Founder Region History

I was born Violet Richardson in Summit, New Jersey on August 27, 1888, the third child and second daughter of John Meade Richardson and Lucy Shipgood Richardson, who emigrated three years earlier from Great Britain.

Father worked for a number of railroads and insurance companies during the years of my youth. As a result of our constant moving I received my early education at home, as well as in a number of schools. As a teenager I had dreams of becoming an artist. I was lucky to have received a scholarship to attend the Pratt and Carnegie Institutes of Art while it was possible. We didn’t stay in one place very long so my attendance was short!

In 1907 we moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. I was excited and 19. I finished my high school education that year at the San Francisco Girls High School. After graduation I enrolled at the University of California in Berkeley as an art major, but I soon realized that my passion was in health and physical education. I guess, one might say that I was a pioneer in this field!
In 1911, while a student at the University of California, I organized the Berkeley Women’s Gymnasium and one year later I received my degree in Physical Culture, which became known as health and physical education in later years. It was also at the University when I established a women’s hiking club so that women could enjoy the pleasures of the Berkeley hills on Sundays and holidays. There were funny stories about me hiking with my shotgun in hand, but it was necessary — since there were rattlesnakes in those hills!

In 1916 I received my Master’s Degree from the same university. While in my second year of study, I began to teach physical education classes to the underclassmen at the university, and substituted in the physical education departments at Mills and Holy Names Colleges in nearly Oakland.

After 41 years with the Berkeley School District, I retired. However, as one might expect, I did not stay still. I traveled and was very active. So active that in my retirement years, I broke both hips, a leg and even had a severe concussion while traveling in Sweden. But, it took more than broken bones and a concussion to slow me down! I recovered from all and was just like new again! I am proud to say that I have led a full and rewarding life, and at the age of 90 I died in Danville, California at the home of my son John with my eight grandchildren at my side.

I guess in looking over my long life one could say that “I made a difference!” One might call me a “pioneer” in physical culture. I worked tirelessly for people to understand the importance of health and physical education for our young people, especially for young women. Because of my constant nagging and in the face attitude, physical education became a required subject in the Berkeley School District’s curriculum for both girls and boys, which preceded by several years any California state law requirements. It was rather fun to see the response of the public when my girl students took the field to play basketball, or other so-called “male sports” wearing their “bloomers”!

I also feel good about making a difference for women in helping to organize and develop the Soroptimist organization. I know that every person, working at the best of his or her ability, is necessary for a successful society. I think that my work in Soroptimist is best summarized by my statement made at the end of my presidency of the Alameda County Club: “Let us continue the work together and with others, toward the development of a better womanhood, a better manhood, and a better citizenship.

Under the direction of Governor Ruth Thomas Heitfield of Sacramento, the Redwood Grove in Prairie Creek State park was purchased by the clubs in Southwestern Region. The grove, consisting of 40 acres of old growth redwood, fir, and other species of trees, was purchased through the Save the Redwoods League for $10,000. The clubs donated $5,000 with the State of California matching that amount.Club members in the Region made voluntary contributions towards the purchase of the grove, and at the Region Conference presided over by Governor Ruth, there remained a balance of $600 yet to be paid. Soroptimist International of Eureka sent a rhododendron plant to the conference to be raffled. At the Sunday morning breakfast opportunities were sold, and the balance was raised, with a surplus, and given to the Region Fellowship Fund.

The grove was officially dedicated on August 14, 1949 by Past Governor Ruth Thomas Heitfield and Governor Emily Zeigler. Many Soroptimists from throughout the Region attended the service.

In 1951 death claimed a member of Soroptimist International of Eureka. The idea was conceived to plant a rhododendron in her memory. This practice continued for a number of years and was later discontinued for the rhododendrons were not growing well in the deep shade of the grove.

In 1958, Soroptimist International of Eureka purchased and installed a bronze box and door, adorned with the Soroptimist insignia and etched rhododendron spray. In October 1958 the first Memorial Service was held at the grove. The names of 154 deceased members were placed in the niche.

It was soon after this first service the second Sunday in June was established as the annual Memorial Service.

In 1960, Wilfred Keene donated $50 in memory of his wife to Soroptimist International of Alameda. Save the Redwoods League and the State Park Officials had a rustic bench, carved from a log placed here in memory of Eleanor Keene.