Eliza “Jenny” Scripps

1852-1921

Eliza was the eccentric younger half sister of heiress and philanthropist, Ellen Browning Scripps. Their love of the natural world- in particular that of La Jolla and Southern California- live on through legacies like the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Torrey Pines State Reserve.

Lady of the Golden West

 Living in the over-civilized age of Victoria

She too, sought 

regeneration 

renewal, retreat;   

salvation.

Wilderness bound

rural southern California.

 Forbidden the danger of the hunt and

restricted from the too lewd subject of botany

The Creatrix turned to the sea,

gushing Nature’s salty bounty. 

 Relishing the restorative seashore

She too, explored

gathered, examined. 

Specimens contained in glass jars, 

pressed into scrapbook pages and 

exhibited proudly over tea with lemon sugar

Her entire body covered 

in a lengthy, layered 

bell-shaped gown. 

Petticoats and chemise concealing the

laced corset

-Art and Poem: Wren Polansky

To Watch Eliza’s Room Click the image below:

“One time, a Bishop’s student spilled hot tea on Miss Jenny’s purple satin dress. The terrified student braced herself for the inevitable outburst. Instead, Miss Jenny — to the shock of all the ladies present in the parlor — removed her gown and proceeded to sip her tea wearing undergarments only.”

“A Lady’s seaweed collection”:

Eliza was fascinated by the natural world. She had a collection of seaweed in the home she shared with her sister, Ellen Browning Scripps. It is said that Eliza was often the instigator of her sisters’ philanthropy. If that is the case, we have Eliza to thank for the Scripps Institute of Oceanography amongst many other incredible institutions in San Diego and Southern California.

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