Volvophiles Trek to the Woods

In 1892, the San Diego City Council granted horticulturist Kate Sessions (1857-1940) a lease on 30 acres of the 1400 acre City Park for use as a nursery; in return, Sessions agreed to provide City Park 100 planted trees a year for 10 years. Anyone who has ever planted a tree can identify with this quote attributed to Sessions: “Put a 50 cent tree in a $5.00 hole.” By 1900, the city had so many trees that they were offered for free to anyone willing to plant them along the streets. The heart of San Diego’s urban forest, Balboa Park (formerly known as City Park) and surrounding areas, got their start from these past plantings.

Those fortunate enough to attend the SDVSA 2002 Holiday Party hosted at the home of Richard Pattee and Darcy Bergh enjoyed the urban tree canopy originally started by Kate Sessions, “Mother of Balboa Park.” Built on a slope in a small canyon, amongst a grove of Eucalyptus trees, Richard and Darcy's house is located at the end of tree-lined 28th Street, directly adjacent to the eastern border of Balboa Park. A simple bungalow with lots of character, this redwood framed structure exhibits Craftsman (Arts & Crafts) styling of the early 1900s; such as built-in bookshelves with lead-glass doors, an exterior surrounded by a veranda with overhanging eaves and uncomplicated columns, retaining walls and fireplace of river stone, abundant vegetation – and with a pool of vintage Volvos out front – one gets the feeling that all these things naturally belong together, including Richard’s TP21 military command vehicle!

Interestingly, member Richard Hunt recalled when he had been to this exact home approximately fifteen years earlier. As a real estate appraiser he was hired by the owner to appraise the property so it could be sold. The then-current tenant apparently did not wish to

relocate, so while Richard went about his job this lady did voodoo on him, culminating with the chopping of a live chicken’s head! Richard proceeded with the work at hand and said he experienced no ill effects from this encounter.

All those in attendance brought side dishes, and under the skillful culinary execution of Chapter Coordinator Russ Orrell, the SDVSA tradition of ham and (smoked) turkey as the main course continued, as did the collecting of stuffed animals for donation to a local children’s charity.

The evening culminated with the customary White Elephant Gift Exchange. With the allowable number of gift acquisitions (i.e., legal takes) restored back to three, the exchange was livened when the most desirable items changed ownership several times. Some of the most sought after gifts were an upscale Volvo embossed sweatshirt taken home by Marsha Dickerson, and a “Lucas: Prince of Darkness” T-shirt that in-the-end became Diane Jankowski’s. In addition, Jeff Perry was spared the loss of a desirable T-shirt featuring a red P1800 that closely resembles one he allegedly owns.

     Orange County member and all-around good sport, David Hunt, experienced the most gifts taken.

     SDVSA Membership Coordinator Kurt Sievert was honored for his contributions to the club with an award and a gift certificate to a bicycle store.

     Thank you Richard and Darcy for inviting us into your charming home and making yet another memorable SDVSA Holiday Party. Additionally, we note the memory of Kate Sessions for her vision and life’s work ultimately contributed to this day’s beautiful surroundings.