Title
A Shade of History, 50th anniversary school composition, May 31, 1977Description
Handwritten seventh-grade school composition titled A Shade of History, prepared in connection with Rancho Santa Fe’s 50th anniversary in 1977. Richard Schulte recounts the history of eucalyptus planting in Rancho Santa Fe, beginning with the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company’s acquisition of the San Dieguito Land Grant and plans to grow eucalyptus for railroad ties. The essay describes a reforestation effort supported by Theodore Roosevelt, the importation of eucalyptus seed from Australia, and the planting of millions of seedlings of numerous varieties. Schulte explains that experiments found eucalyptus wood unsuitable for holding railroad spikes, leaving the trees to mature throughout the community, where he describes them as a lasting feature of Rancho Santa Fe’s landscape and history. 2017.011.054Creator
Schulte, RichardDate(s) of Creation
May 31, 1977
