Ernest Wertheim is more than simply a San Francisco landscape architect and garden center expert known around the world. He fled Nazi Germany while being fired upon, arriving in America in December of 1938. Then, as World War II broke out, served in the Pacific Theater as an intelligence officer for General MacArthur, all the while taking note of the horticulture around him. His incredible life story will leave you breathless.
"During my youth, in the Germany of the 1920s, my country was in chaos, defeated by war, and in economic crisis. But all I could see was the crocus, the lavender and golden flower, poking its way above the snow after a long and colorless winter. The sight was exhilarating to my young eyes. How brave the crocus was withstanding the cold to announce springtime had come to Hamburg..."
"During my youth, in the Germany of the 1920s, my country was in chaos, defeated by war, and in economic crisis. But all I could see was the crocus, the lavender and golden flower, poking its way above the snow after a long and colorless winter. The sight was exhilarating to my young eyes. How brave the crocus was withstanding the cold to announce springtime had come to Hamburg..."
Ernest Wertheim
Ernest has been practicing landscape architecture in San Francisco since 1940, but it was only in recent years that stories of his holocaust survival, escape from Germany, immigration to the US and subsequent World War II service in the Pacific began to be told at dinner table conversations.
Ernest was persuaded to put his memories in a book, and with the help of Linda Hamilton, who did the writing, "Chasing Spring" was born. This book captures the life of an amazing man, who is still optimistic and active today.
Ernest was persuaded to put his memories in a book, and with the help of Linda Hamilton, who did the writing, "Chasing Spring" was born. This book captures the life of an amazing man, who is still optimistic and active today.
Ernest, with his keen mind, bravely faced the realities of war and not only survived but also thrived. All his life, he has cherished the value of family and friends, finding beauty in nature and people. This book will strengthen your belief in our ability to overcome life's severe challenges.
Chasing Spring may be purchased from
Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore, or online at: Lulu.com.
Alden Lane Nursery
981 Alden Lane Nursery
Livermore, CA 94550
925 447-0280
email jacquie@aldenlane.com
(Shipping Available)
Chasing Spring may be purchased from
Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore, or online at: Lulu.com.
Alden Lane Nursery
981 Alden Lane Nursery
Livermore, CA 94550
925 447-0280
email jacquie@aldenlane.com
(Shipping Available)
Chasing Spring
Wertheim, van der Ploeg, & Klemeyer
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, & Planning
2145 NINETEENTH AVE #2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116
TEL. 415-664-0832 FAX 415-664-0102 E-mail wvk@wvkdesign.com
Copyright Ernest Wertheim 2016
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, & Planning
2145 NINETEENTH AVE #2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116
TEL. 415-664-0832 FAX 415-664-0102 E-mail wvk@wvkdesign.com
Copyright Ernest Wertheim 2016
Ernest is still active at 96, arriving at the office by 6:00 am. to accommodate phone calls from across US time zones. He may be found catching a transit train for consulting or speaking across the bay, across the continent, or around the world.
Ernest makes his home in both San Francisco and Alpine Meadows with his wife of 73 years, Margrit.
Ernest and Margrit were founding members of Alpine Meadows and have skied even into recent years.
Ernest makes his home in both San Francisco and Alpine Meadows with his wife of 73 years, Margrit.
Ernest and Margrit were founding members of Alpine Meadows and have skied even into recent years.
My beloved bride, Margrit
One of the last photos with my mother
Consulting with General MacArthur in the Philippines
An early brochure cover photographed by Ansel Adams
