LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
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96 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Moment of Silence for Helen Quackenbush, FASLA Tribute by Roy Dunn, President, Roy Dunn & Associates, Inc., Medford, N.J. (Dunn was a recipient of the ASLA President's Medal in 1991.) Ray Freeman, ASLA president, 1972, asked Helen Quackenbush to head a committee to advance the Women in Landscape Architecture group. Helen was at her best as mentor, subtly exerting her influence to introduce and guide women in the profession. Helen Quackenbush was born December 19, 1920 in Towanda, Pa. On a 15-fifteen- acre farm along the Susquehanna River across from Three Mile Island, just south of Harrisburg, Pa., the family began a business growing gladiolus and produce. Helen developed her love of the land here, doing farm work, running the tractor and promoting the business. Helen attended Penn State University, attaining a BS in landscape architecture in 1942. She was the only woman in the program. When her older brother went to fight in WWII, Helen ran the family business for four years. For the next 12 years, Helen had design and project management responsibilities in a number of multidisciplinary firms in the Philadelphia/Harrisburg area, establishing herself as a strong force in the design and planning field. In 1958, Helen began working with the Girl Scouts of America in New York City as a consultant, then as a landscape architect and director of camp planning services. She did planning and gave technical assistance to Girl Scout Councils across the U.S. Helen left that position in 1967, but worked with them throughout her career, often as a volunteer. Helen joined ASLA in the early '70s, about the time she moved back to Harrisburg and began working through the state's department of community affairs as the landscape architect for park development; chief of grants in the aid division for the bureau of recreation and conservation; director of community development, technical assistance; and chief recreation services division over seeing planning for state and municipal parks. She was the planner for statewide recreation and leisure services. After the 1972 flood from Hurricane Agnes, Helen oversaw the distribution of $250 million in state and federal aid to restore state and local parks. Helen retired in 1983, but continued as a consultant into the early '90s. She was a licensed landscape architect in Pa., Maryland and New York. She devoted considerable time to the ASLA Penn. Chapter as secretary (1971-1975), section chair (1975-1976) and trustee (1981-1987). Helen was elected an ASLA Fellow in 1981. In 1988, Helen was elected national vice president of membership services. In 1990, Helen was awarded the ASLA President's Medal. Helen Quackenbush's résumé is not filled with high-profile designs or moments. Instead, she devoted her career to quietly, but forcefully improve everything she touched. Helen affected change throughout her life. Her love for the profession of landscape architecture and women's rights is her legacy. For those she touched, she'll remain a handprint on our hearts, forever. The full version of this obituary is at http://landscapeonline.com/ research/article/19032 I n f o r m a t i o n R e q u e s t # 8 1 5 96-97.indd 96 3/27/14 9:16 AM