOSn4fSc/s1600/Lawson+Cypress.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uOt2C1WdW8pkFbgHHrgcJAKR-Asia-l2bNiwnr0zNfNOzxObu9w1t_F-Ag0suNs5hPeokrXZWsR5D8UVsdkf6mm-xc37vJrspsCDq8WmeGBoF0H4gxCBcYbEHWwhCGq-_6ZFOSn4fSc/s320/Lawson+Cypress.jpg_resize.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lawson Cypress and a Fan Palm</td></tr>
</tbody></table> John Bidwell was born in 1819 in New York State. In 1841, at the age of 22, he was one of the first pioneers to cross the Sierra Nevada in route to California. When he first arrived he served as the business manager for John Sutter and personally transported the first gold discovered in California to San Francisco to be assayed.<br />
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Shortly thereafter in 1848 Bidwell made his own gold discovery near the middle fork of the Feather River. He used his new found wealth to purchase the 26,000 acre Rancho del Arroyo Chico and began developing the agriculture of the region. At one point the Rancho was the most famous and highly diversified agricultural enterprise in California. In 1860 Bidwell laid out the town of Chico. <br />
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In 1865 he hired San Francisco architect Henry W. Cleveland to design his 10,000 square foot, 26-room Italian villa. In April of 1868 he convinced Annie Ellicott Kennedy to marry him and shortly thereafter they moved into the mansion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQD1UI4-MNCaj2-ExgDQA8mYk-B3vkLa8slyN3Zr1GhGhXAN-139AlfaRH8qMMQU6UeX6zmdT-uCxMdeUC_N5dTbJ4tXYr442sX2SA1Q_XmoGRg8eIbrj23LyXMuEJ0CLAOYpJljp6z98/s1600/Mansion+%2526+Magnolia.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQD1UI4-MNCaj2-ExgDQA8mYk-B3vkLa8slyN3Zr1GhGhXAN-139AlfaRH8qMMQU6UeX6zmdT-uCxMdeUC_N5dTbJ4tXYr442sX2SA1Q_XmoGRg8eIbrj23LyXMuEJ0CLAOYpJljp6z98/s320/Mansion+%2526+Magnolia.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side porch, Magnolia in the background</td></tr>
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The Bidwells remained in the mansion until their deaths in 1900 (John) and 1918 (Annie) at which time Annie Bidwell gave the mansion and grounds to the Presbyterian Church to serve as a school. Then in 1923 the site was acquired by the State College, and finally it was purchased by California State Parks and designated as a State Historic Park. The property is California Registered Historic Landmark No. 329, 1966, and HALS No. CA-63. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16eAVUbOwth1yVHbEjzTLwkl2UW5Yydi6wpfOOIG8XCQFsepzIAd17zT_vXrJrAgLHPSurys5st3qlHQDgolEFKDZyLgStGZxb0MOeFV8TshfpUCgWLDWY7zJW_vHHKehRj8xvcN0qb4/s1600/View+from+from+porch.jpg_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16eAVUbOwth1yVHbEjzTLwkl2UW5Yydi6wpfOOIG8XCQFsepzIAd17zT_vXrJrAgLHPSurys5st3qlHQDgolEFKDZyLgStGZxb0MOeFV8TshfpUCgWLDWY7zJW_vHHKehRj8xvcN0qb4/s320/View+from+from+porch.jpg_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the Magnolia from the front porch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-69818593022799417222011-06-26T16:53:00.000-07:002011-06-26T16:54:19.089-07:00Bidwell Bowl Amphitheater, Chico<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7Tf46zHlKNK0zFNxS-tL-i9FWicRBXPNms3s86FvJLJQn9QsUQtOx1fnX6ZBYCeu0285Jz1dr_bjM1i8Mc5_y24_hgEv67SEQihGUMXz4iDowjB9qg4_73hOOkleGbEnKNra3P8VZqk/s1600/Lead+shot+P4280016_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7Tf46zHlKNK0zFNxS-tL-i9FWicRBXPNms3s86FvJLJQn9QsUQtOx1fnX6ZBYCeu0285Jz1dr_bjM1i8Mc5_y24_hgEv67SEQihGUMXz4iDowjB9qg4_73hOOkleGbEnKNra3P8VZqk/s320/Lead+shot+P4280016_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Bidwell Bowl is one of those secret surprises that is nice to discover when traveling or just playing tourist in your home town. I had a note that there was a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Works_Progress_Administration">WPA – that’s Works Progress Administration</a> – era amphitheater on the Chico State University campus and set out to find it. I stopped several students in my pursuit and was pointed in several directions and finally resorted to the library to get clear directions. The theater is actually just west of the Physical Science Building and adjacent to Big Chico Creek. After chasing all across campus to find it, I discovered a lovely footbridge, modeled on the original that led to the amphitheater from the Bidwell Mansion garden I’d visited just the day before. Ah well, had I discovered the theater from the mansion I might have skipped seeing the campus.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyzOxBJ_zNlpaTyBO-eHejToUctmdyIJWw_1utbZ9tGiFS8Za1cRGoNb7Jfd9wvjLqpHmo9FG1YSmXzxGMmZiyhMUonnmf91iNyUg8LnS4oYTnqTFgir7hhk96uKvBDp-oI3Q3Zkegys/s1600/Stage+P4280020_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyzOxBJ_zNlpaTyBO-eHejToUctmdyIJWw_1utbZ9tGiFS8Za1cRGoNb7Jfd9wvjLqpHmo9FG1YSmXzxGMmZiyhMUonnmf91iNyUg8LnS4oYTnqTFgir7hhk96uKvBDp-oI3Q3Zkegys/s320/Stage+P4280020_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stage is on the opposite side of the river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Like so many of our state’s gifts from the WPA and the vision of President Franklin Roosevelt, the theater is understated. Made from local stone the gently arced amphitheater tucks nicely into the natural slope. What is particularly appealing is the fact that the stage is on the opposite side of the river, so while watching a performance one is also enjoying the natural beauty of the turbulent blue-green water as it flows past the stage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHoK20a4lY50W6VUisLb5Gvx_FZLBsJ-xcmGYn4jAkLFeXrbwZY5ZyWNOUlJUEjAk0KUtkOnoOEgfZ3I7JdwxvGff-_sGrpDKCULeuLTCT26-try63eJ03nVrx6DZn77KKp6Bm2AA_8E/s1600/Bridge+P4280005_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHoK20a4lY50W6VUisLb5Gvx_FZLBsJ-xcmGYn4jAkLFeXrbwZY5ZyWNOUlJUEjAk0KUtkOnoOEgfZ3I7JdwxvGff-_sGrpDKCULeuLTCT26-try63eJ03nVrx6DZn77KKp6Bm2AA_8E/s320/Bridge+P4280005_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The decorative railing matches the original built by the Bidwell family</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The space is defined by stone walls on three sides. The walls are curved on top both in section and elevation. At the top row of seats a band of cement was added to provide a smooth surface to lean against. Lichen growing on the stone adds a touch of softness. The ground surface is concrete with steps moving up the slope. The seats are simple in design and made of wood.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6n4MS2cnW16OQ5H3NMPPBa0qpj-sKuAxJWeQheHitibuZHmL4LoJiece_zW-ltREvIMiT-rGZZL68LB6wZXf9t5b-bb8ySUEXcXukD9Fj_sihAlIGzJkgpfKcRa1yN1icBaSX_SZLvo/s1600/Detail+P4280024_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6n4MS2cnW16OQ5H3NMPPBa0qpj-sKuAxJWeQheHitibuZHmL4LoJiece_zW-ltREvIMiT-rGZZL68LB6wZXf9t5b-bb8ySUEXcXukD9Fj_sihAlIGzJkgpfKcRa1yN1icBaSX_SZLvo/s320/Detail+P4280024_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Like many <a href="http://livingnewdeal.berkeley.edu/map/view.php?l=490">WPA projects</a> a bronze marker provides the date of construction – a welcome touch for those of us interested in history. I wish all buildings and designed landscapes incorporated dates of construction and the name of the designer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkMzGG4CdguFjdlUP6PvFdxL_J8kzbPUL6PjcsZs8v3q3JZgWZdmxAkMOm0gcDmGytYBNAZHp6Y0VOaANp59_rTe2tbExAmZJHBthH5WwbPHVhX04qP_GFxyPqa43CebdlGZ3j0N-LoU/s1600/Plaque+P4280021_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkMzGG4CdguFjdlUP6PvFdxL_J8kzbPUL6PjcsZs8v3q3JZgWZdmxAkMOm0gcDmGytYBNAZHp6Y0VOaANp59_rTe2tbExAmZJHBthH5WwbPHVhX04qP_GFxyPqa43CebdlGZ3j0N-LoU/s320/Plaque+P4280021_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This simple bronze plaque gives the date of construction</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-1068232763222469092011-06-19T12:13:00.000-07:002011-06-19T13:05:48.971-07:00Anderson Marsh State Historic Park<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620013330257807858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyauhCtxAcoiYlEcmnkb8Ene8Rxu3uvSPneCBD-0lJAfgtz0Ao0uvzvjfQW36MwX6cncN05sGHnjmBUKBIR1izr8Q35274DHuqGhI7n81cBCoEQvvcgQ_aybPXC9oju33mI-5fweYIPY/s320/Anderson+Marsh+SHP+barn.jpg.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Readers,<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Please excuse my absence. I have been distracted and consumed by researching and writing a book on my family history to commemorate the marriage of my cousin's eldest daughter. The wedding was yesterday and now I can get back to my blog and writing about some of California's cultural landscapes.</div><br /><br /><div>In May we took a week-long trip making a loop through northern California from Point Arena in Mendocino County to Chico, Oroville and over Yuba Pass to Downieville - one of California's Gold Rush towns. We visited several historic sites that I will be writing about in the next few weeks. The first is Anderson Ranch State Historic Park (SHP) - a vernacular landscape - not designed but one that tells the story of how the Anderson family lived. The site provides a view of what life was like in the late 19th century. Vernacular is defined as "a style of architecture (or landscape architecture) exemplifying the commonest techniques, decorative features, and materials of a particular historical period, region or group of people."</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiPHfegb4FWEcYZkjGi8_qcm__e1JKMIR-EEWqxBxOBuE7cMGxi2lwCff0oUlnOO7ydDf2hkevaYEGhf8ZDjYa9A5BzHeYQSOdp5EdLexbRDx3F2mn3Pb8UW7hHncTgETqv2EyITf44M/s1600/Anderson+Marsh+SHP+context.jpg.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620014568974164594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiPHfegb4FWEcYZkjGi8_qcm__e1JKMIR-EEWqxBxOBuE7cMGxi2lwCff0oUlnOO7ydDf2hkevaYEGhf8ZDjYa9A5BzHeYQSOdp5EdLexbRDx3F2mn3Pb8UW7hHncTgETqv2EyITf44M/s320/Anderson+Marsh+SHP+context.jpg.JPG" /></a>Anderson Marsh SHP is an excellent example of a ranch home in a stunningly beautiful setting. One approaches the cluster of buildings from the south. The west edge is defined by two barns separated by a corral. To the east is another barn, and the north side of the grouping is formed by the ranch house. A white picket fence defines front, side and backyard areas around the house, and rail fences enclose the barns and larger yard. Feed bins, hay bins and various animal stalls add to the complex. One other large barn is at the northwest corner outside the primary complex and therre are the remains of another irregularly-shaped corral. These structures and barns were built in the 1800s from hand hewn redwood and provided shelter for the family and animals in an open, windy, hot location.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aRbnR2NKlHJ6W1goeB0WOz-4jIkkP1iM6As6qP9aWBRdgbijnRjDU0nh4Gx6kQttoOffk3AyzFGnBTrezYwMi3wTvsG11kV6VZg0g1Iu-hoEAv86kFd5cRtZKImxpvc18GMJhXRK_Es/s1600/Anderson+Marsh+SHP+Home.jpg.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620016624143667906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aRbnR2NKlHJ6W1goeB0WOz-4jIkkP1iM6As6qP9aWBRdgbijnRjDU0nh4Gx6kQttoOffk3AyzFGnBTrezYwMi3wTvsG11kV6VZg0g1Iu-hoEAv86kFd5cRtZKImxpvc18GMJhXRK_Es/s320/Anderson+Marsh+SHP+Home.jpg.JPG" /></a>The barns, ranch house and fences are laid out around a central open space and the grouping forms a cohesive compound. Throughout the building cluster, broad spreading mature oaks and willow shade the area. Distant views across the fields toward the marsh and beyond to surrounding hills are available from most places on the site, except to the east where a wooden wall has been added to screen Highway 53 from view. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The park is 1065 acres and includes freshwater marsh wetlands, native grasslands, California oak woodland and riparian woodland. Today's marsh is approximately eight percent of what was once a vast marsh that fed Clear Lake - the largest lake whooly within the borders of California.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYamJqg1iDGv2-dMl3sbPxSftrxodRdJZSRDgEV8JEzIzd7j8TlcWRaEoVLBoVWT8Lenw6BakPKrCMHa8CleRyNEyCdxOtcWYUtlbxY9GoGcuNwGggCwWB_-bS7xwf54sjz24g5Jz5_g/s1600/Anderson+Marsh+SHP+corral.jpg.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620018147352928226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYamJqg1iDGv2-dMl3sbPxSftrxodRdJZSRDgEV8JEzIzd7j8TlcWRaEoVLBoVWT8Lenw6BakPKrCMHa8CleRyNEyCdxOtcWYUtlbxY9GoGcuNwGggCwWB_-bS7xwf54sjz24g5Jz5_g/s320/Anderson+Marsh+SHP+corral.jpg.JPG" /></a>The site was first occupied by the southeastern Pomo Native Amereicans - one of te largest groups of indigenous peoples in California. The Pomo are known as some of the best basket-makers in the country, and the marsh tule provided ample supplies of raw material for basket making. The state park includes archaeological sites from these Pomo people, some are among the oldest found in California, dating at over 10,000 years old.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztNK7NOlakSDRaX_lXghruaOSL_PQyoK0Exi80Fx05E2eCfa_dxJB6DUKdxid5VW8IOOwUApq6CCqHB5feL2MMhJMsV6kLPl2ETgfO-d0HEYz3TKhe0ku-JwPeKPSimqHnV25P71o2Oo/s1600/Anderson+Marsh+SHP+porch.jpg.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620019842722823938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztNK7NOlakSDRaX_lXghruaOSL_PQyoK0Exi80Fx05E2eCfa_dxJB6DUKdxid5VW8IOOwUApq6CCqHB5feL2MMhJMsV6kLPl2ETgfO-d0HEYz3TKhe0ku-JwPeKPSimqHnV25P71o2Oo/s320/Anderson+Marsh+SHP+porch.jpg.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Settlement first occured in this part of California in the mid 1850s. Two Grigsby brothers from Tennessee first occupied this site and built the central two-story portion of the ranch house and two barns. Grigsby raised livestock and crops.<br /></div><br /><div>In 1870 John Melchesadick "Mels" Grigsby sold the property to the Clear Lake Waterworks Company, in part as a result of a disagreement about how the land was being managed. In 1866 a portion of Grigsby's land was flooded when the water company dammed Cache Creek and overflow from Clear Lake flooded the Grigsby property. This conflict over water continued between Lake and Yolo Counties for over 100 years - one of many water related conflicts that have defined California. After Grigsby left, the water company planted this area in veneyards and orchards.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>In 1885 Scottish immigrant, John Still Anderson purchased a portion of the property - 1300 acres and started a dairy. He also grew hay and grain for the cattle. Anderson expanded the ranch house for his wife and family of six children by adding the two-story west wing. The second and third generations of Andersons ran a successful cattle ranching operation and ramained on the property until the 1960s. The California State Parks system acquired the land in 1982 and dedicated it as a park in 1983. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Anderson Ranch is a low key state park but well worth a stop if you would appreciate a glimpse into a piece of California's ranching history. The barn is open and there is an interesting display of farm equipment.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620022273891766498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi6bxuTvspsZihNVfgCEXrgQ7f7kZaPp7EhDcMXBj4txIlN1acQfmo-4nDw4J72d4fPf3P38344ULyEuyx3I301aBeEBAo1pP8scAgNCot5JQ2YiXlNmDkDdl3byUr6pE5WBxeJJMIyY/s320/Anderson+Marsh+SHP+barn+rafters.jpg.JPG" /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-84661690336507014492010-11-28T12:54:00.000-08:002010-11-28T13:10:18.499-08:00Storyland at Roeding Park, Fresno<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544707958975725858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2-AJDpvi-2x30MnBRcuQ8UNfQ-3L5NvKR7CEd00qa3KuL6wQCJdKFLWUlBYdYGgZmpKzNMu3vd7XaLPU47hWQJQkjQKkXD487IOwQMD8DmjTRwjftJ73HOlAahDeuvveNrJ6uGGn4iE/s320/Humpty.jpg" border="0" /> <div>A few weeks ago I wrote about Roeding Park for my September 26th post. Today I want to focus on just one of the many features of this wonderful regional park – Storyland, which was a gift to the children of Fresno given by the Fresno Metropolitan Rotary in 1961. Storyland is now 49 years old and is a valuable contributor to our state’s cultural landscape. It would have been a strong contender in the national Theme Park Challenge initiated by the Northern California Chapter of the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) and sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.<br /><br />Like Fairyland in Oakland, Storyland is a theme park for young children with exhibits based on familiar fairy tales. It is a richly stimulating environment with so many colorful and delightful elements that it can be overwhelming. Every detail is scaled to accommodate children – doorways are low, light standards short, benches and seats small, and pathways are narrow. Here adults have to stoop, bend down and crouch. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCpMBphy6fCmUr8kS2U8EBphJwaMR03gYOb41AK_9MkezhmC-H_TyIH54Ed8B78-OWQTA_vStH8cNDtp4Rk2bILhB4xDC11_6vj1VwX2YSTeQUWg12k9H-LneS0taWouijLSsMfXlhP8/s1600/3+Bears.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544709503483453586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCpMBphy6fCmUr8kS2U8EBphJwaMR03gYOb41AK_9MkezhmC-H_TyIH54Ed8B78-OWQTA_vStH8cNDtp4Rk2bILhB4xDC11_6vj1VwX2YSTeQUWg12k9H-LneS0taWouijLSsMfXlhP8/s320/3+Bears.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There are at least 25 fairytale exhibits including Little Boy Blue, The Old Woman In The Shoe, The Crooked Man who Walked a Crooked Mile, Mother Goose, The Wicked Witch at Candyland, Jack and Jill, Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, Miss Muffett, Alice In Wonderland, Humpty Dumpty, and The 3 Little Pigs. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTZZPqpNmS3uq50QRg001XrXjyO0DVE91PT-cj0yofiJnhfkyJIPJAOjl_fcN4Wx4qMUCbmw2AjyLksSDJyFZdCguHdTeH70VIsmnSJeRNZTESGT4Jf-leeEZgywS5CRyffqB49l_Chs/s1600/3+Pigs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544709129260799266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTZZPqpNmS3uq50QRg001XrXjyO0DVE91PT-cj0yofiJnhfkyJIPJAOjl_fcN4Wx4qMUCbmw2AjyLksSDJyFZdCguHdTeH70VIsmnSJeRNZTESGT4Jf-leeEZgywS5CRyffqB49l_Chs/s320/3+Pigs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There are at least two areas that families can rent for birthday parties or other special events. My favorite is the castle tower party room designed with a Camelot and Knights theme. Access to the castle is via a wooden draw bridge over the castle moat – beware of the sea serpent lurking in the moat near the bridge. A narrow passage way leads into the Camelot room that has a circular table for the knights, painted stone interior, colorful hanging banners, and a tall, carved chair for the king or queen.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjet2_bA_Y6f8OxDLa4NO0VmHAslU3CuZ3uZAGHgyNPnAs-lZd_zOGZJn03LNHRVWB1AfSXoxsIWGW4jxc0Ot83s0sMP5_Nc_8CM9ISFtiLiCPNrEU8Eoh9KTviXBek2Tw7ELw9mfp0zIU/s1600/Camelog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544708845331985394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjet2_bA_Y6f8OxDLa4NO0VmHAslU3CuZ3uZAGHgyNPnAs-lZd_zOGZJn03LNHRVWB1AfSXoxsIWGW4jxc0Ot83s0sMP5_Nc_8CM9ISFtiLiCPNrEU8Eoh9KTviXBek2Tw7ELw9mfp0zIU/s320/Camelog.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The theme of the other party space is Alice In Wonderland where the White Rabbit presides at the entry and the 3 of Hearts stands guard. A large clock face is painted on the pavement and party tables are set inside a walled garden.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BN7svS5LJyYbysQgz5ShB_LXmi-bep0wrTtZ5bqoE-lTfsSVknU85KjCTmH3W9ZKXoKp4GsSmGj9Aeg7WUx7JG_eO-HK8T1wyAJlYZivr7NlbKzZ2I1m4SCn_HvyIuscy3pGlUk0KmM/s1600/White+rabbit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544708577424313586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BN7svS5LJyYbysQgz5ShB_LXmi-bep0wrTtZ5bqoE-lTfsSVknU85KjCTmH3W9ZKXoKp4GsSmGj9Aeg7WUx7JG_eO-HK8T1wyAJlYZivr7NlbKzZ2I1m4SCn_HvyIuscy3pGlUk0KmM/s320/White+rabbit.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />But there is much more at Storyland to explore. The multi-masted Pirate ship with its giant wheel and elaborate riggings is unlike anything you could every find in any pre-manufactured play catalogue today. This realistically detailed structure includes carved ornamentation, cannons protruding from the sides, a coat of arms, a lantern for night sailing, slides, shoots and hiding cubbies, chains and robes, a sliding pole for quick escapes, and a carved dolphins masthead.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9xkB_v3TmTyES4oahH2HcaPgI8Ycfy5sTMSZPauiv4o2rTEf3EuB8s8q75Ca6dDMtmARVeuv291sc29A2SNMLmD1R0a6wNMOAGGSDfOc1tu1KcYq308qa5G73x-1gnL9DIUWvAyQBT8/s1600/Pirate+ship.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544708231668051570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9xkB_v3TmTyES4oahH2HcaPgI8Ycfy5sTMSZPauiv4o2rTEf3EuB8s8q75Ca6dDMtmARVeuv291sc29A2SNMLmD1R0a6wNMOAGGSDfOc1tu1KcYq308qa5G73x-1gnL9DIUWvAyQBT8/s320/Pirate+ship.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There is a child-size train that you board at the Storyland Train Station opposite the entry ticket booth, and then take a ride around Lake Washington where you’ll pass by a wrecked pirate ship and beneath the canopy of Roeding Park’s wonderful trees. There is a stage with seating for theater performances and puppet shows. There is even a small scale chapel with stain glass windows made with primary colors and miniature pews with inscriptions like, “The world rests on truth and peace”.<br /><br />Even the boys and girls restrooms are custom designed and scaled to accommodate children. The Tudor-style buildings enclose a brightly painted setting featuring the baker and boy with a goose – help me readers identify which fairytale this depicts – send a comment. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnOJUQYyZB9CNAVP6F0FiWrqxwwS02EiAQX_4_d67N-yrgX_4OlJ44tq0n8L2-s_-6w9gTvmGhbijF9nxGS5hsMb8SEu9np9tKsYE3MLcvt_EQq_gyHCic7ACNFoRB5phT3im8KlfV58/s1600/Baker+boy+goose.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544710334647253746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnOJUQYyZB9CNAVP6F0FiWrqxwwS02EiAQX_4_d67N-yrgX_4OlJ44tq0n8L2-s_-6w9gTvmGhbijF9nxGS5hsMb8SEu9np9tKsYE3MLcvt_EQq_gyHCic7ACNFoRB5phT3im8KlfV58/s320/Baker+boy+goose.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Storyland is laid out with curvilinear paths, of varying materials, colors and textures that lead to each of the exhibits. A man made, shallow, concrete-lined creek meanders through the site and at several spots one passes over a bridge to cross the creek. Each bridge is unique – one is a simple wood structure but others include bridges with colorful candy cane railings or gingerbread men. The best is an intricate, painted metal dragon with scales and loops on top.<br /><br />Small, themed tables and stools are found along the paths for picnics or snack stops. Of course each is unique. The one near the 3 bears looks like mushrooms and the table top is painted with daisies. There are two styles of brightly painted mushroom seats – one with a table, and many other small details tucked into every curve of the pathway.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_C1LJSheezPxw9-OExhb3jaDeIX_nNlCEn5u0aanD8xOs2psX_nQL4mSntsu09C4INCWaa7qYi71xHPn0e7Dt6NLKLH06l-toZV4qtiecIJNjC8A-ZWblWsnIIgt6HphZVLP8CJSwzE/s1600/Show.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544709977195361938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_C1LJSheezPxw9-OExhb3jaDeIX_nNlCEn5u0aanD8xOs2psX_nQL4mSntsu09C4INCWaa7qYi71xHPn0e7Dt6NLKLH06l-toZV4qtiecIJNjC8A-ZWblWsnIIgt6HphZVLP8CJSwzE/s320/Show.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Storyland is worth a visit to Fresno if you have small children and for older children there is Playland with amusement rides, a water play area and another train. Of course there are other reasons to visit Fresno but Roeding Park is a must see for all ages.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-66068602978515179062010-11-14T18:24:00.000-08:002010-11-14T18:36:46.817-08:00Robson-Harrington Park, San Anselmo<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU34-vUajYTphwkvM-AhWZji3I_i4iGrOr1wEKjxLghXKE9K_sRNVg6G16GnOh3ommNLMHAxchP60p5RJrykhJhANTFf6t7p1meOD1EdcK9jdSHM_78JxtTSa5O0aEutZTfTiCae7EeWY/s1600/Sidewalk_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539598625623637586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU34-vUajYTphwkvM-AhWZji3I_i4iGrOr1wEKjxLghXKE9K_sRNVg6G16GnOh3ommNLMHAxchP60p5RJrykhJhANTFf6t7p1meOD1EdcK9jdSHM_78JxtTSa5O0aEutZTfTiCae7EeWY/s320/Sidewalk_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a> One of the best parts of doing HALS work is visiting places you’ve never been to before – whether you are away from home on a trip for just taking a Sunday drive nearby. Robson Harrington Park in San Anselmo is just such a place – a great discovery practically in our backyard.<br /><div><br /><div><div><div>The front entry to Robson-Harrington Park is defined by a low stone wall with pillars at the corner and entry drive. A walk parallels the driveway and is made with terra-cotta pavers with a redwood grained motif. This material continues to the front porch where it is laid in a herringbone pattern. The front garden looks much like a traditional early 20th century garden with curving expanses of lawn, shrub beds and a variety of mature specimen trees, but once in the garden you discover a unique brick wall constructed with a combination of standard brick and irregular chunks of what look like molten brick or glass. These are combined in infinite variety changing height, width and detailing. The wall forms arches, lines steps and terraces, and defines a group barbeque area on the lower level of the sloping site. Along the way one discovers one-of-a-kind pieces of glazed terra-cotta medallions varying in size from 4" to 26" round and rectangular pieces. All are glazed in ivory and or blue. It is a fanciful and organic garden that invites exploration and discovery.</div></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5J0WITBuRH4rsD2D7WDBk7W1uLhBq0uIFnR-9mtLBrDdWUb4Czg-2q4DHI1KsWgChHC47-y4OnFAZ9SknuRCIxbr0J7xU1qr7rgiCBtZuLPFVqC9VvPC6uk2jlUT6LnKrNIvBQCF2kA/s1600/brick+%2526+medallion_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539597662356943346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5J0WITBuRH4rsD2D7WDBk7W1uLhBq0uIFnR-9mtLBrDdWUb4Czg-2q4DHI1KsWgChHC47-y4OnFAZ9SknuRCIxbr0J7xU1qr7rgiCBtZuLPFVqC9VvPC6uk2jlUT6LnKrNIvBQCF2kA/s320/brick+%2526+medallion_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The property includes a large expanse of lawn surrounded by a small redwood grove and an assortment of other trees including an exceptional Cratagus cordata/Washington Thorn. Currently, the area adjacent to the house is used for community gardening in terraced beds.<br />The residence on this property was completed in 1906 and was built for Edwin Kleber Wood on a 2.68 acre parcel. Wood was the son of farmers who served in the civil war prior to starting a career in the timber industry. His lumber company grew to be one of the largest in Michigan. In 1885, he served in the Michigan legislature. At this time Wood expanded his lumber business to the west coast and moved first to San Francisco and then Oakland, California. His Marin lumber yard, which opened in 1905, was one of the largest in Marin County. In 1917 when Edwin Woods died the property was valued at $2 million. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJERPX3MrFNRUpptSrQUfprD86PoBnXUuZat2jv4FbTkWp-CFLm0HbR0rbChaMzIDqnhZE8tOQ2oKjXDFzcxNuGvhXDanmS1mjOgouCk6VXmh6NNMrGUqie0pnl9HLBrRWJzGBx7Xjp8/s1600/brick+detail_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539597902330456130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJERPX3MrFNRUpptSrQUfprD86PoBnXUuZat2jv4FbTkWp-CFLm0HbR0rbChaMzIDqnhZE8tOQ2oKjXDFzcxNuGvhXDanmS1mjOgouCk6VXmh6NNMrGUqie0pnl9HLBrRWJzGBx7Xjp8/s320/brick+detail_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a> In 1923, Wood's sons sold the property to Kernan and Geraldine Robson. Kernan was the son of Albert L. Robson and Frances Harrington. Kernan attended Wesleyan University, Harvard Divinity School and Oxford prior to becoming a Professor of English. Later he formed a real estate partnership.</div><br /><div><br />The Robsons planted extensive orchards and a vineyard. They added the curving brick walls using bricks salvaged from property acquired by Kernan's real estate dealings. They built archways, fountains and elaborate niches throughout the property. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprxngzzRI5wciRvBmDFNf6TguUJeNzVxTZ-Nkcsb50x8km3166FucVS1JOShmGKRAZWtJKgjOh_cl9GigIdGbMNi0ZYtM4l9s8OVYwyLTx3FSNXLMVQbB4fENlJp5meuu9vD3-UMy7kI/s1600/wall+and+fountain_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539599160036022402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprxngzzRI5wciRvBmDFNf6TguUJeNzVxTZ-Nkcsb50x8km3166FucVS1JOShmGKRAZWtJKgjOh_cl9GigIdGbMNi0ZYtM4l9s8OVYwyLTx3FSNXLMVQbB4fENlJp5meuu9vD3-UMy7kI/s320/wall+and+fountain_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The property was deeded to the City of San Anselmo upon Geraldine's death in 1967.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigk8SHhA9kwIXFW4CZJizsPaN1Dmi72l7rAtTb1qPeWjsN9xSVOxQA7WMf-2eiOVAwnVs1cuoRvNyGjZ6J3HUCIUsx4ZKJRtIE8ntRhp9LmYZQR0gkm5rCZi_Av4t0s7XlgdWq7waLrn0/s1600/white+medallion_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539598383020523586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigk8SHhA9kwIXFW4CZJizsPaN1Dmi72l7rAtTb1qPeWjsN9xSVOxQA7WMf-2eiOVAwnVs1cuoRvNyGjZ6J3HUCIUsx4ZKJRtIE8ntRhp9LmYZQR0gkm5rCZi_Av4t0s7XlgdWq7waLrn0/s320/white+medallion_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-28454515124594856462010-11-04T00:27:00.000-07:002010-11-04T00:37:06.843-07:00Wassama Village<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituDsKau6TVuZgEuS_PI7segy8-FAyUoSBN9ctArOJr0O68RWyM0vhXnekshMT9PQ_QcSKtIt6Fj6drSFpM-CcBg2DYu9wQW8mFdECe6jtOAT63Yd7zQsxOXP03l-OyyYQORGRjviHits/s1600/Roundhouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535595060173635570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituDsKau6TVuZgEuS_PI7segy8-FAyUoSBN9ctArOJr0O68RWyM0vhXnekshMT9PQ_QcSKtIt6Fj6drSFpM-CcBg2DYu9wQW8mFdECe6jtOAT63Yd7zQsxOXP03l-OyyYQORGRjviHits/s320/Roundhouse.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Two weeks ago we drove to Yosemite to enjoy some fall color and a relaxing weekend. On the way we stopped at Wassama State Historic Park and found a gently sloping site with topography that steps down to the south. It is an oak-grassland with a few tall Valley Oaks (Quercus lobata) and other trees. The park is surrounded by a split-rail fence and beyond the park boundary there are rural, private properties. The distant view of hills, clad in Oak woodland is likely much as it would have been during the time that Native Americans used this site, when the roundhouse was originally built.<br /><br />The main feature of the park is a 40-foot diameter roundhouse, actually an octagon-shaped building, that is sited on a level area of open grassland, adjacent to two mature oaks that shade the structure and a picnic area. The roundhouse has pine board siding, and a new shingle roof with a smoke hole.<br /><br />The original roundhouse was a semi-subterranean building constructed in the 1860s that was used for ceremonial purposes by the Southern Miwok tribe of Native Americans. The site was known as Wassama Village meaning Falling Leaves. This structure was burned in 1893 by the native people, in honor of their leader upon his death – in keeping with tradition.<br /><br />The new roundhouse, built in 1903 is an above-ground structure that utilized the original center pole in the construction. This roundhouse was restored in 1978 when state parks purchased the property, and is the only remaining Miwok roundhouse in California. The roundhouse is still used by Native Americans for religious ceremonies, dancing, and for interpretive programs. According to a monument at the site “Southern Miwok dances, including the 1870 Ghost Dance are known to have been performed in the round house.”<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEmwz5HAdhx7PzcniHC3IFedUm6KciUMvDAFe-02OzqZGW7CzGM4UZiLlCpDRcjXIJMfqtju7YydLdrJ0xVXtyTngGWv38sygUXlT282OgAC6kwh35et9Jg4sVD1b2vPQ8efkQvtW05o/s1600/Park+entry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535593940227687874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEmwz5HAdhx7PzcniHC3IFedUm6KciUMvDAFe-02OzqZGW7CzGM4UZiLlCpDRcjXIJMfqtju7YydLdrJ0xVXtyTngGWv38sygUXlT282OgAC6kwh35et9Jg4sVD1b2vPQ8efkQvtW05o/s320/Park+entry.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />According to the Madera County Genealogy website, the roundhouse built in 1903 “was constructed of poles cut and hauled from Captain Jim Rohan’s 80-acre allotment three miles to the north. Rohan and Johnny Jacobs hauled all the material and directed the building. Other Indians who worked on it included Chief Peter Westfall, his sons Johnny and Eff, Jim and Sam Johnson, Charles Rohan, Frank Tex, Johnny Gibbs and Ben Jacobs. There were many more but their names are forgotten.”<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84DDo0EKDfgSWN7suKjmf_k7pmMEAg8xBpx0O5xt4xbI7pwQmrAibuzIk21zxJWOEXZIQ3ueNqOhRddIIjOGEIMw90w89p02wE4tioQlOWL-gv_5MpNbRhyIbiUz1AR94AriZs1d7Yb0/s1600/Burial+ground.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535594652047895650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84DDo0EKDfgSWN7suKjmf_k7pmMEAg8xBpx0O5xt4xbI7pwQmrAibuzIk21zxJWOEXZIQ3ueNqOhRddIIjOGEIMw90w89p02wE4tioQlOWL-gv_5MpNbRhyIbiUz1AR94AriZs1d7Yb0/s320/Burial+ground.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Near the high point of the park, on the north side, there is a small burial plot (approximately 100’ x 60’) defined by a split rail fence with two horizontal members. Access to the cemetery is through openings on the west and east sides – there are no gates. A very subtle, eight foot wide dirt path, marked with rocks, leads to the west opening. One large oak at the center, casts shadow over most of the cemetery. The ground surface is covered by non-irrigated grasses and is without formal paths. Most graves are unmarked while a few have simple wooden crosses, and fewer still have upright or flat stone monuments.<br /><br />The third feature is a grinding stone. This low, broad stone has more than 30 mortars of varying depths. The layout of the mortars forms an oval shape within the oval shaped stone.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7TpCFfngVj5I9Au2MNLNqAxos2qX5uGbglDpYRKy_hdnK_HJwDyhk4gUXYSZRioGzcnOTkSwhKHcYJppOrmDa23nrtvuSl9CaPNc879TZBf1-_cjLSde2WjHF8NlS3_s6EY-Umztwrk/s1600/Grinding+Stone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535594140838376482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7TpCFfngVj5I9Au2MNLNqAxos2qX5uGbglDpYRKy_hdnK_HJwDyhk4gUXYSZRioGzcnOTkSwhKHcYJppOrmDa23nrtvuSl9CaPNc879TZBf1-_cjLSde2WjHF8NlS3_s6EY-Umztwrk/s320/Grinding+Stone.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Wassama Roundhouse is California Historical Landmark No. 1001. It is located in a beautiful part of California’s foothills and is worth a visit.</div></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-28636513516446794792010-10-10T08:50:00.000-07:002010-10-10T08:58:20.735-07:00Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, Oakland<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVti_mnDcIfAZ7_rJszz7PQLJ6asJaEpBU0H7ZtzpEPxtJWtiKPynE9aBnoMfRd5auxNepld_2B-2_WvRVVQmFbKosgylPpViwvOFJBKaqpc6830rB9Xc9KB9jehlaN93yOAfLXZuCnms/s1600/Pool+%26+bldg_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526446985628038018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVti_mnDcIfAZ7_rJszz7PQLJ6asJaEpBU0H7ZtzpEPxtJWtiKPynE9aBnoMfRd5auxNepld_2B-2_WvRVVQmFbKosgylPpViwvOFJBKaqpc6830rB9Xc9KB9jehlaN93yOAfLXZuCnms/s320/Pool+%26+bldg_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sometimes staying close to home is just right. Have you ever spent a weekend constantly working, trying to catch up on errands, house cleaning and shopping, and then ….. it’s Sunday afternoon and you know you need to do something fun before facing the workweek? I had a weekend like this in the middle of July and decided to visit the Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, which is so close to where we live that of course we take it for granted, driving by five days a week to and from the office, but never stopping to literally “smell the roses.”<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig97_Mgwi00airpNmnvdFcjS9VmZGxHZkr2rdn_mpsBDUMJwRnfzeFUzGB-zD8wsMQPa4dqVbzHjRFR57uAeDi9tLvs63nVuovILejyk4mqMNPAraPK5jBTT3PWgWEr9tRktdr_v4JROo/s1600/pink+lafayette_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526446015389996354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig97_Mgwi00airpNmnvdFcjS9VmZGxHZkr2rdn_mpsBDUMJwRnfzeFUzGB-zD8wsMQPa4dqVbzHjRFR57uAeDi9tLvs63nVuovILejyk4mqMNPAraPK5jBTT3PWgWEr9tRktdr_v4JROo/s320/pink+lafayette_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Morcom rose garden, named after Fred N. Morcom, Mayor of Oakland 1931-33, was built in the 1930s, during the depression, in a steeply sided canyon. Landscape architect Arthur Cobbledick took advantage of the sloping site. The site is terraced with formal gardens at each level. There are five entrances into the park from the surrounding residential neighborhood. We parked at the high side of the site and walked down, one of two long flights of stairs, to the first terrace of rose beds. Rose covered trellises terminate the stairway. The rose beds on the upper terrace are bi-laterally symmetrical and together form an oval. Each bed is planted with one or more rose varieties, each labeled. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboVP4kZZlJqBk7lBIZlCGDcXCLi9o8DupTgF_94DD9iBDXYs74s-UY8SV3AKBxK-QMg3C-UHOhgWeAbtweewCFTpMcWkB6dSIziyUhdVRoaL4kdOMv2RARUUciHp3xSlFKZJxHVUWUVY/s1600/curving+stair_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526446385737439330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboVP4kZZlJqBk7lBIZlCGDcXCLi9o8DupTgF_94DD9iBDXYs74s-UY8SV3AKBxK-QMg3C-UHOhgWeAbtweewCFTpMcWkB6dSIziyUhdVRoaL4kdOMv2RARUUciHp3xSlFKZJxHVUWUVY/s320/curving+stair_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A wide sloping path leads to the next terrace. Embedded in the walk are small bronze plaques placed there to honor reach recipient of Oakland’s Mother of the Year program. The centerpiece of the middle terrace is a formal, elongated oval reflecting pool. It is set in a lawn defined by an oval path. A Mediterranean-style pavilion with a terra-cotta tile roof and tall arches sits on the northeast side of the pool. This is the premier spot for weddings.<br /><br />Opposite the pavilion Cobbledick took advantage of the widest portion of the site and laid out a ten-tier cascade, perpendicular to the main axis of the garden. Stepped paths lead up at either side of the cascade to another terrace of roses. After climbing these steps one is rewarded with a view looking down the rose-lined cascade to the reflecting pool at the bottom and its pavilion backdrop. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafUHHVt8G4yXj_Fk8Snm4yKrBYuGtQmK_eUDay7MA6S24FZETWqj0t-0_u8rE6_G6expSGZBxqy4UG2h6Pb0D0KTPAlKa3_qtOnGVX3odDny0OlkhaqF_00c3U7S_mgHTT-BX0LG2oAU/s1600/Cascade_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526446622760569218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafUHHVt8G4yXj_Fk8Snm4yKrBYuGtQmK_eUDay7MA6S24FZETWqj0t-0_u8rE6_G6expSGZBxqy4UG2h6Pb0D0KTPAlKa3_qtOnGVX3odDny0OlkhaqF_00c3U7S_mgHTT-BX0LG2oAU/s320/Cascade_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At this point I was more than satisfied – feeling renewed by our afternoon’s outing, but there was still more to explore. After walking back down the cascade towards the reflecting pool we continued downhill where parallel paths line a wide planting bed filled with tall shrub roses. On the right is another small maintenance building, designed in a similar style as the pavilion, and at the end of our walk we came to the main entrance to the garden, which is framed by roofed structures supported by eighteen foot tall sets of paired classic columns.<br /><br />This cultural landscape is well used and loved by residents, and now after years of park staff cuts, residents have taken on the maintenance of the garden. A <a href="http://www.friendsofoaklandrose.org/">friends group </a>meets regularly to deadhead and prune the 6000 roses, and they are doing a good job – despite the staff cuts Morcom was recently acknowledged as one of the ten best municipal rose gardens in the nation. Thank you volunteers.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH4skzDVyYGWonyKA-g8xF_5XeozB9-HQm79qFBL7_E2e3yyMzUH3_aroxdurpbGrKFp2C5-IeK8j349sR7uOrHL4o4Ot-RQuoHD8abNfiUOhcDzvmVRiKSnZQYG2UYZrCEE1znCxm00/s1600/Shining+hour+yellow_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526446797474524530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH4skzDVyYGWonyKA-g8xF_5XeozB9-HQm79qFBL7_E2e3yyMzUH3_aroxdurpbGrKFp2C5-IeK8j349sR7uOrHL4o4Ot-RQuoHD8abNfiUOhcDzvmVRiKSnZQYG2UYZrCEE1znCxm00/s320/Shining+hour+yellow_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-16749299309753308822010-09-26T16:30:00.001-07:002010-09-26T16:39:40.445-07:00Roeding Park, Fresno<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBSWPTZkdKTxxvPJY5eJdkn3yvUvOOiBWH1cLIVFjmq8m1AXbUw6UJLrL6kdHBajC5HgrZVmlp5EX4-TwtWYjZIf455oNyKdzlSmsNiw4YR1ahmfYNlVxMzrYsbcgdbA0YmGAwbYNBZY/s1600/lily+ponds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521370700006873986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBSWPTZkdKTxxvPJY5eJdkn3yvUvOOiBWH1cLIVFjmq8m1AXbUw6UJLrL6kdHBajC5HgrZVmlp5EX4-TwtWYjZIf455oNyKdzlSmsNiw4YR1ahmfYNlVxMzrYsbcgdbA0YmGAwbYNBZY/s320/lily+ponds.jpg" border="0" /></a> It has been a few weeks since my last post. I’ve been busy. I attended the annual conference for landscape architects in Washington DC early this month. Two days later I headed out to Fresno, to start a new HALS documentation job. I was asked to prepare a HALS short form for Roeding Park – a 156 acre regional park in the Central Valley. Roeding Park is both a park and an arboretum. The man who donated the land to the City of Fresno, Frederick Christian Roeding and his son, George Christian Roeding were important figures in the state’s rich agricultural history, and owned and operated Fancher Creek Nursery. FC Roeding provided most of the trees for the new park and was very engaged in the park’s design as a Fresno Park Commissioner. He worked with landscape architect, Johannes Reimers, in the early 1900s, and together they created a community park that continues to be cared for and well used by “Fresnans”. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwf-THelSb02N287DiPVGrfaXScB06iLGU3Cly0P5gA-QEPJKIpmW_b3RfMMyI4LUSJJZ7pcwFdqgsVymRYbtrvv6Trjk35CLz1IWmfH3HNSOkJUzjM7eN9a3qY-_xPyybxm4c2WyN0Xo/s1600/pergola.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521369343164497410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwf-THelSb02N287DiPVGrfaXScB06iLGU3Cly0P5gA-QEPJKIpmW_b3RfMMyI4LUSJJZ7pcwFdqgsVymRYbtrvv6Trjk35CLz1IWmfH3HNSOkJUzjM7eN9a3qY-_xPyybxm4c2WyN0Xo/s320/pergola.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The park has much to offer. There is a tremendous variety of mature trees – exceptional specimens and small groves. These provide essential shade and stunning settings for picnicking. The picnicking facilities are almost endless – there are three group picnic areas with rustic-style shelters, large enough to house 7 twenty-foot long picnic tables at each. There are other group picnic areas without structures but shaded by trees. These are called The Eucalyptus Grove, Pine Grove and Cedar Grove picnic areas. There are also picnic areas for small groups, and isolated tables for a single family or couple. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-dMswfyoGRlCiu-qwKarTmwMXnf4eyLWYz4NXhBbMekjNdfEa0Qv2ACQqtDChj2k75tDBPSV-pEXa11JIieOuRBedr9hm-revqvttNAOKeqI69_selEbuAxuztAQm8lWedBwU1jETNM/s1600/picnic+shelter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521369577337209906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-dMswfyoGRlCiu-qwKarTmwMXnf4eyLWYz4NXhBbMekjNdfEa0Qv2ACQqtDChj2k75tDBPSV-pEXa11JIieOuRBedr9hm-revqvttNAOKeqI69_selEbuAxuztAQm8lWedBwU1jETNM/s320/picnic+shelter.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The park has two dance floors with stages and lighting, there are 8 horseshoe pits, two tot lots with climbing structures, and a tennis complex with 14 tennis courts and one handball court. My favorite part of the park is the lily ponds. Just inside the main entry off Belmont Avenue Reimers designed five ponds, each has a curvilinear edge and all are shaded by a variety of canopy trees. Simple wooden bridges link one pond to the next. There is no formal path, so one feels invited to meander or sit, enjoying the cool shade and watching children fish from the edge.<br /><br />The pond furthest from the entry, and near one corner of the park, has an ornate basin set on a pedestal, in the middle of the pond. A jet of water shoots up about 15 feet in the air above the basin. This too is lighted and is visible to people in cars driving by at night. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNTR-eAghPIU7k3pwde1h1cVu5nTEX47chyphenhyphenrEk8ErlpQzg8K2_-WQ1KtrzmYf4VrppbaJ4KwuDnx7jDCaKC8ULp74v-HQ2N6uxkT2P6MZoJOg9VUxj3KeMuPd3HRaAivKGtK-9Vu8GCI/s1600/hoseshoes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521369834939588162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNTR-eAghPIU7k3pwde1h1cVu5nTEX47chyphenhyphenrEk8ErlpQzg8K2_-WQ1KtrzmYf4VrppbaJ4KwuDnx7jDCaKC8ULp74v-HQ2N6uxkT2P6MZoJOg9VUxj3KeMuPd3HRaAivKGtK-9Vu8GCI/s320/hoseshoes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lake Washington was constructed in another portion of the park. This is a single, large body of water with three jets and the remnants of what was once an island – before Highway 99 was built and cut off a portion of the lake and island. The lake is surrounded by lawn and trees and there is a monument to President George Washington, that was installed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his birth. At the time the monument was dedicated, Fresno school children raised funds for, and helped plant more than 600 trees of over 300 types, in the park.<br /><br />In 1955, the local Rotary gave funds to build Playland – an amusement park with rides, a miniature train, merry-go-round, and boat rides. Then in 1962, Storyland was added for young children. This fairytale themed area is very similar to Oakland’s “Fairyland” – see my January 24, 2010 blog post. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyveXosYEM7l5XJQEu8zmUf4PxeRuUZAuFchSl28_2R8Kcv3O4hUY7UArzCXKOFEB6KkGTZswQZsOVJ0ngzoExhglnvaxuWhTDpLtH8qLYsn0iBeJibnZiQFZI8VX3UVeHN5gN27s8B6k/s1600/3+little+pigs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521370052197054514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyveXosYEM7l5XJQEu8zmUf4PxeRuUZAuFchSl28_2R8Kcv3O4hUY7UArzCXKOFEB6KkGTZswQZsOVJ0ngzoExhglnvaxuWhTDpLtH8qLYsn0iBeJibnZiQFZI8VX3UVeHN5gN27s8B6k/s320/3+little+pigs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A zoo was added to the park in the 1920s and over the years has expanded several times. Currently, there are plans to expand the zoo again. It is clear that they need more space to accommodate their program, but I question the loss of park / arboretum space, which today is being used and obviously much enjoyed by many groups and families. Where will all the picnickers go? The family bar-b-ques, the casual strollers, the youthful fishing fans, the dog park users? Hum.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR0p3D9eJ3Ti_s9vdzLa9Bu8DVqmb-fFnRF4lu9fD9YETEHGdfjAOTSROBbnH2T6HPYOlfNPAXNCo4WoDO64Q-MsO2ADa6V7K0eGctl5Kiqp50DNgOvGynBrCEUQnvLuiJY2RPtXs6SM/s1600/ferris+wheel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521370288990813362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR0p3D9eJ3Ti_s9vdzLa9Bu8DVqmb-fFnRF4lu9fD9YETEHGdfjAOTSROBbnH2T6HPYOlfNPAXNCo4WoDO64Q-MsO2ADa6V7K0eGctl5Kiqp50DNgOvGynBrCEUQnvLuiJY2RPtXs6SM/s200/ferris+wheel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk7vf1jzQb1W-sbef2Loj8onRt26eGs4TKn8mrIaTsGCM3ROba6yaYUYPeIEKkVsxcB6tVFT7dQlhyphenhyphenlpOHfbWysLssl4mZN965i3tNs9GIn3Tiqi77GkbQZR3mKFRZM7GjcMegEz4O0w/s1600/miniature+train.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521370468610063058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk7vf1jzQb1W-sbef2Loj8onRt26eGs4TKn8mrIaTsGCM3ROba6yaYUYPeIEKkVsxcB6tVFT7dQlhyphenhyphenlpOHfbWysLssl4mZN965i3tNs9GIn3Tiqi77GkbQZR3mKFRZM7GjcMegEz4O0w/s200/miniature+train.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-38688430942446306692010-08-29T11:24:00.000-07:002010-08-29T11:37:57.017-07:00Tor House & Garden, Carmel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibh3OMyCHIw3xTIuEQ5lxilrVJEXgnyxg88G1wjZNiKiWsHEXYHRZBaw_X_XQ327SdPoMladMBC__jwQoeD3DSdZ5kc7Uqo98rU1Mt6vkdsQvMN1_mmBg7KF4sN_qUmAluaRreliLEVwA/s1600/house+and+garden.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510902281630986610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibh3OMyCHIw3xTIuEQ5lxilrVJEXgnyxg88G1wjZNiKiWsHEXYHRZBaw_X_XQ327SdPoMladMBC__jwQoeD3DSdZ5kc7Uqo98rU1Mt6vkdsQvMN1_mmBg7KF4sN_qUmAluaRreliLEVwA/s320/house+and+garden.jpg" border="0" /></a> The main event of my three day visit to Monterey with my mother in June was to visit the Tor House on the Carmel peninsula. To prepare for our trip I had reviewed the list of potential HALS sites our chapter members had assembled, and the brief description of the Tor site sounded intriguing. When my mother confirmed that she had never been there, which is unusual because she takes lots of trips to visit places throughout the state, that became our premier destination.<br /><br />One thing to know about the California coastline is that it is frequently inundated with fog. When I called to make our reservations they reminded me to dress warmly. Well, I think we must have picked the best day of the year to visit Tor House because it was absolutely spectacular. The view from the top of Hawk Tower was stunning. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sPgwjvqPnqdleehtfEy5ew8GnLQMQy2moPKXiXDtTq_uHaRT3CGUQDJacJXYl2oQqK6R8nqCva7j6uIPpZ2VZ8pxkgfFIa333LJ9EZdm0cFbTptRF3waOf3Jy-gW_U4in0iWwtFPGmE/s1600/garden+and+view.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510900904775857506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sPgwjvqPnqdleehtfEy5ew8GnLQMQy2moPKXiXDtTq_uHaRT3CGUQDJacJXYl2oQqK6R8nqCva7j6uIPpZ2VZ8pxkgfFIa333LJ9EZdm0cFbTptRF3waOf3Jy-gW_U4in0iWwtFPGmE/s320/garden+and+view.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A little history: The property was owned and built by Robinson Jeffers who lived on the property with his wife Una. According to Wikipedia, “Jeffers was an <a title="United States" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States"><span style="color:#000000;">American</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> </span><a title="Poet" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poet"><span style="color:#000000;">poet</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">,</span> known for his work about the central <a title="California" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California"><span style="color:#000000;">California</span></a> coast. Most of Jeffers' poetry was written in classic <a title="Narrative" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative"><span style="color:#000000;">narrative</span></a> and <a title="Epic poetry" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_poetry"><span style="color:#000000;">epic</span></a> form, but today he is also known for his short verse, and considered an icon of the <a title="Environmentalism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmentalism"><span style="color:#000000;">environmental</span></a> movement.” After they married in 1913 the Jeffers had planned to move to England but the outbreak of WWI prevented them from doing so. A friend suggested they spend time in Carmel where they rented a small, wooden cottage in town in 1914. They took long walks out to the beach and found themselves attracted to the small knoll with the tor stones and expansive view of the ocean and Point Lobos beyond.<br /><br />They purchased the property and hired M.J. Murphy contractor to build their home. Jeffers hired himself out as a laborer to the mason, which is how he learned the trade. They moved in to Tor House in 1919 when their twin sons Garth and Donnan were three years old.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMmNGuh7XnVg1vZMPvgv86zfd7_bO1HPwumkSyixoUjMWgbKB3qsZms2iUrSSQsv1A-yxLllLfK-_wn681g59Ga9s0QoHv0R4tT80DNvq8QK9ra8np1a6ZZ6Aj6w5QK4FlNRnLt6mCU0/s1600/sun+dial.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510901175089767202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMmNGuh7XnVg1vZMPvgv86zfd7_bO1HPwumkSyixoUjMWgbKB3qsZms2iUrSSQsv1A-yxLllLfK-_wn681g59Ga9s0QoHv0R4tT80DNvq8QK9ra8np1a6ZZ6Aj6w5QK4FlNRnLt6mCU0/s320/sun+dial.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Originally the property encompassed 16 lots on Carmel Point. A stone wall defines a courtyard space that also connects the Tor House, Hawk Tower, the dining room, and the rumpus room/office. The original wall, built by Robinson Jeffers, was about 30” high on all sides with columns at the gates. Jeffers placed Native American stone mortars on top of these columns and at the corner of the wall on the ocean side. The wall height on the ocean side was raised to approximately 6 feet, by one of the Jeffers twin sons, in order to provide more privacy. Brick paths between the buildings and a colorful, perennial garden have been added. Jeffers built a stone path between the Tor House and Hawk Tower that remains.<br /><br />The stone used and the style of construction is the same as what was used to construct the buildings and structures in the compound. It is a rough Santa Lucia granite. It is clear where the son raised the height of the wall on the ocean side of the compound because he used smaller stones – there is a distinct change in texture in the wall here. There is one simple wooden picket gate in the wall that leads to a path on the ocean side of Tor House. This was known as the “sea gate” and the other gate, on the opposite side of the courtyard was the “moor gate”.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfxHs-MNS4X1dC2qr488iWR7x-6NlYdxDK2yk6CMFXeF6nbGGdL17-0T2oye340aVaZAAb5B8Qjjqt3qqFTTYtOqqzzbyiEk5829Qz-GiEV3aezOldM6Ey9XzBaJzG4REqt0S6PbfSjE/s1600/gate.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510901412424126098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfxHs-MNS4X1dC2qr488iWR7x-6NlYdxDK2yk6CMFXeF6nbGGdL17-0T2oye340aVaZAAb5B8Qjjqt3qqFTTYtOqqzzbyiEk5829Qz-GiEV3aezOldM6Ey9XzBaJzG4REqt0S6PbfSjE/s320/gate.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Just inside the gate, in the garden at the southwest corner of the compound there is a stone pedestal set on a stone foundation, with a sundial on it. This was Robinson Jeffers first solo effort of masonry construction.<br /><br />The entire complex of buildings and garden is strongly tied to the landscape. Robinson and Una Jeffers chose to build their home at this site because it was located on a small knoll with a circle of stones known as a Tor. They instructed their contractor to anchor their new home to one of the Tor stones and they designed the home with a window that looks out towards the ocean with the tor stone in the foreground. Another element of the landscape is a stone bench, made from a single slab of granite that is integrated into the Tor stone and house.<br /><br />In addition to his passion for poetry and masonry Robinson Jeffers planted some 2000 trees on and around his property – Monterey Cypress and Eucalyptus globules. Some of these remain today lining Ocean Avenue, and in the neighborhood that has developed. Other plantings on the property appear to be modern additions though there has been an attempt to maintain the character of the original landscape on the downhill parcel where wildflowers and oat grass grow. The oat grass is a remnant of the feed given to the pony that pulled the stone up from the beach. Una Jeffers recorded 45 species of wildflowers found at the site. There is also a yew tree (Taxus baccata) within the courtyard that could date to the Jeffers.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl0fnutbzoyKZ3rwCfzRTbS6X7EH1SBq0SZeMuaIzgjm2ybJIHRjF6xtKEyPU_8Wn-fKQ20W4GpGXPHx-I7Un28Wo7HKb30zfG8EvvOESsjbsNV4NP-4dQKrBjivpzMYQyebtMnxKglA/s1600/stone+bench.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510901684568281010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl0fnutbzoyKZ3rwCfzRTbS6X7EH1SBq0SZeMuaIzgjm2ybJIHRjF6xtKEyPU_8Wn-fKQ20W4GpGXPHx-I7Un28Wo7HKb30zfG8EvvOESsjbsNV4NP-4dQKrBjivpzMYQyebtMnxKglA/s320/stone+bench.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The docent who led our two-hour tour had been a long time volunteer at the site. He knew a tremendous amount about the Jeffers, the site, their home and all of the many treasures on display – many gifts from artistic friends and colleagues. <a href="http://www.torhouse.org/">Tor House </a>was definitely the highlight of a wonderful mini-vacation and HALS adventure.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510901952322101842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhEuLn73BHDhLt-tyezb-_LZRDxcQYiyntqNBBJPo55gCLmgBliLqQO-cBvSJLuKkjkFeMu-6Tk29E8hgL2KQl7RkGNDoUE9DUXaj2PFZbTXzOuEeLZ0Mc17bTd8FzH7-Fg-xcPZxeZE/s320/cypress+trees.jpg" border="0" />Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-32724038868324130022010-08-08T14:08:00.000-07:002010-08-08T14:28:09.920-07:00Carmel Mission<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIMo_5oJP1CVsXSYX16E__yAYE-DeggSqLacGB8SuEjjIDgw5Q0MAqhLka_8PuCsvxSV2GIUBea9wu04u695_O1gVJOW4KCgaBCh9Yr7tW_2C3Ef_hyphenhyphen814DeG4RsJjum_3GE1AM55OvI/s1600/mission+tower.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503153114140993106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIMo_5oJP1CVsXSYX16E__yAYE-DeggSqLacGB8SuEjjIDgw5Q0MAqhLka_8PuCsvxSV2GIUBea9wu04u695_O1gVJOW4KCgaBCh9Yr7tW_2C3Ef_hyphenhyphen814DeG4RsJjum_3GE1AM55OvI/s320/mission+tower.jpg" border="0" /></a>While on our weekend trip to Monterey we did not plan to visit the Carmel Mission, also known as Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, because my mother and I had both been there before, but when we found ourselves with a few minutes to spare, we decided to visit the mission gardens. Oops, big mistake – what we didn’t know was that the plaza gardens had undergone extensive renovation since either of us had been there, and they were bursting with flowering vines, shrubs and perennials that all seemed to be at their peak. <div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAk4DVorMJP6v9oM2NLyREDKfjQqCtbdXEX5n5A4VIxB88f2YwEZ3bmixi3SFj6kymsKsA0AUQlQYZgGjgMyGBTQ1OkbJJvP29t-GHRQvTzY_omCbBZ0y1GzhRG-1s4EIpB1Ixn9rzBQk/s1600/gate.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503152587317361698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAk4DVorMJP6v9oM2NLyREDKfjQqCtbdXEX5n5A4VIxB88f2YwEZ3bmixi3SFj6kymsKsA0AUQlQYZgGjgMyGBTQ1OkbJJvP29t-GHRQvTzY_omCbBZ0y1GzhRG-1s4EIpB1Ixn9rzBQk/s320/gate.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>One starts the tour at a small gift shop attached to what is now a museum. Exiting a modest wooden door a large plaza is revealed that lies between of the museum and perimeter wall. The Basilica with its tower provides the backdrop. This stone structure was built in 1793 replacing an adobe chapel, which had been built to replace the original wooden church, built in 1771. The current church tower is of Moorish design and has nine bells in the tower.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503152083591280114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RQLhQJS0MkM2C2xuE7VJw2Wc0qjZbSMlgBV-OnNxIAFeltZpNC4-A3g1jv8h5xkLpTp4LzKHX3d7E1rSRnlpMYzrRCIdJXQcwl2StzcUJIyPLfvS1vjQBY4Cjtt6CxHzQt8rMDHHfF8/s320/taxus.jpg" border="0" />While many of the plantings appear to be new, several old specimens remain including a pair of <em>Taxus</em> trees that dwarf the entrance to the museum, an old pepper tree, and a wonderful cork oak with deeply furrowed bark. Planting beds are lined with large cobbles and a raised portion of the garden is defined by a plastered wall with Moorish detailing and an integral wood bench. The layout of the garden spaces appeared true to the period but time did not permit verification of this. What was clearly not historic was the exposed aggregate paving with brick bands in the plaza – these seem to be a misguided 1970s era “improvement”.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQJoS10IxhyADMApowDWfS1nn-1gOewUqAPQ9a0thQB__f4frmtuAv6AMFvGExtDlZHQ8LPyu-1kN3maY6KOJi2VnH6KG-5c596tDzfDXtAuS5mp8EBnCeJHp8H3uCLtwSuv_UIzCIgA/s1600/bench.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503151745891539650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQJoS10IxhyADMApowDWfS1nn-1gOewUqAPQ9a0thQB__f4frmtuAv6AMFvGExtDlZHQ8LPyu-1kN3maY6KOJi2VnH6KG-5c596tDzfDXtAuS5mp8EBnCeJHp8H3uCLtwSuv_UIzCIgA/s320/bench.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Moving through a broad, stucco garden wall one enters the mission cemetery where several of the padres and over 200 Native Americans and Spaniards are buried. Plots are lined with abalone shells and stones, have simple wooden crosses and compacted earth paths. Some have bronze or granite headstones.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTITtuBdaxS-xH0Wxo8isSTNjZmH5x9uD334DsRa24xIZiKXVxEiAP9pRG3bgUd8gZfoXSNt9yZs5d1CFofNFIPxgh7GJzQGuAC4LGwWKGUi0yASmr8wXdeK25vFaZdxmMzggSYQMy1A/s1600/graves.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503151359460270402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTITtuBdaxS-xH0Wxo8isSTNjZmH5x9uD334DsRa24xIZiKXVxEiAP9pRG3bgUd8gZfoXSNt9yZs5d1CFofNFIPxgh7GJzQGuAC4LGwWKGUi0yASmr8wXdeK25vFaZdxmMzggSYQMy1A/s320/graves.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Given the time we had to spend at the mission these gardens would have sufficed – and their beauty and detailing would have satiated us, but following the tour path we entered first into an intimate, shady garden with benches, a fountain, glazed tile friezes and religious-themed sculpture. This quiet space opened onto a massive plaza more than four times larger than the museum/Basilica plaza. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifTmIJAkiaXGf9hA2GPGNBZdVhEryrEynBfCCbJ70_WibGzjQOh776fRbqrLmjxgaRLGrmQmmqfzQH-kP7_PyR_zBhyphenhyphen0-bHWDIFNqpNtNDy4P4RFIVilPFwgvwscPBsji79PDt2TXbW4/s1600/roses.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503152869094949778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifTmIJAkiaXGf9hA2GPGNBZdVhEryrEynBfCCbJ70_WibGzjQOh776fRbqrLmjxgaRLGrmQmmqfzQH-kP7_PyR_zBhyphenhyphen0-bHWDIFNqpNtNDy4P4RFIVilPFwgvwscPBsji79PDt2TXbW4/s320/roses.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The main plaza, like the first, had a traditional mission character consisting of a large expanse of open area surrounded by perimeter planting beds and one, large pentagon-shaped stucco, brick and deep-blue tile pool. The weathered brick of the fountain gargoyle conveyed its age. This space was so large and richly planted it was instantly apparent that we definitely did not have enough time to really enjoy the mission gardens, much less have a moment to look at the mission structures or visit the museum. We rushed off to make our 1:00 tour reservation, which I strongly recommend one avoid. The Carmel Mission deserves a half day visit easily.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503150897680463602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsewC0PSO7QdJ-6kSDZvLsq2qAPgpCYHtXAVHnX8Rx3YdMehEBGNllsDhJUWJSnbyX9PBhaXgiExbYdRWe50dZEIQMUgZeXsuVAA5ZSdD-MoSiFTB_9-XCIed-_ypcsZoOR4VaCXQZx-w/s320/brick+gargoyle.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-6197692447496351462010-07-11T12:00:00.000-07:002010-07-11T12:24:52.844-07:00La Mirada and The Castro Adobe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJep509lsdEX2wy0XIjQQfoAwzsnMgZqBLKNfqn2GpDlPYZCNR1LweD4M0BThfoP7T9Ya4gM2DQ_1gJvmdo-yJgKHEthQYeZ439Hx-Tc2RNcLwRsxC9opA7cKPPV0EXVdlgQFfHIIH7Lc/s1600/Garden_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492730650615398226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJep509lsdEX2wy0XIjQQfoAwzsnMgZqBLKNfqn2GpDlPYZCNR1LweD4M0BThfoP7T9Ya4gM2DQ_1gJvmdo-yJgKHEthQYeZ439Hx-Tc2RNcLwRsxC9opA7cKPPV0EXVdlgQFfHIIH7Lc/s320/Garden_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a> The ideal HALS site is one that has changed very little since its period of significance. Period of significance means the time period during which the garden gained importance as a historic site. Typically it is the period when the original owner occupied the site. For example the period of significance for the San Francisco Presidio are the years when the military occupied the site.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.historicmonterey.org/?p=casa_amesti">Casa Amesti </a>in Monterey is a perfect example of a garden that has not changed substantially since its original design, because when owner Francis Elkins died the property was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. My firm, PGAdesign was asked to restore this garden a few years ago, and when we started we found that the current garden was essentially the same as the garden depicted in photographs from the 1930s – it had deteriorated but the original design and most of the original plantings remained. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7rbUHs2WS0KH9NAMURXoHqTskK1u6iKgWHDARmk8su3F9XNshTp_Pufy6Y7wjL-MmvCL-x8G9s2atHDDI9eVBJ9C2xpZjKw3jXEr-BylRM_q7UQt8SuZjeJF9g0GZQRhR3LdPrUATSw/s1600/Arch+stone+gate_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492728151403348850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7rbUHs2WS0KH9NAMURXoHqTskK1u6iKgWHDARmk8su3F9XNshTp_Pufy6Y7wjL-MmvCL-x8G9s2atHDDI9eVBJ9C2xpZjKw3jXEr-BylRM_q7UQt8SuZjeJF9g0GZQRhR3LdPrUATSw/s320/Arch+stone+gate_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Realistically though all gardens change and they change quickly because plants grow and as they grow they transform the landscape profoundly. Other things change as well – wooden fences and gates deteriorate, stone walls crumble, and sometimes modifications occur when a new owner simply wants their garden to look different or to accommodate a new use. The Monterey <a href="http://www.montereyart.org/">Art Museum at La Mirada</a> is such an example. The original Castro Adobe has been restored and over time several buildings have been added. At this point it is impossible to tell, just by looking at the complex, what is historic and what has been added, and certainly some additions are now old enough in their own right to qualify as “historic”. 50 years is the general rule for HALS, which I find a bit disconcerting considering I passed that milestone some while ago.<br /><br />The garden at La Mirada is enclosed by a chalk rock stone wall that is an extension off the back of the Antonio Mario Castro Adobe. The stones are rough and irregularly-shaped, nearly white in color except where they are covered by lichens. The height of the wall varies from about 30” to 7’ where it has buttresses. There are two wooden gates into the garden – one a simple board fence with a round, bronze knocker, and the other more elaborate and set in a classical stone peaked arch, which is in poor condition. I presume these gates are replacements for the originals. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f61XnS3Em_Xk4GOKQvGvM59jKha69Gj0Pssv3GKIh8W88XBGpBSj2j1z-R0wAp-EqzP09XXZKpuW4GIpw5erQ29tQBW3dxmoy3Be_Kw15LSL3zBY0djUq2fgRU_OMM19WT9jY7G-3L0/s1600/Wood+gate+%26+wall_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492728748771350226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f61XnS3Em_Xk4GOKQvGvM59jKha69Gj0Pssv3GKIh8W88XBGpBSj2j1z-R0wAp-EqzP09XXZKpuW4GIpw5erQ29tQBW3dxmoy3Be_Kw15LSL3zBY0djUq2fgRU_OMM19WT9jY7G-3L0/s320/Wood+gate+%26+wall_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Garden beds occur on three levels and are edged with brick set on end and half buried. Beds are separated by brick paths about 4’ wide in a basket weave pattern. One bed is terraced with a chalk rock stone wall about 20” high, and is in poor condition which leads me to believe it is original. The beds are bordered with hens and chick succulents and planted almost exclusively with roses. <div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="http://www.mchsmuseum.com/lamirada.html">Antonio Mario Castro Adobe </a>was built in the early 1800s. It is one of three buildings that appear on an 1849 map of Monterey. Castro was a soldier in California from 1780 to 1809. The home remained in the Castro family for a few generations until 1919. For a time the John C. Fremont family rented two rooms in the adobe from Modesto Castro, until Fremont was elected to the U.S. Senate and they moved to Washington. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10R40jJy6j206MfSfs6COndp5zfFDYpjhdwnVeitQBUczzxLRr1zEkwYyVPxbjE6ybzsAzbBlmo8Z6LyJF5DN75P1tEYGBF2fZ-0JBjSlMdm2BJ2WzFyy1wxwfuEMoQr9dhb6cRmbNUY/s1600/La+Mirada+P6130078_resize.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492730269760957058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10R40jJy6j206MfSfs6COndp5zfFDYpjhdwnVeitQBUczzxLRr1zEkwYyVPxbjE6ybzsAzbBlmo8Z6LyJF5DN75P1tEYGBF2fZ-0JBjSlMdm2BJ2WzFyy1wxwfuEMoQr9dhb6cRmbNUY/s320/La+Mirada+P6130078_resize.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Gouverneu Morris purchased the adobe in 1920. He restored the adobe, added other buildings and built the wall around the garden for privacy. So, the garden wall is nearly 90 years old and clearly meets the 50 year criteria for HALS.<br /><br />Thomas Albert Work, Sr. purchased the property in 1936. He made his fortune in land and real estate. Work planted the cypress, pine and other trees surrounding the property. Work’s wife, Maude Porter created the rose garden before her death in 1949. The rose garden was rehabilitated in 1989 when many new roses were added and some of the original roses were retained. One Cecile Brunner rose with a mass of knotty root stock was labeled 1881/1894. </div><div><br />Thomas and Maude’s son Frank Work inherited the property and maintained the garden until he deeded it to the museum in 1983.<br /><br />So, this is a garden has had several owners since the early 1800s and it has changed substantially. There are clues to what is old and what has been added, but the lines are blurred and only extensive research would tell us more. </div></div></div></div></div></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-31682854250784618962010-07-02T17:11:00.000-07:002010-07-02T17:28:50.658-07:00Forest Theater, Carmel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZlrTOFJ6T_7B9mJGitCZGqETR_fCIuZrhpaB-EylrEssmj41D_bDQEP6e8oaYK1WerKZoyEGLUZjni4VFT_kzBMp0Jl1INVkGuhC6Y3CIHvP8lSqxhNLtgBRwROWgUGDBKMHjvAyv3w/s1600/Gate_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489467782583732770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZlrTOFJ6T_7B9mJGitCZGqETR_fCIuZrhpaB-EylrEssmj41D_bDQEP6e8oaYK1WerKZoyEGLUZjni4VFT_kzBMp0Jl1INVkGuhC6Y3CIHvP8lSqxhNLtgBRwROWgUGDBKMHjvAyv3w/s320/Gate_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div>In the summer of 1968 after graduating from high school I auditioned for the cast at <a href="http://www.woodminster.com/">Woodminster</a> – an outdoor amphitheater in the Oakland hills. I was in two musicals – <em>The Most Happy Fella</em> and Th<em>e King and I </em>where I played one of the king’s many wives. It was a lot of fun, so when I read about the Forest Theater in Carmel I was keen to go see it as part of my HALS adventure. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyhQpcAwV6W1Ub5Py2nS47DtC6M8PGqtBPin3m3NXWxE9O9hBIcG4Fd7WdzHORVj4XKce6f85Mt2hW2gdrgzQrGWoHOk7cm_tRd4C_ztaXJoruGIGa8u6oWLfIJfJq9LN2oSgiMrBPOk/s1600/seating+%26+trees_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489466997335522418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyhQpcAwV6W1Ub5Py2nS47DtC6M8PGqtBPin3m3NXWxE9O9hBIcG4Fd7WdzHORVj4XKce6f85Mt2hW2gdrgzQrGWoHOk7cm_tRd4C_ztaXJoruGIGa8u6oWLfIJfJq9LN2oSgiMrBPOk/s320/seating+%26+trees_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Forest Theater was built in 1910 and is the oldest outdoor theater west of the Rockies. It was started by actor/director Herbert Heron with poet Mary Austin. The land for the theater was given rent free by Carmel’s founder Frank Devendorf – the same person who gave the land for Devendorf Park that I wrote about of week. Plays, pageants, musicals, Shakespeare and outdoor films have been performed at the theater. There is a long-standing tradition of featuring original works of California authors including the work of Robinson Jeffers, Mary Austin, and Barbara Newberry who wrote <em>The Toad</em> and <em>Junipero Serra</em>, a historical pageant focusing on the life of Father Junipero Serra.<br /><br />The privately owned theater was deeded to the city of Carmel in 1939 so it would be eligible for federal support when it became a WPA project. The theater closed during World War II in response to mandatory blackouts, but reopened after the war. Since then interest in the theater has waxed and waned but renewed community interest has kept it going for 100 years. According to Wikipedia, “in 2005, Pacific Repertory Theater presented the theater’s highest attended production, Disney’s <em>Beauty and the Beast</em>, to a combined audience of over 10,000 ticket holders.”<br /><br />The site of the 60-seat theater is a naturally occurring bowl-shaped area in an oak woodland, in a residential neighborhood of Carmel. Oaks were removed to construct the bleacher seating but the grove remains at the back and sides. Most of the understory has been cleared. The view back of stage is through Monterey pines and beyond to the Monterey Bay. The character of the site and planting is left a bit wild and natural. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyctZTIRe3jcF4PsDY1C4yD8mCrLmzeb5KSdrzbuuyyERDNwmvRF6zhoIbqfTCf7Ix_sF31l-hDsOInYl2zVi76NPDE3kXXtmkjUgBBlhCxLIKTFxY31UIcWPcuhOirz6z_paEm5_aJvI/s1600/stage+%26+view_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489467384876387122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyctZTIRe3jcF4PsDY1C4yD8mCrLmzeb5KSdrzbuuyyERDNwmvRF6zhoIbqfTCf7Ix_sF31l-hDsOInYl2zVi76NPDE3kXXtmkjUgBBlhCxLIKTFxY31UIcWPcuhOirz6z_paEm5_aJvI/s320/stage+%26+view_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The perimeter of the theater is defined by a four-five foot high grape-stake fence. There are two gates into the theater; one wide enough for vehicles and one pedestrian gateway that has a beam overhead with “Forest Theater” carved into it.<br /><br />Materials are limited to wood and rough stone. The wood is either painted “state parks brown” or left unpainted. The bleacher seating is divided into two sections with concrete paths at either side and in the middle. There are 11 rows of seating, then a stone retaining wall about 30” high, and 6 additional rows of seating. Seats have backs and the space between rows is compacted earth.<br /><br />Near the stage there are semi-circular stone fireplaces built at either side of the bleachers that provide warmth to those sitting near enough and ambiance for the rest of the audience. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489466414774697538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiKKjoFqSTs9sCopHAcz0btFJGuVMJGOnUoFr2fyJh9QCsSXsr9Ca4vSY1t2NUNJGHWP2Plk8lsI2gjtuQ-3abnsMK6WcggOQq5gnsLAIcI_xwPLdp7YPKMbNCCkAlVcc2S5VvFOemHw/s320/stage+%26+fireplace_resize.jpg" border="0" /><br />The stage is wood and there are storage areas for props at either side. Additional storage, dressing rooms, and an indoor theater are below the main stage. There is also a wood deck (about 40’ x 80’) with a built in bench on the downhill side of the theater.<br /><br />The form and layout of the theater all appear to be original as does the stone work and arrangement of the seating. In 1939 Works Progress Administration (WPA) crews undertook a major reconstruction. They built new benches, laid a concrete foundation for the stage, and replaced a barbed-wire fence with the grape-stake fence.<br /><br />To stage left there is a square of stones and an upright carved boulder: “Here lies Pal the friend of all who knew and loved him. Carmel’s dog, born Aug 1929, died Dec. 1943.”</div></div></div></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033272655852848357.post-71680710735028832242010-06-23T21:29:00.000-07:002010-06-24T06:13:54.659-07:00Devendorf Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru-CNQCiQRswr3hTLCDI_cDyHIjd0dL6pqbxOObA8ghnE9r0z7pDFG4fc4xevT3R6hhHlmZZrDsB_la-3Dt4VLsXO3_ZP7HQjzNGgddjQNMCzh_kUxcuoMaWXgoIH-0qP24XgPEdnHsw/s1600/Davendorf+Park+w+flag_resize.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486196302791001250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru-CNQCiQRswr3hTLCDI_cDyHIjd0dL6pqbxOObA8ghnE9r0z7pDFG4fc4xevT3R6hhHlmZZrDsB_la-3Dt4VLsXO3_ZP7HQjzNGgddjQNMCzh_kUxcuoMaWXgoIH-0qP24XgPEdnHsw/s320/Davendorf+Park+w+flag_resize.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div>The urban plaza is one of the oldest city planning concepts. Plaza is defined as a public square that is usually centrally located, found especially in towns of the American Southwest of Spanish heritage. Similar is the “Piazza” – an open square or public place in a city or town, especially in Italy. These urban spaces are typically one square block located at the town center, and built as a place for the community to gather for civic functions and celebrations. My Dec. 6, 2009 post on Arcata Plaza features a very traditional plaza that has served as the heart of that community for over one hundred and fifty years.<br /><br />A couple weeks ago I attended my granddaughter’s graduation from high school in Sonoma. Sonoma has one of the best plazas in the Bay Area. It’s one square block surrounded by thriving retail shops and restaurants. This is where the 4th of July festivities take place, art shows and family picnics. It’s a vibrant and dynamic urban space.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGYR64PzRMi3ceRBwvYJ6X41OfGrB_qW9SjvdnoqCIGejs5Ca5Pp-gJ-48iO1HosBqrUMb7YlsEohkIDQsfrQaKV20p56yEaoszGqy9KIEPE1bYn8I2lgN6d-eN9ggBdlI-0bTYXhyphenhyphenZ4/s1600/Davendorf+Park+steps+in_resize.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486194098098897970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGYR64PzRMi3ceRBwvYJ6X41OfGrB_qW9SjvdnoqCIGejs5Ca5Pp-gJ-48iO1HosBqrUMb7YlsEohkIDQsfrQaKV20p56yEaoszGqy9KIEPE1bYn8I2lgN6d-eN9ggBdlI-0bTYXhyphenhyphenZ4/s320/Davendorf+Park+steps+in_resize.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Devendorf Park is Carmel’s central gathering place. The land was given to the city by J. Frank Devendorf known as the Father of Carmel-By-the-Sea. He along with developer Frank Powers founded the town in 1900. Fund raising to build the park was started in 1929 by Mattie Hopper. The park occupies the block at Ocean and Junipero Avenues. The best part of the park is how it invites you in. There are entry points at each corner and a generously wide set of steps into the park from Ocean Avenue.<br /><br />Second best are all the places to sit. At either side of the steps are twenty foot long stone benches, facing the street, that invite you to linger and people watch. There are stone benches at two of the four corner entries, another parallel to 6th Street, and both stone and modern wood benches within the park. Some stone benches have stone seats and others heavy wood timbers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXEGM-ZY7koddgmY3GKn8Dusa4mzO1qeeIj2V1y6p3_jS4h2tim5JHFNSbHYYy8zQWt-XeITt3A_fyw8zjPYZivKZ92ap35OB-6cB1DheHvm30QbN7rc3dcODuZus2-tcCO0WR9ceIJ4/s1600/Davendorf+Park+bench_resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486194393339778978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXEGM-ZY7koddgmY3GKn8Dusa4mzO1qeeIj2V1y6p3_jS4h2tim5JHFNSbHYYy8zQWt-XeITt3A_fyw8zjPYZivKZ92ap35OB-6cB1DheHvm30QbN7rc3dcODuZus2-tcCO0WR9ceIJ4/s320/Davendorf+Park+bench_resize.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The center is an expanse of lawn with a narrow, curving path that connects diagonally across the open space. This path can be seen in a circa 1940 photograph but at that time it was a serpentine line of stepping stones. There are a number of war memorials - each a bronze plaque set in a granite stone – simple, dignified monuments that honor their community’s heroes.<br /><br />In the original design stone was used to build the walls and for the paved areas. To make the park more accessible some of the paving stones have been lifted and re-set. In other places the original stone has been replace with concrete or exposed aggregate – less desirable but certainly better than introducing a totally different material like brick. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6VDZ9QLBuexnPb1ySCdIdJQrL3BOeMOo7JvhhpNFJOKFq4BtRjG0vHaRhP40slT9X-jfFHxdpDyZgA4JA-lQIAHOTW8qTy7_F8vEsPwQgwnoFQ-ecDGLRpoBiUrhu5UcZk8sfOK0_b0/s1600/Davendorf+Park+pond_resize.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486195652991217410" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6VDZ9QLBuexnPb1ySCdIdJQrL3BOeMOo7JvhhpNFJOKFq4BtRjG0vHaRhP40slT9X-jfFHxdpDyZgA4JA-lQIAHOTW8qTy7_F8vEsPwQgwnoFQ-ecDGLRpoBiUrhu5UcZk8sfOK0_b0/s320/Davendorf+Park+pond_resize.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There is a simple, oval-shaped pond – also seen in the 1940 picture postcard. Today, a cast pedestal fountain has been added. And, drinking fountains – features often omitted from today’s parks, to avoid clogging problems. At Devendorf hand-crafted stone fountains – each unique, are located at three of the four corner entries. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtY-ooV5psD1JrnG9X7O8IpMLEVrIHDMDtzKcCEhisf94QxSZG3hPHj6Tc6cspZbaKfwD5N_85-nwdkUNJA2rrDWBr5xbo-2rvs3RoVckirxElkIQubUYihqXT5vntJa1ySQe0z0M3BM/s1600/Davendorf+Park+drinking+fountain_resize.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486194764044432482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtY-ooV5psD1JrnG9X7O8IpMLEVrIHDMDtzKcCEhisf94QxSZG3hPHj6Tc6cspZbaKfwD5N_85-nwdkUNJA2rrDWBr5xbo-2rvs3RoVckirxElkIQubUYihqXT5vntJa1ySQe0z0M3BM/s320/Davendorf+Park+drinking+fountain_resize.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This well-maintained urban oasis is shaded by several massive live oaks. Flowering perennials accent the entry at the corner of Ocean and Junipero, and there are several very old camellia japonica along the Ocean Avenue edge. That edge is defined by large, rounded cobbles set on edge and mortared in place to form a curb 12 inches high.<br /><br />The entire time we spent here the park was being enjoyed by others. A family played a game on the lawn, another family sat on a group of benches, single men sat on the edge – one reading the other relaxing. Businessmen walked rapidly through the park and others walked around leisurely. This space offers a respite from the rigors of shops and galleries – a lasting gift from Frank Devendorf.</div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486195972108693522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8YtyRDySwM3UhX7127P2Xyex0thcz9Cj3M7_NqVFBEe-Pbh9wOjGrY4krjW_7-vEbj6lzTBuymLvzs7IWM7lHGdz0ng62fyK3n8JA_H-t_N0Ei2xTj8xmgYGMI8W82ZbissOD04mMFk/s320/Davendorf+Park+stone+wall_resize.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div>Chris Pattillo, FASLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16704980567217692969noreply@blogger.com5