The Founding Family - The Legacy of George & Altha Faulstich

Introduction

This is being written 20 years after George Faulstich’s death on January 27, 1981. In talking with the family and friends who loved and admired Altha and George, it is striking how strong the memories remain. George, especially, left intense impressions on the many he touched, and in whose lives he made a difference. Perhaps this biography can be seen as a gift from those who knew them to the younger generation whose lives they continue to affect.

This is not an exact photo. It is a subjective portrait. The first section introduces the images of the motivating life force behind this biography—George Faulstich. The Second chapter continues with an imaginary miniature of an ordinary day in an extraordinary life. Our narrative history starts in the next chapter at the dawn of the 20th century with a young German immigrant, Lorenz Faulstich, bringing his family to a newly settled region of California. The family grew with their businesses and their country. George and Altha’s creative passions and hard work were passed on to their daughters and grandchildren. And so the family prospered. In the end, the family’s legacy lay not only in the material wealth they enjoyed, but also in the lessons the founders’ lives embraced.

The words here reflect many personal recollections and reflections. The grandchildren, Joe “Sparky” Bullock and Claudia Winder Leonard, initiated this effort and both helped it along by allowing the history to emerge on its own. Daughters Carol Scarioni and Darma Winder added their unique perspectives. Marilyn Anderson’s beautiful Book of Ancestry: Faulstich was a great help in researching the history of the Lorenz Faulstich family. Ross Markley, Frank Hannig, Julian Caplan, Marsha Chambers, Kent Hill, Bud Hunt, Dorothy Miller, Sylvia Pignatti, Shannon Bullock, Stacey Doherty, Brett Brown, Francis Britschgi and Evelyn English, among many others, generously gave of their time and insights in interviews. Marty Ruberry guided the research with a firm if quiet hand.

Steve Conn launched the interviewing with energy, imagination and good humor. Marilyn Green provided background on Altha and added a practiced eye to the writing. Pat Rea and Erin Miller’s impeccable proofreading and editing improved the readability immensely. Tracy Wilson’s sensitive project management and editing made everything snap seamlessly in place. Catherine Jacobes’ graphic design gave the book an enduring, classic feel, allowing the words and images to embrace each page.

The publisher’s role is a never-ending juggling act involving writers, editors, designers and printed, all the while making sure the client is content. To Addison Olian, publisher, well-deserved praise for a polished book worthy of the people it honors.

The trick in the writing is to blend these varied impressions into a narrative; a story that hopefully entertains, teaches, and accurately reflects the history of an exceptional family.

-- G.W.