Poet/author Joaquin Miller spent his last decades on his 75-acre estate, The Hights, planting about 75,000 trees, farming, entertaining, writing. Learn about his life with his wife Abigail, and daughter Juanita. Visit the Abbey, the Follies, and monuments that survive, more than 100 years later. The WPA Cascades and Woodminster Theatre were Juanita’s idea, a tribute to the poets and writers of California. Hear about current restoration projects and issues at the park. A hilly walk.
Tour Leader: Dale Risden
Meet: The Abbey, aka Joaquin Miller House, is a small white house in the park adjacent to the Road, but has no street number. Approximately located at 3020 Joaquin Miller Road. Look for the OHA’s banner!
Bio: Dale Risden is Chair of “Friends of Joaquin Miller Park” and has led the effort to restore JM Abbey. His current effort is restoring the Cascade Reflecting Pool and Fountain and organizing community projects to reduce fire issues within the Park. Dale has been recognized with several Partners in Preservation Awards for his work.
NOTES:
• PLEASE MEET 15 MINUTES BEFORE listed time to allow for registration.
• Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats and sunscreen are recommended. Bring water.
• Vouchers, limited-income accommodation, and any other special circumstances will be handled onsite at the starting point on the day of the walking tour. Check your email the morning of the walking tour for any last-minute changes, clarifications, or cancellation.
• Due to the ongoing presence of Covid, we will continue to make masks available. If you feel ill the day of a tour, please stay home. If after a tour, you become ill and test positive, please let us know as soon as possible. Thank you.
• Please visit our website www.oaklandheritage.org for profiles of tour leaders. We are grateful for their skill and generosity.
• These tours support Oakland Heritage Alliance, a non-profit that tells Oakland’s story through walking tours, lectures, newsletters and advocacy. We welcome volunteers and new members!
• THESE TOURS ARE BASED IN PART on the research of the Oakland Cultural Heritage Survey, a project of the City of Oakland Strategic Planning Division, and the resources of the Oakland History Center, 2nd floor, Oakland Main Library.