Grace Richardson Butterfield facts for kids

Grace Belle Richardson Butterfield (born March 10, 1879 – died July 26, 1962) was an important woman who held many leadership roles in California. Her father, Herbert Archer Richardson, was a very successful businessman in the timber and shipping industries. Grace was active in many women's clubs and was even a top leader for the Eastern Star group in California.

Grace's Early Life

Grace Belle Richardson was born in a place called Stewarts Point, California. Her parents were Herbert Archer Richardson and Althea Ella Ball. They got married in Lisbon, New Hampshire, before moving to California in 1876. Grace was the oldest of three children. Her brothers were Archer Herbert Richardson and Fontaine Harold Richardson.

Grace's Involvement with the Eastern Star

Grace was a member of the Harmony chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. This is a group that focuses on charity, truth, and loving kindness. In 1933, Grace was chosen as the California Worthy Grand Matron. This was a very important position! To celebrate, she traveled all over California. She spoke at many Eastern Star events, including the 50th Anniversary of the Adin Chapter in Bieber, California. She also attended a big party held by the Santa Cruz chapter at the Casa del Rey.

Grace's Work with Women's Clubs

Grace was also very involved with the General Federation of Women's Clubs. This organization brings together women's clubs to work on community projects and social issues. Grace was the President of the City and County Federation of Women's Clubs in San Francisco. She also led the Junior Membership group at both the state and district levels. Grace was a Director for the Western Women's Club and President of the To Kalon Club. She was also a member of the League of Women's Voters, a group that encourages people to vote.

The "Gracie Belle" Ships

Grace's father, Herbert Archer Richardson, owned many ships. He loved his daughter so much that he named two of his ships after her! They were called the "Gracie Belle Richardson #1" and "Gracie Belle Richardson #2." These ships sailed along the California coast in the late 1800s.

Sadly, both ships faced trouble near the rocky Sonoma coastline. One ship was lost at Fisk Mill Cove in the 1880s. The second "Gracie Belle" ship was lost in 1892. After these events, Grace's father decided he would never name another ship after her.

Grace and California State Parks

In 1936, the Governor of California, Frank Merriam, chose Grace to join the California State Parks Commission. This commission helps manage and protect California's beautiful state parks.

Grace traveled to all 70 of the State Parks in California while she was on the commission. She also gave talks across the state, teaching people about the parks. Her statewide tour began in March 1936. She visited Armstrong Woods with James Snook, who was in charge of the California State Parks Division. They checked on the building of an amphitheater there. On the same trip, they also visited General Vallejo's home and the Sonoma Mission.

In the fall of 1936, Grace and other park commissioners started a special effort. They worked to save the giant redwood trees along the highway near Benbow and north of Eureka.

Grace's Personal Life

Grace was born on March 10, 1879, in Stewarts Point, California. Her parents were Herbert Archer Richardson and Althea Ella Ball. She married an accountant named John Edward "Jack" Butterfield from Healdsburg, California. Grace and Jack made their home in San Francisco.

Besides their San Francisco home, Grace and her husband also owned a large ranch. It was 2,400 acres big and located at Russian Gulch, a few miles north of Jenner, California. Grace and Jack did not have any children.