Marin Women's Hall of Fame

Grace Finn Wellman

Grace learned early in her life about the value of nature – her mother, Eva Chamberlain Finn, was one of the 1902 founders of the Outdoor Art Club.  The club's stated purpose was "to preserve the natural beauty of Mill Valley and surrounding country."   Grace felt it was her mother's example of serving as a steward of local beauty that inspired her the most.  Learning to love the scenic setting of Mill Valley has also led her to claim that "it's the most beautiful natural spot" she has ever seen.

          She has never strayed far from Marin County and her beloved Mill Valley.   She attended Tamalpais High School for two years, and finished her schooling in San Francisco, at a girl's school. Commuting every day to San Francisco was no easy job in the 1920's.   She and her younger sister, Elizabeth, would have to take the train to Sausalito and then catch the ferry to the city. Grace was closest to  "Lizabeth" for many reasons, not just the hours spent traveling to and from school.  Grace was the tenth of eleven children.  Some of her brothers and sisters were already married when she was born.  In fact, her oldest niece was born just six days after she was.

Grace has felt that growing up in a large family was a good experience.   Her most vivid memory from that time is that of "a big house full of people".   She also remembers that with that many children in the house, it was a competitive atmosphere - "it helped me to learn how to stay of my toes!"  It also helped her learn how to work with others and how to "lose with grace". A very active family, they played numerous sports, such as baseball ("I broke my nose playing baseball once.") and tennis. Grace has always enjoyed outdoor pastimes such as swimming, hiking and gardening.   In fact, she met her husband, Theodore "Ted" C. Wellman, on a Marin tennis court.    ("It was a blind date, and I think he let me win the first set!")

         She and Ted were married in 1925 and settled in Marin.  Grace hoped to fill their home with "many little Wellmans".   But, when that did not happen, Grace began to volunteer her time to various causes.  Involvement with causes was not a new thing for her. She remembers selling World War I war bonds to schoolchildren while just a young teenager herself.   But now her involvement took on a more deliberate tone. "I decided to learn what the issues were.  And I had a system.  First I'd take on the issue. Next, I'd invite three or four bright women to my home; then, we'd discuss the problem and come up with solutions and a plan [of action].  Finally, I'd feed them lunch."  Her system obviously worked, as Grace Wellman has earned a reputation in Marin as an activist who gets results and a woman who takes time to mentor other activists.

            This was the era of the beginnings of the local conservation movement in the county.    As more people moved to Marin, many residents were concerned over the lack of a countywide plan of

"If you want to be happy, be a volunteer."  That sentence sums up the philosophy of 1989 Honoree for Community Service, Grace Wellman.  Born in Mill Valley in 1904, Grace has devoted her life to numerous Marin causes, most prominent her devotion to the preservation of the beauty of Marin.

          When asked what would be her advice to someone who is to follow in her footsteps and begin a commitment to community service?  She smiled and said, "Enjoy it."