It was with an optimistic spirit that Edwin Gamble, a son of the co~founder of Proctor & Gamble, led his family from their Kentucky farm to California.

In 1902 they established a new home in Palo Alto near Stanford University. Elizabeth, one of the four children, after living in the family home her entire life, left the house and garden to the City of Palo Alto.

In 1985 a group of energized citizens convinced the city to allow them to spearhead the revitalization of the property as a public garden with a horticultural and educational mission.

Their optimism and hard work paid off; and now, thirty years later, 'Gamble Garden: Landscape of Optimism' celebrates the value of this community centerpiece, a model for urban residential space.

Susan Woodman and Jane Stocklin will chronicle the family journey, the development of a successful non-profit, and the publication of the book "Gamble Garden: Landscape of Optimism".

Susan Woodman will be available to sign books after the program. The book (hardcover, 200 photographs, 136 pages, 8 1/2 x 11) sells for $40 + tax. All proceeds benefit the Gamble Garden. Payment is accepted through cash, check, or credit card.