top of page
FRESH OFF THE PRESS!
Docent Donn Smith has been busy poking around the attic of the Mather Homestead and he's found treasures abound! Check out his blogs which document his findings including artifacts from 250 years of American life - a bible from 1743, a girl's dress from the 1860's, Stephen Mather's camera, a love letter written by Stephen Mather to his wife ❤️ and more. Oh the stories they tell!
National Geographic’s steady support and three moving recognitions of Stephen Mather
To encourage protection of America’s western natural wonders, Stephen Mather invited a number of influential individuals to join the...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Jul 7, 20241 min read
A Story in Herself: Isabelle Story and a letter to Stephen T. Mather
In Steve Mather of the National Parks, Robert Shankland writes “During the whole germination period, the Geological Survey, “the mother...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Jul 7, 20242 min read
Where worlds collide: A letter fromPalestine to Stephen T. Mather
In February 1929, Stephen Mather received a note on the letterhead of “Government of Palestine Deputy District Commissioner’s Offices,...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Jul 7, 20242 min read
George Putnam: Why is that name so familiar?
In 1926, Stephen Mather received a note of regret from Mr. and Mrs. George Putnam stating they couldn’t attend the National Parks...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Jun 14, 20241 min read
Charming the Prince…and a Royal Summons.
In his 1926 Annual Report to the Secretary of the Interior, Stephen Mather includes photos of the Prince of Sweden at Yellowstone and the...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Jun 14, 20242 min read
There at the beginning: Two More National Park “Fathers”
In a prior blog, we highlighted Ernest F. Coe, deemed the Father of the Everglades National Park. Within the correspondence to Stephen...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Jun 14, 20242 min read
Passion, perseverance, and a Welcome Center! Ernest Coe’s Quest for anEverglades National Park.
In January 1929, Stephen Mather received a letter from Ernest F. Coe, Chairman of “The Tropic Everglades Park Association,” soliciting...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Jun 14, 20241 min read
Steve, may we suggest where to rest? Plus, the “San Diego miracle cure!”
In November 1928, Frankin Roosevelt’s uncle, Frederic Delano, wrote to Stephen Mather and suggested that Stephen go to Warm Springs,...
Mather Homestead Foundation
May 4, 20242 min read
13,309 elk, a three-pound trout,Chief Snow White, and othertales from Yellowstone NP.
The 1929 NPS Director’s report to the Secretary of the Interior states that the recently counted elk population of Yellowstone National...
Mather Homestead Foundation
May 4, 20242 min read
Beep, beep…Cars Come to America’s National Parks.The growth of automobile traffic that has no signs of slowing down
Among the letters in the Stephen Mather archives is one from Neal Begley, President and General Manager of Hertz Driv-Ur-Self Stations in...
Mather Homestead Foundation
May 4, 20242 min read
Has your dentist ever asked for your autograph?
On February 5, 1929, Dr. W.S. Benedict wrote to Stephen Mather to express his feelings upon learning that Stephen had resigned from his...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Apr 26, 20241 min read
“…These are the best pictures of a ring-tailed cat which have come to my notice…”
Among the hundreds of typed and handwritten letters, telegrams, and invitation regrets and acceptances in the Bancroft Library archives...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Apr 26, 20241 min read
Shining A Light on the Mather Homestead Mourning Picture
In the southeast corner bedroom of the Homestead is a mourning picture remembering Deacon Joseph Mather and his wife Sarah. The...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Apr 22, 20241 min read
Summa cum Laude…Educators honor Stephen Mather Archived correspondence from Eight American College Leaders
The Mather Homestead archives hold Stephen Mather’s honorary degrees and academic hoods worn for ceremonies at the University of...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Apr 12, 20242 min read
Change of Plans: Bertha and the Architect Bertha Mather critiques the work of Thomas Harlan Ellett
In 1926, Stephen Mather commissioned Thomas Harlan Ellett for a major renovation and expansion of the Homestead. We have a letter that...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Apr 11, 20241 min read
Two Military Salutes to Stephen Tyng Mather Correspondence from Generals Hugh Scott and John Pershing
The archived letters at the Bancroft Library reveal not only the depth of respect and admiration felt for Stephen Mather, but its breadth...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Mar 26, 20242 min read
Stephen Mather Letters from Friends in High Places Excerpts of correspondence from American religious leaders
Among the letters archived in the Bancroft Library are several from leading clergy who knew Stephen and shared their respect and...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Mar 25, 20242 min read
Save me a seat…Bear Mountain, May 27, 1933 The Unveiling of the Stephen T. Mather Tablet
An earlier blog (Saturday in the Park with Eleanor), looked at Eleanor Roosevelt’s participation in the dedication of the Mather plaque...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Mar 25, 20241 min read
“…our rail business…has increased about 100 percent…” From the rails to the trails…National Parks and western railroads.
In a July 1929 letter to Stephen Mather, William Basinger, Passenger Traffic Manager of the Union Pacific System wrote in part: “The...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Mar 25, 20242 min read
“Civilizing the Wild West” one restaurant at a time Stephen Mather and the Concessionaire Extraordinaire
Before there were HoJos, or Holiday Inns, there was Fred Harvey. In his 1926 Annual Report of the National Park Service, Stephen Mather...
Mather Homestead Foundation
Mar 11, 20242 min read
bottom of page