Elsie Whitaker Martinez

Elsie Whitaker Martinez was the daughter of writer Herman Whitaker.

She and her family moved to the hills of Piedmont, California in 1902. By age 16, Whitaker was a "free-spirited artist." Piedmont Bohemian George Sterling called her "the Blessed Damozel." "Piedmont Community Calendar 1997". Historical information about Piedmont written by Ann Swift. Printed 1996 by the City of Piedmont.]

Whitaker met painter Xavier Martinez at Coppa's Restaurant in San Francisco. Finding her a perfect subject, he sketched her and began his Elsie series. After the earthquake of 1906, Martinez moved to Piedmont. Months later, he proposed to Whitaker, who had already promised to marry at least four other men, who were friends of her father. Choosing Martinez, she said, "I decided to pick the one who would give me the most interesting life." Martinez, at 37, was only two years younger than Elsie's father Herman Whitaker. The couple married in October 1907. "Piedmont Community Calendar 1997". Historical information about Piedmont written by Ann Swift. Printed 1996 by the City of Piedmont.]

ee also

*History of Piedmont, California

References