forestry school in the United States. - ScholarsArchive at Oregon ...

CHPTE 3
Walter Mulford
18 77-1955
MYRON E. KRUEGER
EDWARD I. KOTOK
V VALTER MULFORD headed the curriculum in forestry' at the
University of California from its inception in 1914 until his retirement in
1947. Thus the history of the curriculum is largely concerned with Mulford
both because of the length of administration and because of the imprint he
made on forestry education in California and the United States.
Student period
Walter Mulford was born of Quaker parents at Millville, New Jersey, on
September 16, 1877. Undoubtedly, his family training had much to do with
implanting in him certain attributes which became his life-long characteristics.
These included unfailing kindliness, high moral standards, a wellorganized
and well-disciplined mind, a bulldog persistence in attainment of
carefully considered goals, and the ability to differ with others without the
bitterness of dissension.
Walter Mulford exemplified the young men who were willing to pioneer
in a profession new to America, even though the prospects for gainful employment
appeared limited. What attracted these men was more than an
interest in the art and science of growing forest cropsthere were elements
of adventure, uncertainty and, above all, the opportunity for public service
in the cause of conservation.
°The curriculum in forestry was administered as a "Division," from t914 to 1939, and as a "Department,"
from t939 to 1946, within the College of Agriculture; and, since 1946, as a "School." This aspect of
the history of the curriculum is treated in Chapter 4. To simplify the presentation in this book, and particularly
in this chapter which is concerned with the history of Walter Mallard in relation to forestry education,
the term "School" will be used throughout, regardless of the period of udminsatration. This will also prevent
confusing the Division of Forestry of the University of California with the Division of Forestry of the State
of California.
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