THIS WINNER'S PERSONALITY, fashion sense, and career are just as intriguing as the countless written contributions she has made to La Jolla history as an author and researcher. She is extremely knowledgeable and analytical, while remaining endlessly high-spirited and lively in life and in her voice as a writer.
Hailing from a small town named Washington, Missouri, she moved to San Diego in 1964 and began working for the San Diego Union newspaper. After a year of living in the city, she made the move to La Jolla and has called it home ever since. She slowly got involved with San Diego and La Jolla history by both writing about it and making local connections with others who were also interested in history. After years of writing for the newspaper, Carol joined the staff of the La Jolla Historical Society, and eventually became the LJHS historian.
Her writing is educational, investigative, and intriguing, covering a wide range of topics from the history of movie theaters in La Jolla to the development and construction of some of its most iconic historic buildings. A few titles of her work include Arts & Crafts: A Lost Legacy?, The Green Dragon...Where the Fun Began, and Simply & Grandly Scripps. She loves architecture and design and has a personal appreciation for the diversity of architectural styles located throughout La Jolla. Her writing thoughtfully describes the work of many of San Diego's famed master architects, such as Irving Gill. She lives in a historic home, painted with a color scheme that matches the boldness of her personality and her works. Her knowledge and research have also assisted many homeowners and architects throughout San Diego looking to pursue accurate restorations and historic designations for their buildings.
For her contributions to interpreting and preserving San Diego's history and heritage, SOHO congratulates Carol Olten on receiving the Town Crier Award.
