August 25th 1916 Woodrow Wilson signed in to law the Organic Act to establish the National Park Service.
I have the book “Romance of the National Parks” by Harlean James, published 1941. There is an interesting chapter on Yosemite.
I have three books by the same author, Guy De Pourtalés. He called them his romantic trilogy. The first book is a biography, “Frank Liszt, L’ Homme d’ Amour” published 1926. This book is also about love.
The second is “Polonaise, The Life of Chopin” published 1927. This biography is also about sorrow.
The third is “The Mad King” 1928. This biography of Ludwig II is also about illusion. Furthermore, it is a trilogy within a trilogy, discussing much about Wagner and Nietzsche.
How do all of these books fit together? And, why bring them up today? Is there some connection with all of these players? Well, first let me add another book into the mix: “The Uncrowned Queen, Life of Lola Montez” by Ishbell Ross, published 1972.
August 25, 1786, Ludwig I was born; August 25, 1845, Ludwig II was born. He was the grandson of Ludwig I. So we have a birthday to connect to.
Instead of describing the books in detail, I think I’ll just throw in some more connecting facts from them.
Chopin and Liszt were friends; though friends, Chopin was shy, and Liszt was outgoing.
Liszt’s daughter married Wagner.
Wagner was supported by a patronage from Ludwig II.
Ludwig II was impressed by, and a friend with Nietzsche.
Nietzsche loved Wagner’s wife, the daughter of Liszt.
Liszt had an affair with Lola Montez.
Lola Monez had seduced Ludwig I.
Ludwig I abdicated his throne, and Lola Monez moved to United States.
In United States, Lola Monez’s house in Grass City eventually became a California Historic Landmark.
In 1864, Abraham Lincoln signed over Yosemite Valley to California as long as it was held for public use and recreation.
In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt took control back from California.
In 1916, the National Park Service was formed, and control of Yosemite was handled by them.
So we came full circle today with this story. Whew, I needed to take notes when reading these good books.
P.S. I was lucky to have visited Ludwig II’s home-Neuschwanstein. A fairytale ending with a fairytale castle for a fairytale story (with lots of intrigue.)
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