Brilliant scientist and his wife liked hiking Palm Canyon
On March 1, 1933, the Nobel Prize winning scientist, Albert Einstein, and his wife, Elsa, came to Palm Springs.
The couple was fleeing from Nazi Germany where the influence of Adolph Hitler was making it more and more dangerous to practice Judaism. They stayed at the Willows, an elegant home owned by Samuel Untermeyer.
Tony Burke, the local publicist and photographer for the El Mirador Hotel, was asked to give the Einsteins a tour of Palm Springs and the surrounding area. Burke said Albert Einstein detested photographers and he would run when he saw them coming.
When cornered, according to Burke, he would grimace and make clicking sounds in mockery. The world’s newspapers and magazines learned a lot about Palm Springs while they were trying to snap pictures of him.
Albert Einstein told Burke his favorite part of the tour was their trip to Palm Canyon where he was able to wander over the desert and up in the canyon, and appreciate the vastness of the mountains and the sky.
There is a multitude of ways to learn more about Palm Springs, which turned 75 in 2013. One of the more intriguing methods is by exploring the city’s history.
The Palm Springs Historical Society will share a weekly story whose time and place corresponds with today.
The Palm Springs Historical is located at 221 S. Palm Canyon Drive. For more information, visit www.pshistoricalsociety.org
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As a seasoned enthusiast and scholar with a deep understanding of historical events and figures, let me draw your attention to the fascinating encounter between the brilliant scientist Albert Einstein and his wife Elsa in Palm Springs back in 1933. This historical episode, marked by the looming threat of Nazi Germany and the couple's escape to the sanctuary of Palm Springs, offers a compelling glimpse into the personal life of one of the greatest minds in history.
The account reveals that Albert Einstein and Elsa sought refuge in Palm Springs due to the increasing danger of practicing Judaism in Nazi Germany under the influence of Adolf Hitler. Their choice of residence was the Willows, an elegant home owned by Samuel Untermeyer. The narrative gains further credibility as it mentions Tony Burke, the local publicist and photographer for the El Mirador Hotel, who was entrusted with giving the Einsteins a tour of the picturesque Palm Springs and its surrounding areas.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts and details presented in the article:
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Albert Einstein's Flight from Nazi Germany: The article highlights the historical context of Albert Einstein and his wife fleeing Nazi Germany to escape persecution as Hitler's influence grew, especially for those practicing Judaism.
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Palm Springs as a Safe Haven: Palm Springs served as a refuge for the Einsteins during this tumultuous time. The choice of the Willows as their residence adds a layer of historical significance to this desert oasis.
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Local Guide Tony Burke: Tony Burke, a local publicist and photographer, played a crucial role in showing the Einsteins around Palm Springs. His insights into Albert Einstein's aversion to photographers provide a humanizing touch to the renowned scientist.
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The Willows and Samuel Untermeyer: The article mentions that the Einsteins stayed at the Willows, an elegant home owned by Samuel Untermeyer. This detail adds a layer of historical context and showcases the interconnected lives of notable figures during that period.
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Albert Einstein's Appreciation for Palm Canyon: Albert Einstein expressed his fondness for Palm Canyon during the tour. This reveals a more personal side of the scientist, showcasing his appreciation for nature and the vastness of the desert landscape.
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Media Intrusion: The article sheds light on Albert Einstein's disdain for photographers and how he would attempt to avoid them during his time in Palm Springs. This adds a humanizing aspect to the renowned scientist, illustrating the challenges he faced even in a tranquil setting.
To further explore the historical facets of Palm Springs, the article suggests turning to the Palm Springs Historical Society, located at 221 S. Palm Canyon Drive. This institution serves as a valuable resource for delving deeper into the city's rich history. For additional information, interested individuals are directed to visit www.pshistoricalsociety.org.
In conclusion, this historical account provides a captivating glimpse into the intersection of scientific brilliance, personal refuge, and the allure of Palm Springs during a critical juncture in global history.
