Zelma Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zelma Wilson
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Zelma Gussin
November 23, 1918 |
| Died | May 10, 1996 (aged 77) |
| Occupation | Architect |
Zelma Wilson (born November 23, 1918 – died May 10, 1996) was an American architect. She mostly designed buildings in California. She was known for creating many community buildings like schools and libraries.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Zelma Gussin was born in New York City. Her parents were immigrants from Russia. She and her older sister grew up in Santa Paula, California. Their mother, Rose, owned a shop.
Zelma went to Santa Paula Union High School. She played on the tennis team there. She studied art at the University of California Berkeley. Later, she also studied at the California Institute of Technology.
In 1947, she graduated from the USC School of Architecture. She was the only woman in her class.
Career as an Architect
In 1948, Zelma Wilson worked as a draftsperson. She helped draw plans for the Los Angeles City Planning Department. In 1952, she moved to France with her family. This was because her husband faced difficulties in his career due to political reasons.
While in Paris, Zelma studied sculpture at the École des Beaux-Arts. She earned her architecture license in 1957. She worked with famous architects like Richard Neutra and Victor Gruen.
The Wilsons came back to California in 1964. They settled in Ojai.
Opening Her Own Firm
Zelma Wilson opened her own architecture business in Ojai in 1967. It was called Zelma Wilson and Associates, AIA. She mainly designed buildings for communities. These included schools, churches, and libraries.
She also designed private homes and banks. She even designed a bridge. In 1977, she became president of the Ventura County branch of the AIA. The AIA is the American Institute of Architects. In 1983, she was named a Fellow of the AIA. This is a high honor for architects.
Other Contributions
Besides her firm, Wilson taught architecture. She lectured at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also helped the California State Governors Emergency Task Force. This group worked on preparing for earthquakes.
Zelma was very active in her community in Ojai. She helped with "Ojai Beautiful" and downtown improvements. She also worked with the Ojai Historical Preservation Commission. In 1994, she received the "Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award" from Ojai.
In 1978, she traveled to China. She went with other architects and engineers from California. They were invited to help with building safety in earthquake areas.
Buildings Designed by Zelma Wilson
Here are some of the buildings Zelma Wilson designed:
- Ojai Branch Bank of America; Ojai, CA (1956)
- Peck residence; Ventura, CA (1973-1974)
- Simi Valley Public Library; Simi, Valley CA (1979)
- Ojai City Hall; Ojai, CA (1976)
- Meditation Mount educational center; Ojai, CA (1971)
- Iwata Garden Center; Ojai, CA (1967)
- Oak Grove Elementary School; Ojai, CA
- Villanova Preparatory School Gymnasium; Ojai, CA
- Ojai Valley Athletic Club; Ojai, CA
- The Thatcher School/Thatcher School; Ojai, CA (1987-1989)
- Stroberg/Patterson residence; Ojai, CA (1989-1991)
Personal Life
Zelma Gussin married screenwriter Michael Wilson in 1941. They had two daughters. Her older sister, Sylvia, was married to Paul Jarrico. He was also a screenwriter who faced career difficulties. Zelma and Michael Wilson were part of a political group from 1938 until 1956.
Zelma Wilson's husband died in 1978. In 1985, she received his Academy Award for him after his death. She passed away in 1996. This was just before she was to be honored by the Ojai Film Society.
Legacy
Zelma Wilson's professional papers are kept at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. These papers include her designs and other work.
She appeared in a 1987 TV show called "Legacy of the Hollywood Blacklist." In it, she talked about her family's experiences with the career difficulties her husband faced.
There is a special plaque in Libbey Park in Ojai. It honors Zelma Gussin Wilson. The plaque calls her a "Pioneering Architect, City Planner, Conservationist, Teacher, Mentor, & Artist." It also says she was a "Passionate Protector of Ojai's Beauty."
