Theodore Armstrong Griffinger, Jr.

FAVORITE MEMORIES OF WILLIAMS

Professor Gifford (English), Professor Bostert (History) stick in my mind but it was Art History, in general, and Professors Stoddard and Faison, in particular, that left a lasting impression. They taught me an appreciation that has lasted my life and often provided a refuge from my chosen career of law. At Williams, we used to joke that there was a stock narrative that could be used to respond to any question on any art history exam. It involved talking about color, shape, space, etc. Ironically, those factors are indeed the foundation by which I have always considered pieces of art.

WILLIAMS CLUBS / ACTIVITIES

Varsity soccer (2, 3, 4) Freshman soccer Williams Outing Club (president; Winter Carnival, chairman)

CURRENT INTERESTS, PASSIONS, AND ORGANIZATIONS

19th-century and early-20th-century art and history. Recorded California history dates largely from the mid-19th century. Northern California’s history begins with the Gold Rush. San Francisco was settled by a swashbuckling raucous crowd. Their stories and art have fascinated me for some time.

LIFE SINCE GRADUATION

As I put my story into 600 words, it seems quiet and predictable, but it has provided more than enough excitement. Married Martha in 1973. Graduated from a gritty, tough law school in hometown of San Francisco in 1975. Joined a big law firm. Started trying civil cases. Very shaken by father’s death in 1977. Started my own firm in 1979 with nothing. That worked, lasting until 1996, when it merged into a bigger firm. Martha and I have two children. One went to Amherst, the other to Trinity. One is a lawyer, representing foster-care youth, the other is a midwife. Stopped trying cases in 2020. Martha and I now split our time between the Bay Area and Yorkville in Mendocino County, California. Yorkville is in beautiful country in Northern California’s Coast Range—lots of vineyards. Fortunately, we have avoided the fires of the last few years. Many of Martha’s and my closest friends are those we made while at Williams. We try to see as many of those as possible as frequently as possible and it is consistently a joy when we get together.