Henry F. Dickinson

Henry F. Dickinson (March 22, 1873 – April 8, 1961) was an American lawyer who made significant contributions to the community of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He and his wife helped organize the Carmel Music Society that became the Carmel Bach Festival. He designed the Henry Dickinson House on Carmel Point that served as a host to visiting musicians. He was president of the Forest Theater Association and built many of the sets. He was a member of the first local planning commission and drew up a master plan for the area. He served on the boards of the first bank in Carmel and the Peninsula Community Hospital, as well as helping to establish the Devendorf Park.

Early life
Dickinson was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 22, 1873. His father was Henry Bridgeman Dickinson (1832-1916) and mother was Mary Elizabeth Martin (1838-1933). His father played a pioneering role in the sewing-machine industry and had a longstanding association with the manufacturing company, Grover & Baker. He married Edith Catherine Colebrooke (1877–1950) on June 27, 1901, in Evanston, Illinois. Her father was a Chicago lawyer and author of a law publication entitled ''Collateral Securities."

His son William "Bill" Colebrooke Dickinson died while serving with the Merchant Marine during World War II.

After attending Rockford High School and Northwestern Military Academy, Dickinson spent two years studying at a Latin School in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, immersing himself in a different culture and broadening his global perspective. Upon his return to the United States, Dickinson attended Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest, Illinois. He later entered the law department of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, graduating in 1896 with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He played end for three years on the undefeated Wisconsin Big Ten football team of the 1890s.

Professional background
Dickinson obtained his law degree from Harvard University and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1898. For years, he practiced as an attorney in Chicago, building a successful career. However, in 1922, at the age of 48, he made the decision to retire from his law practice. The growth of his legal career had come at a cost—he realized that it was preventing him from fully embracing life with his family and pursuing the interests that held true value to him.

Having visited California on a business trip, Dickinson was captivated by its allure. After spending a year in Woodstock, New York, he made the choice to relocate his family to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, a community he believed would offer them a more enriching experience.

Carmel Music Society
In collaboration between Henry F. Dickinson and his wife Edith, and Dene Denny and Hazel Watrous, they played a pivotal role in the formation of the Carmel Music Society that became the Carmel Bach Festival. Henry became the organization's first treasurer and Edith, a talented pianist, served as one of its first presidents. The Dickinson's also helped organize a 40-piece children's orchestra.

Other activities
Dickinson's dedication to the arts extended to his involvement with the Forest theater Association, where he served as president for an eight-year tenure. He also contributed to the production of numerous plays by constructing many of the sets. During the challenging times of the Great Depression, he orchestrated the transition of the theater to become a city property. He raised the necessary funds to pay off $2,000 in taxes and secure the property for future artistic endeavors.

Dickinson's contributions to Carmel were extensive and diverse. As a member of the inaugural local planning commission, he drafted a comprehensive master plan for the area and effectively fought against a coastal development project. He held positions on the board of directors for the new Carmel Bank, the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, and the Carmel Sanitary District for five years. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in establishing Devendorf Park, the town's main public park. Dickinson advocated for preserving Carmel's unique charm by resisting the implementation of regulated sidewalks, house numbers, and mail delivery.

Following his wife's passing on January 14, 1950, Dickinson embraced a solitary life. However, he frequently extended invitations to guests for dinner, personally preparing and serving the meals. Dickinson's philosophy of life and warm hospitality created memories for those who were fortunate enough to join him at dinner.

Death
On April 8, 1961, Dickinson died at the age of 88.