New York Times
November 22, 1932
Joseph D. Redding, Coast Attorney, Dies
Originator of San Francisco Bohemian Club's Grove Plays - Librettist of 'Natoma.'
Special to The New York Times.
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 21 - Joseph D. Redding, 73 years old, attorney, originator of the Bohemian Club's present-day grove plays and composer of the first grove production, "The Man of the Forest," died today at his home here.
He was the librettist of the operetta "Natoma," for which Victor Herbert wrote the music. When "Natoma" received a world premiere in Philadelphia in 1911 the leading roles were sung by Mary Garden and John McCormack.
Mr. Redding was born in Sacramento in 1859. His father was B. B. Redding, general land agent for the Southern Pacific Company. He was graduated from Harvard Law School in 1879.
For the production of the opera "Fay-Yen-Fah," which was staged first at Monte Carlo in 1925, Mr. Redding was decorated by the French Government with the ribbon of the Legion of Honor. His widow survives.