UC Davis Library celebrates history of the Nut Tree

The history and remarkable mid-century design of the Nut Tree came to life at a talk by author and UC Davis alumna Diane Power Zimmerman, UC Davis ’72, hosted last week by the UC Davis Library.

Zimmerman discussed her new book, Nut Tree: From a California Ranch to a Design, Food, and Hospitality Icon, and shared family stories and a slideshow of the Nut Tree’s heyday in the mid-20th century. Zimmerman’s grandparents founded the original Nut Tree, which grew from a fruit stand in Vacaville, to a one-of-a-kind destination that drew ordinary Californians and dignitaries alike, from Herbert Hoover to Neil Armstrong to Queen Elizabeth II. 

She also explained the unique design elements of the original Nut Tree, which UC Davis Associate Professor of Design James Housefield has described as a “tremendously successful and influential example of a designed destination.”

The event also included a pop-up exhibit of Nut Tree-related items from the library’s Archives and Special Collections. To view some of those items and learn more about the history of this iconic California destination, read the library’s article celebrating the Nut Tree’s centennial in 2021.

- Jessica Nusbaum, UC Davis Library

The Woodland Opera House welcomes new board members via UC Davis

Earlier this year the Woodland Opera House Board of Trustees welcomed two new Board members — business students from the UC Davis Graduate School of Management.

Shreyanshi Khanna and Ian Earley were introduced as UC Davis Graduate School of Management (GSM) Board Fellows, an arrangement made possible by a partnership with the UC Davis GSM’s Women in Leadership Club.

The Board Fellowship Program places MBA students, or fellows, on the boards of directors of partner organizations as non-voting, or adjunct, members. The program expands the pipeline of qualified and experienced young women and men for future roles in business leadership. It also allows students to contribute their skills and time to help solve business challenges faced by partner organizations. The program launched in 2015 with 19 students participating. It has grown considerably since then, and has coordinated partnerships with such organizations as WEAVE, Eskaton Foundation, and Valley Vision. 

Steve Cairns, WOH Board of Trustees president said: “Both Board Fellows have impressive resumes and we’re honored to have these two young professionals join us.” 

- Mary Nauer, Woodland Opera House

(This Arts Blog posted by Maria Martinez Castro, UC Davis Media Relations Intern)