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Category Archives: history
runaway horse causes havoc in golden gate park (Feb. 21, 1886)
Looking at pictures like this one (South Drive, Golden Gate Park, probably dating to the late nineteenth century, SFPL/AAA-8339), it’s tempting to romanticize the park before the advent of the automobile. But the following hair-raising report from the San Francisco … Continue reading
The Very Old Hospital in Golden Gate Park
Here’s an interesting bit of Golden Gate Park history, courtesy of sfcurbed.com. “Tucked in the parking lot of Kezar Stadium is the Park Emergency Hospital. Originally built in 1902 as the first permanent emergency hospital in San Francisco, it’s since … Continue reading
Posted in history
Tagged golden gate park, golden gate park history, historic landmarks, urban evolution
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people-watching in Golden Gate Park, 1888
People-watching is a popular, free entertainment that has been available in Golden Gate Park since it first opened to the public in the 1870s. Here’s one observer’s report on the show that was running on Oct. 8, 1888 (San Francisco … Continue reading
Posted in history, recreation
Tagged golden gate park, golden gate park history, horses in the park, people watching
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Closing the park overnight
This week the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a long-discussed plan to close the park to the public from midnight to 5 a.m., citing vandalism and dumping as concerns. City leaders approve overnight park closure plan | http://www.ktvu.com Opponents … Continue reading
ghost story in golden gate park, 1912
Here’s a tale for Halloween, a ghostly encounter in Golden Gate Park reported by George Haviland Barron, curator of the de Young Museum, in 1912: “As the hour approached midnight, I decided to take a turn on South Drive before … Continue reading
Posted in events in Golden Gate Park, ghosts, legends, people
Tagged ghost story, golden gate park, walk in the park
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landmark windmill gets new dome
‘San Francisco officials and international representatives will celebrate a crowning achievement this morning when a refurbished dome is placed on top of the Golden Gate Park windmill that is considered the largest of its kind in the world. The 106-year-old … Continue reading
victory gardens in golden gate park
Urban farming and community gardening have been time-tested in San Francisco. Few people today realize that Golden Gate Park was a productive urban farm during World War II. ‘Victory Gardens, also called “war gardens” or “food gardens for defense”, were … Continue reading
searching for spanish monastery stones in golden gate park
Walking in Golden Gate Park you may notice some ornately carved stones, segments of fluted pillars, arches, sculptural reliefs worn smooth by time. These are remnants of a medieval Spanish monastery, now scattered throughout the park and put to various … Continue reading
fly fishing lessons in Golden Gate Park
Here’s another fantastic opportunity to ‘get away from it all’ right here in Golden Gate Park this summer, at the historic Angler’s Lodge. To see what this idyllic spot looks like, follow the link to the ABC news clip at … Continue reading
Posted in history, people, recreation
Tagged fly fishing, golden gate park, golden gate park history
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managing the urban forest in golden gate park
Standing near the intersection of Transverse Drive and Middle Drive West in Golden Gate Park, looking downhill towards Elk Glen Lake, I am surrounded by urban forest, no hint of the city in sight. The air is warm and … Continue reading
golden gate park: views from the thicket 