Press Kit
Media Contact: Catherine Boire
Tel#: 707-255-5997
Email: CBoirePR@aol.com
TOP TEN FASCINATING FACTS
ASILOMAR STATE BEACH AND CONFERENCE GROUNDS
1) Asilomar was created in 1913 as a YWCA retreat.
2) Asilomar became a California State Park in 1956. It was sold to the state park system by the YWCA for $350.000.
3) Asilomar was named by Helen Salisbury, a Stanford University student, whose submission in a YWCA sponsored contest was selected from over 300 entries.
4) Asilomar, translated from Spanish, means “refuge by the sea”. Asil- meaning asylum or refuge, and mar – meaning the sea.
5) In 1921, overnight accommodations for conference guests cost $3.00 (room without bath) and $7.50 (with private bath).
6) Asilomar represents the largest collection of Julia Morgan’s architecture in one location. Julia Morgan, California’s first licensed female architect, is best known for designing the legendary Hearst Castle.
7) In 1987, thirteen of Asilomar’s original structures were placed on the Registry of National Historic Landmarks.
8) Asilomar’s two longest term employees include Eddie DeSilva (Kitchen Supervisor), 47 years; and Pat Cosio (Dining Room Server), 50 years.
9) Asilomar’s 107 acres are a unique compilation of three different micro-habitiats: beach, sand dunes and pine/oak forest.
10) As part of a massive dune restoration project, Asilomar maintains a plant nursery including a 960 square-foot greenhouse, which grows more than 400,000 plants, representing 25 native species for transplantation on the grounds.
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