The Huntington Library Expedition
At 9:30 in a beautiful Southern California morning of April 25,2010, eleven Sillimanians were on Interstate 15 Northbound all clad in walking gear. There was excitement and anticipation because the destination promised lovely gardens and beautiful art.
On our arrival, our docent, Angela, greeted us, praising us for our appropriate attire. She immediately directed us to a poster displaying portraits of the original owners of the property, Henry and Arabella Huntington. The wealth that the Huntingtons had was almost obscene. However, the public now enjoys part of their glory because the heirs decided to donate this property.
At this point, she led us to the Chinese Garden called “The Garden of Flowing Fragrance.” On the way, we paused and marveled at the Huntington ’s two-faced mansion which now holds the Art Gallery. We also dropped our jaws to see the large stone building which was Henry’s own personal library. (He truly was a bibliophile.) These buildings were all surrounded by mature trees and well kept landscapes and Italian sculpture. Passing by the Shakespeare garden, the tallest flagpole which used to be a tree, the conservatory that holds the baby plants, all eleven Sillimanians were transfixed by the beauty and care of the estate.
Finally reaching the two year old Chinese Garden , Angela, who was a source of infinite knowledge and detail, explained to the eleven that the Garden was designed after a typical Chinese Scholar’s garden in Suzhou ; a garden that filled all five senses: sight, smell, sound, touch and taste. All of the plants that were in the garden originated from China and many of the items were shipped from China . It was indeed a beautiful garden surrounded by a dragon wall and unique window designs. There was a waterfall, a peaceful pond, several artistic “shelters”, unique rocks from the river beds of China, and of course the trees and flower laden plants.
Returning to the main buildings, we passed by the Japanese Garden which was one of the original gardens. Another beautiful and stunning display of various greens and textures was before us. After we said our thanks to Angela, we were greeted with a sumptuous lunch by Dinah Penaflorida. Such hospitality and generosity! It was a great respite from all the “OOOHs and AAAhs”. This was a true Silliman reunion: people, laughter, food and catching up. But we said our goodbye to Dinah and we returned to the Gallery and the Library.
What we found there was another spectacle: English art, Silver and Chinaware, furniture. The library was phenomenal with a Gutenberg Bible, a first Edition Shakespeare and so much more. I promised myself to go back because there was much more to see.
But who were these eleven? First of all, the organizer was none other than Fely Narvaez who briefed us on what to wear and bring. Then there were our drivers: John Olivar and Joel Simpkins. And there were : Ligaya Simpkins, Nate and Grace Tan, Alma Lavergne, Amelia Buluran, Mary Garrido, Vivian Garrovillo and myself.
--Miriam Cole