Isenberg, Gerda, 1901-1997.

Gerda Isenberg, born June 8, 1901 near Hamburg, Germany, came to Carmel, Calif., via Hawaii, in 1923. In the 1930's Isenberg co-owned the European Bookshop with Gertrude Zenzes, became interested in Quaker views and joined the Society of Friends, and helped to resettle European refugees. In 1941 she purchased a cattle ranch in Woodside, Calif. where she founded Yerba Buena Nursery in 1960 and where she work for the rest of her life. During World War II she visited the Tule Lake Internment Camp and after the war helped relocate the Japanese-American internees. In 1947, she was involved in the case of John T. Walker whose house in Redwood City, Calif. was burned down by the Ku Klux Klan. In 1950, Isenberg campaigned unsuccessfully for a seat in the California State Assembly. Gerda Isenberg died June 11, 1997 in San Mateo County, Calif.

From the description of Gerda Isenberg papers, 1931-1990. (University of California, Berkeley). WorldCat record id: 85029400