Theodore Parker Lukens | |
|---|---|
 Lukens c. 1890 | |
| 4th Mayor of Pasadena | |
| In office May 1890 – May 1892 | |
| Preceded by | Amos G. Throop |
| Succeeded by | Oscar F. Weed |
| 6th Mayor of Pasadena | |
| In office May 1894 – December 1895 | |
| Preceded by | Oscar F. Weed |
| Succeeded by | John S. Cox |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 6, 1848 New Concord, Ohio |
| Died | July 1, 1918 (aged 69) Pasadena, California |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Charlotte Dyer (1871 - 1905), H. Sibyl Swett (1906 - 1918) |
| Children | Helen Lukens Gaut (m. Feb.19, 1906 - James H. Gaut) |
| Parent(s) | William E. Lukens, Margaret Cooper |
| Profession | Forester, conservationist |
Theodore Parker Lukens (October 6, 1848 – July 1, 1918) was an American conservationist, real estate investor, civic leader, and forester who believed that burned over mountains could again be covered in timber which would protect watersheds. Lukens collected pine cones and seeds of different types and conducted experimental plantings on the mountain slopes above Pasadena, California. His perseverance earned him the name "Father of Forestry."[1]
Lukens established Henninger Flats tree nursery, which provided seed stock for an estimated 70,000 trees.[2] He worked for the United States Forest Service and was acting supervisor of the San Gabriel Timberland Reserve and the San Bernardino Forest Reserve in 1906.[3]
Lukens served two terms as mayor of Pasadena and was active in municipal and civic affairs of early-day Pasadena.[4] Prior to becoming mayor, Lukens was involved in an anti-Chinese movement that culminated in racist riots against Chinese American residents and businesses in what is now Old Town Pasadena and an official ordinance barring anyone of Chinese ancestry from the city. [5]Lukens remained prominent in civic and conservation issues until his death in 1918.[6]
- ^ Godfrey, Anthony pp. 34-35
- ^ Angeles National Forest Fire Lookout Association Newsletter, p.4
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Sargent66was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
Wood199was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Coleman, Andre (8 April 2022). "Pasadena Heritage Wants City to Issue Apology For 1885 Riot That Forced Out Chinese Residents". Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ Sierra Club's John Muir Exhibit.