MOST COLORFUL figure in recent history of the Galapagos was the self-styled 

 Baroness Eloisa Bosquet von Wagner who reached Charles Island late in 1932 

 with three male companions and proclaimed herself Empress of the Archipela- 

 go. Her imperious manner led to bickering and strife and many strange tales 

 of her conduct are recounted by those who came in contact with her. Coming 

 from Paris, France, the Baroness was accompanied by her erstwhile favorite; 

 blond, emaciated Alfred Rudolf Lorenz. Two other stalwart young men of ad- 

 venturous spirit, Robert Philippson and Felipe Valdevieso, also accompanied 

 the Baroness. The entourage set up a camp in the old pirate caves near the 

 Wittmer hacienda; gradually succeeded in constructing a crude shanty of 

 boulders and timbers and developed productive gardens. The picture of the 

 Baroness above was taken in her rock garden in 1933. Habitually she wore 

 halter top and shorts fashioned from jeans. 



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