Meet the First Wistaria Treasures of Sierra Madre

Sierra Madre expects over 10,000 visitors this coming Sunday to witness the city’s proudly cherished . Members of the media got a sneak-peak preview of what The Guinness Book of World Records has named the world’s largest flowering plant Monday.

Honored beneath a lavender roof of the beautifully-blossomed 250-ton vine for their volunteer efforts were five of the six Wistaria Treasurers of Sierra Madre who were able to attend that morning. Eph Konigsbert, Phyllis Chapman, Marjorie “Mama Pete” Peterson, Jan Reed, former Mayor George Maurer, and (although not in attendance) City Treasurer George Enyedi are the first ever honorees of this kind in the 93 year-old history of the festival. Also present was Mayor Joseph M. Mosca.

“These are the people to ask about the history of the vine. They know more, they lived it,” said Bill Coburn, Executive Director of Sierra Madre .

Eph Konigsberg, a Sierra Madre resident for decades, is a founding member of Sierra Madre Community Foundation, a , a member of the , a member of the and was named Sierra Madre’s Older American of the year in 2008.

George Enyedi has served Sierra Madre as a volunteer for decades before becoming City Treasurer. He has volunteered eight years at  the City of Sierra Madre Finance Department and was elected in 2008 as City Treasurer. He saved and The Sierra Madre Cemetery from financial failure. He was also Citizen of the Year in 1999 among his many other accomplishments.

Phyllis Chapman is Sierra Madre’s historian. A Sierra Madre resident for over six decades, she is a dedicated member of the Sierra Madre Civic Club and among many other organizations. She was named Citizen of the Year in 1980.

Marjorie “Mama Pete” Peterson has been a resident of Sierra Madre for over 80 decades. She has managed Mama Pete’s Nursery School for over 60 years. She has been actively involved in and The Civic Club, as well as named as Citizen of the Year in 1982.

Former Mayor George Maurer was Citizen of the Year in 1974, volunteered at the and is a member of the to name a few of his current and past contributions to the city. He exemplifies service work and for that, the City of Sierra Madre awards the “George Maurer Lifetime Service Award” to a citizen or business demonstrating outstanding community service. 

Last, but certainly not least, is Jan Reed who has served Sierra Madre as publisher and editor of the Sierra Madre News. She has also been actively involved with the Civic Club and . She was also named Citizen of the Year in 1994.

The Wistaria Festival Committee initiated this honor to recognize the volunteer work of citizens whose efforts have allowed for the festival to continue year after year since its beginning in 1918. The Wistaria Festival Committee hopes to continue honoring committed citizens of the community for years to come as part of the Wistaria Festival tradition.

The annual dedication of Wistaria Treasures, in addition to those of local sponsors, artists, vendors and musicians to the Wistaria festival, continues to invest in the growth and maintenance of what began as some seeds in a tin can worth 75 cents, and what is now a priceless symbol of Sierra Madre and botanical treasure of the world.