Martha Foster Abbot Oral History

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Martha Foster Abbot (1891-1987)
Interview date: January 27, 1977

Martha is the daughter of philanthropist and early San Rafael pioneer businessman Arthur William Foster (1850-1930). Martha was born in 1891 at Fairhills, the family’s 180-acre estate in San Rafael. She shares stories of her remarkable father and his career in the railroad and banking industries. She discusses life at Fairhills and recalls vacations at Sonoma and the Russian River. She describes in detail the interior of Fairhills and talks about family celebrations during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Audio Clip from the Interview (one minute)

Full Transcript of the Interview (Click here for a printable version)

Narrative Summary of the Interview