Henry F. Dickinson

Henry F. Dickinson (March 22, 1873 – April 8, 1961) was an American lawyer who made significant contributions to the community of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He and his wife helped organize the Carmel Music Society that became the Carmel Bach Festival. He designed the Henry Dickinson House on Carmel Point that served as a host to visiting musicians. He was president of the  Forest Theater Association and built many of the sets. He was a member of the first local planning commission and drew up a master plan for the area. He served on the boards of the first bank in Carmel and the Peninsula Community Hospital, as well as helping to establish the Devendorf Park.

Early life 

Dickinson was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 22, 1873. His father was Henry Bridgeman Dickinson (1832-1916) and mother was Mary Elizabeth Martin (1838-1933). His father played a pioneering role in the sewing-machine industry and had a longstanding association with the manufacturing company, Grover & Baker. He married Edith Catherine Colebrooke (1877–1950) on June 27, 1901, in Evanston, Illinois. Her father was a Chicago lawyer and author of a law publication entitled ''Collateral Securities."

During their marriage, they had four children named Elizabeth, Henry, Edith, and Bill. Tragically, his youngest son Seaman William "Bill" Colebrooke Dickinson was killed in action while serving with the Merchant Marine during World War II.

After attending Rockford High School and Northwestern Military Academy, Dickinson spent two years studying at a Latin School in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, immersing himself in a different culture and broadening his global perspective. Upon his return to the United States, Dickinson attended Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest, Illinois. He later entered the law department of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, graduating in 1896 with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He played end for three years on the undefeated Wisconsin Big Ten football team of the 1890s.

Professional background

Dickinson obtained his law degree from Harvard University and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1898. For years, he practiced as an attorney in Chicago, building a successful career. However, in 1922, at the age of 48, he made the decision to retire from his law practice. The growth of his legal career had come at a cost—he realized that it was preventing him from fully embracing life with his family and pursuing the interests that held true value to him.

Having visited California on a business trip, Dickinson was captivated by its allure. After spending a year in Woodstock, New York, he made the choice to relocate his family to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, a community he believed would offer them a more enriching experience.

Henry Dickinson House

Dickinson purchased land on Carmel Point, situated at the southern city limits of Carmel-by-the-Sea. There, he designed a two-story American Craftsman-style residence with a sloping shake roof. This home, known as the Henry Dickinson House, can be found at 26363 Isabella Avenue. Master builder M. J. Murphy built the house in 1923, creating one of the area's earliest residences. The Dickinson House served not only as a residence for Henry and his wife, but also as a hub for artistic gatherings, fostering a sense of community among artists, musicians, and intellectuals.

Within Dickinson's residence, one would find a library boasting an assortment of African art, crafts, and weapons. Additionally, adorning the walls were the stuffed heads of animals that he had hunted during his big game expeditions. Furthermore, his home housed a valuable collection of American Indian art and crafts, showing his appreciation for indigenous culture. Among the furnishings of the house were notable pieces crafted by Dickinson himself in his woodworking shop, a space where he spent pursuing his hobby.

Dickinson developed a friendship with Ralph Fletcher Seymour, an artist, author, and publisher based in Chicago. Seymour went on to construct "Cypress House" in 1926, situated on Valley View Avenue on Carmel Point.

Carmel Music Society

In collaboration between Henry F. Dickinson and his wife Edith, and Dene Denny and Hazel Watrous, they played a pivotal role in the formation of the Carmel Music Society that became the Carmel Bach Festival. Henry became the organization's first treasurer and Edith, a talented pianist, served as one of its first presidents. The Dickinson's also helped organize a 40-piece children's orchestra.

Other activities

Dickinson's dedication to the arts extended to his involvement with the Forest theater Association, where he served as president for an eight-year tenure. He also contributed to the production of numerous plays by constructing many of the sets. During the challenging times of the Great Depression, he orchestrated the transition of the theater to become a city property. He raised the necessary funds to pay off $2,000 () in taxes and secure the property for future artistic endeavors.

Dickinson's contributions to Carmel were extensive and diverse. As a member of the inaugural local planning commission, he drafted a comprehensive master plan for the area and effectively fought against a coastal development project. He held positions on the board of directors for the new Carmel Bank, the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, and the Carmel Sanitary District for five years. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in establishing Devendorf Park, the town's main public park. Dickinson advocated for preserving Carmel's unique charm by resisting the implementation of regulated sidewalks, house numbers, and mail delivery.

Following his wife's passing on January 14, 1950, Dickinson embraced a solitary life. However, he frequently extended invitations to guests for dinner, personally preparing and serving the meals. Dickinson's philosophy of life and warm hospitality created memories for those who were fortunate enough to join him at dinner.

Death

On April 8, 1961, Dickinson passed away at his home on Carmel Point, at the age of 88. Funeral services took place at the Little Chapel-by-the-Sea, with the Chaplain John R. Wright officiating.

Legacy

Dickinson's legacy encompasses his contributions to the arts and establishment of the Carmel Music Society, his architectural vision realized in the Henry Dickinson House, his preservationist efforts to protect Carmel's unique charm and fight against unwanted development, and his dedication to his family and community.

See also
 List of Historic Homes in Carmel Point
 Timeline of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

References

External links
 
 Southern California Architectural History
 Carmel Adventures of A Home Town Tourist

1873 births
1961 deaths
People from Missouri
People from Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Lawyers from St. Louis
Lake Forest Academy alumni
Wisconsin Badgers football players
Harvard Law School alumni