Russell K. Pitzer facts for kids
Russell Kelly Pitzer (born September 3, 1878 – died July 1978) was an American orange farmer and a generous person who gave a lot of money to good causes. He started Pitzer College in Claremont, California. He also helped the Pomona Valley Community Hospital (now called the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center) in Pomona and supported many other local projects in the Pomona Valley.
Early Life and Education
Russell Kelly Pitzer was born in Mills County, Iowa. He was the youngest of four children. His parents were Samuel Collins Pitzer and Alice Kelly Pitzer. His family moved a few times, living in Brown County, Nebraska and Boulder, Colorado. They finally settled down in Pomona, California.
Russell went to Pomona College in Claremont, California. He finished his studies there in 1900. After that, he studied law at Hastings Law School in San Francisco. This school was part of the University of California, Berkeley.
A Career in Law and Oranges
In 1903, Russell Pitzer earned his law degree. He then came back to Pomona. He joined a law firm there and later worked as the City Attorney for Claremont.
In 1912, he bought an orange grove. He quickly became very successful in the citrus business. He owned many orange groves. Because his orange business grew so much, he spent less time working as a lawyer. He also became a leader in other local businesses. These included the Pomona Valley Telephone and Telegraph Union and the Home Builders Savings and Loan Association.
Helping the Community
As Russell Pitzer became more successful, he started to help his community. He gave money and support to the Pomona Valley Community Hospital. He also helped the Claremont Colleges. He played a part in starting Claremont Men's College (now Claremont McKenna College) and Harvey Mudd College.
In 1963, he took the lead in creating Pitzer College. Because of his important role, Pitzer College chose the orange tree as its special symbol. This honors his connection to orange farming.
Family Life
In 1903, Russell Pitzer married Flora Sanborn. They had one child together, a son named Kenneth S. Pitzer, who was born in 1914. Flora S. Pitzer passed away in 1927. Later, Russell married Ina Scott.
