Books
Chasing Spring Autographed Book by Ernest Wertheim
- Item Number
- 135
- Estimated Value
- Priceless
- Sold
- 9 USD to jbwl3854
The winning bid will go to FrontStream Global Fund (tax ID 26-3265577), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, which will send the donation to MNLA Foundation (tax ID 411916629) on behalf of the winner.
- Number of Bids
- 1 - Bid History
Item Description
On Aug. 4, the horticultural community grieved the loss of Ernest Wertheim, a beloved icon in the garden center and landscaping industry. Ernest was born on Dec. 30, 1919, and persevered through much hardship during his early life. As detailed in his memoir, "Chasing Spring," Ernest fled Nazi Germany in 1938 and arrived in America, where he later served in WWII. He settled in San Francisco in 1940 to practice landscape architecture, and became the renowned expert the garden center industry knows today.
The book recounts the life of a boy born in Berlin, becoming a landscape architect, fleeing to safety in the United States, being inducted into the US Army as an enemy alien, providing intelligence that saved countless lives, ultimately working directly with General Douglas MacArthur in the Pacific.
Ernest’s bright light will live on in his family, friends, colleagues, clients and countless projects along with the many lessons taught along the way.
The last passage of his book:
“A Place to Rest”
On the upper part of the mountain in Alpine Meadows there is a steep slope that is covered with striking Sierra primroses (Primula suffrutescens). The perennials, endemic to California, come out after the snow has melted. For years our family would hike up the mountain to see them in bloom which, depending on the season, is in mid-July or early August.
It is on the mountain in Alpine among the primroses where both Margrit and I would like to be put to rest. We hope our ashes will provide some nutrients for these beautiful plants, just as my relationship with plants has nourished me. My love affair has been with me through the innocence of childhood, the nightmares of Nazi Germany, the separations and losses of loved ones, the horrors of the battlefield, the transcendent landscapes, the gift of good friends, the joy of family and many lessons I’ve learned that humbled me and hopefully made me a better person. How lucky I have been.
Item Special Note
This item can be picked up from MNLA office or shipped to the winner.
Donated By:
MNLA Foundation stores data...
Your support matters, so MNLA Foundation would like to use your information to keep in touch about things that may matter to you. If you choose to hear from MNLA Foundation, we may contact you in the future about our ongoing efforts.
Your privacy is important to us, so MNLA Foundation will keep your personal data secure and MNLA Foundation will not use it for marketing communications which you have not agreed to receive. At any time, you may withdraw consent by emailing Privacy@frontstream.com or by contacting our Privacy Officer. Please see our Privacy Policy found here PrivacyPolicy.