The Friends of Edgewood celebrated their 10th anniversary in grand style on October 19^th. The celebration also marked the 10-year anniversary of the official designation of Edgewood County Park as a Natural Preserve.

The entire Day Camp field was transformed into a “Main Street” of 10 canopy booths, each highlighting a different area of activity at Edgewood in which the Friends are involved.

Former Edgewood resident Butch Taylor, 94, examines pictures of Edgewood’s history, including his own house

As a special treat, an 11^th booth was devoted to the Taylor family who used to live at Edgewood. Trish Taylor, who was raised in a house that was located approximately where the utility building now stands just above the Day Camp, was there with her parents Butch and Betty Lou, and uncle George. It was George who actually owned the house and property¹. They shared stories of what life was like for them while living in that house.

¹ Trish Taylor informed us after this article was published that the house and property were in fact owned by all 4 children of Benjamin Grant Taylor: Martha Anne Taylor Dobson (deceased), Benjamin Grant Taylor II, Elizabeth Louise Taylor (Betty Lou), and George Grunsky Taylor. George was the sole occupant when the property was taken by the State through eminent domain.

Dan Sullivan of Arguello Catering

The event was billed as an ice cream social, and thanks to a generous contribution from Dan Sullivan of Arguello Catering, guests were treated to delicious ice cream floats and sundaes with hot fudge and caramel toppings.

Stretching across the back of the Day Camp was a 40-foot long “Vision Wall” portraying the past, the present, and a vision of the future of Edgewood. Edgewood’s past was shown through historical pictures of key people and events that shaped the evolution of Edgewood. The present was represented as a list of activities that are currently underway at Edgewood. For the future, guests, were asked to create their personal message using construction paper and colored pens. The messages were then taped to blank poster boards.

Toward the end of the event, Friends President Kathy Korbholz asked everyone to congregate around the stage area in front of the Vision Wall. Kathy thanked the many people who had helped with the event, especially Peter Ingram, the event chair. Then Mary Burns, Director of Parks and Recreation for San Mateo County, spoke about the importance of volunteerism and preservation, and presented the Friends of Edgewood with a beautifully framed resolution from the Board of Supervisors recognizing the Friends’ contributions and achievements over the past 10 years.

With the assistance of various people who helped to stage the event, Kathy then conducted the raffle. Not unexpectedly, 10 prizes were awarded, the top prize being a Monterey Bay getaway package including 1 night’s lodging, 2 passes to the Aquarium, and a $25 meal certificate at a popular area restaurant.

An emotional Toni Corelli accepts her Best Friend award

To cap off the event, Kathy presented the annual Best Friend of Edgewood award. She started by introducing past winners, and then presented the award to Toni Corelli for her scientific research into the botany of Edgewood, for her many contributions to the Docent Program, and for “teaching us the secrets of Edgewood’s ecology, and reminding us to keep it safe.”

Throughout the day, performer Andy Zamanes provided musical entertainment for the kids.

Over 40 people volunteered on October 19^th to help put on the event. All told, more than 880 hours (about 5 full-time workmonths) were required to plan and execute this celebration.

It would be impossible to recognize everyone who contributed time and effort, but we can give credit to the individuals who created and staffed the booths and tables. We invite you to enjoy these photos, taken by Don and Judy Mason.

Ken Seydel

Julia Bott

Paul Heiple

Ken Himes, Carolyn Dorsch

Bill Korbholz (Jim Rea shown)

Julie Foster

Carol Hankermeyer

Bob Young, Yvette Pirie

Dana Wright

Carolyn Strange, John Allen

Nick Ramirez

Elly and Bob Hess

Peter Ingram