Caldwell, Mrs. Phila M. 1917-2008

Biography

Phila and George Caldwell were well-known philanthropists who supported cultural, educational, and family-support institutions in Southern California. These world travelers were trustees of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles and sometimes accompanied Museum staff on collection expeditions. The Caldwells owned the Milbank House in Santa Monica, Calif., a remarkably well preserved Craftsman style home built in 1911 by Phila Caldwell's grandfather, Isaac Milbank. Through Mrs. Caldwell's initiative the house was designated a Santa Monica Landmark.

Phila McFie Caldwell was born in Los Angeles and attended Marlborough School and UCLA. She and George Caldwell were married during World War II. George Caldwell died in 1990 and Phila died in 2008, at age 91.