Articles

4 0681.24 PH BDBTH NDEe

From the beginning her garden was her great love. Built specifically to attract birds; it featured native plantings to provide appropriate habitat supplemented by well-supplied feeders and the featured birdbath. (ERVHS-Pratt Collection)

3 0679.30 PRATT FAC PLANTe

About the same time, planting in front of the house. At this time her “days were filled with activity all geared to the outdoors. Those who remember her well, often comment about her boundless energy. She could crowd lectures, demonstrations, a study course and still have time to “bird watch” and write about her experiences far into the night; then up at sunrise, watching the birds have their early breakfast.” (quote Eagle Rock Sentinel- Nelda Thompson, photo ERVHS-Pratt Collection)

2 1914 CA 0678 e

Twenty nine year old, Helen Steele Pratt and her mother Frances moved to a rural and natural Eagle Rock in 1913 at 29. She was born in Joy Prairie, Illinois then a village in a vast forest. She graduated from Oberlin College in 1906 majoring in botany and ornithology. Their house on Ridgeview was built with her loving care and detailed supervision. (ERVHS-Pratt Collection)

1 1909 0160.10 PRATT ROCK

Miss Pratt is depicted in the then wild canyon below the Eagle Rock with its riparian life. Outdoor excursions were a favorite activity. She led groups of students and Audubon society members on hikes in the Eagle Rock area finding then abundant wildlife. (ERVHS-Pratt Collection)

6996012

The Parker’s fountain was the first “swimming pool”, and the avenue below their house, now Dahlia Drive, became the first “park”. Elena Frackelton Murdoch wrote “The band used to practice there on Sunday mornings, their specialty was “Stella”. As the band members were from many families “Stella” was well sung and whistled.” Photo courtesy of the Elena Frackelton Murdock Family, CA 1900.

011 P W PARKER H M B’85

The Parker Property on Dahlia Drive The house was named “Rosemont Villa” for the prize roses grown on the hill around the house. Phillip Walter Parker organized the Eagle Rock School district and was trustee from Eagle Rock of the Union High School District. With Edward D. Goode, and James W. Gates he was instrumental in bringing Huntington’s trolleys to Eagle Rock. His wife the former Ruth M. Orchard, depicted on the steps, held the first Sunday school in the parlor.- Photo courtesy of the Elena Frackelton Murdock Family, CA 1900.

Recent Articles