TALKS AND INTERVIEWS

Olmsted and Yosemite: Civil War, Abolition, and the National Park Idea

In their book Olmsted and Yosemite: Civil War, Abolition, and the National Park Idea, Rolf Diamant and Ethan Carr identify a connection between the civil war, abolition, and the dawn of urban and national parks via the life of Frederick Law Olmsted. In this talk presented by CGLHS on June 1, 2022, the authors describe their research into the turbulent decade during which the United States engaged in civil war, abolished slavery, and saw Yosemite emerge as a public park. View the video at: https://youtu.be/M47pJ0UwXbk

The Garden History of the Monterey Peninsula

David Laws, past vice-president of CGLHS, presents “The Garden History of the Monterey Peninsula” based on his Fall 2016 Eden article of the same name.  From the Spanish and Mexican-era adobes of the Monterey Historic Park District to the grounds of the former Hotel del Monte, and the estates of Pebble Beach, landscaping styles across the Monterey Peninsula span basic kitchen gardens and private, walled compounds to Rudolf Ulrich’s “Cornucopia of the world’s flora” and civic projects by modernist masters Lawrence Halprin and Garret Ekbo. His talk begins after the introduction, 6 minutes into the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT7wQfD-2qU

Oral History of David Streatfield 

David Streatfield is emeritus professor of Landscape Architecture and Design and Planning.at the University of Washington. He has a long and distinguished career in the teaching and practice of landscape architecture and is well known to members of CGLHS for his book California Gardens: Creating a New Eden. On May 27, 2021, David recorded an oral history on his life and career with David Laws, former Vice President of CGLHS.

Click here to read a transcript of the interview.

Click here to watch a video of the interview.

Oral History of Christy O'Hara

Christine Edstrom O'Hara, past president of CGLHS, talked about her life and career as an educator, landscape architect, and historian in a conversation with David Laws in January 2021. The influence of landscape historian David Streatfield informed O'Hara's dogged pursuit of a career practicing and teaching design and landscape preservation. 

• Click here to view a video recording of their conversation. 
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• Landscape Photography
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• In an online talk on Wednesday, November 10^th, 2021, in partnership with the California Preservation Foundation (CPF), CGLHS presented the unique approaches to landscape photography of Millicent Harvey and Stephen Schafer. Ms. Harvey’s work is familiar to CGLHS members for her luminous images of the Smoke Trees of Palm Springs in the Spring 2020 issue of Eden magazine. Mr. Schafer has recorded images for numerous HABS, HAER, and HALS reports. Capturing a historic landscape requires an intentional approach behind the camera, whether the goal is exhibition or documentation. Harvey and Schafer share insights into their professional yet distinct practices and examples of their work. View a video recording of the talk here
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• Apples & Ciders & Trees (oh, my!)

A CGLHS special event on October 13^th, 2021 focused on apples, cider, and orchards with a view into the life and accomplishments of the pomologist and plant breeder, Albert Felix Etter. One of the most talented plant breeders of the 20th century, Mr. Etter established a homestead experiment station amongst the wilderness of the Lost Coast in Humboldt County where he bred new varieties of fruit, nuts, and grain. The speakers were Tom Hart co-owner of Humboldt Cider Company in Eureka, CA. and Brandon Buza is a San Francisco-based fermentation geek with a passion for cider, wine, and all things sourdough. View a video recording of the event here.  

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