Vol. XXXX No. 4 Winter 2012/2013 HERITAGE NEWS For Members of Architectural Heritage San Francisco’s National Treasure 3

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9 6 Keister Douglas by Photo In This Issue

2 Executive Director Column 8 Events: 2012 Lecture Series Wrap-Up, Holiday 3 Heritage Notes: SoMa Ethnotour, Know What App, Michael Open House, Artisans’ Ball, Port City Holiday Sale Murphy Illustration 9 Volunteers: Docents Recall Memories of House, 4 Preservation Notes: Legacy Bars and Restaurants, Twin Paul Anders: In Memoriam Peaks Landmark Nomination, Restoration, 10 Donors: Annual Giving Campaign Hibernia Bank 11 Calendar of Events 6 Feature: Haas-Lilienthal House Designated “National Treasure” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R C O L U M N

SAN FRANCISCO A TreAsure AT risk ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE Since 1971, a nonprofit member- or the past 40 years, the Haas-Lilienthal House supported organization with a mission Fhas been Heritage’s headquarters and an icon of to preserve and enhance San Francisco’s San Francisco’s historic preservation movement. The unique architectural and cultural identity. House embodies the city’s architectural grandeur and is a monument to the special role Jewish immigrants BOARD OF DIRECTORS played in the early development of San Francisco and David P. Wessel the American West. President Today more than ever, the Haas-Lilienthal House Alicia Esterkamp Allbin stands as a site of national prominence. Its status Kathleen Burgi-Sandell was formalized this year when the National Trust for Bruce Bonacker Historic Preservation—the largest private, nonprofit David Cannon preservation organization in the country—identified Jeff Gherardini the Haas-Lilienthal House as one of only 34 “Nation- Nancy B. Gille al Treasures” in America. Nancy Goldenberg Larry by Underhill Photo Scott Haskins As part of a new strategic framework, the National D. Michael Kelly Trust is focusing its staff resources on protecting an Carolyn Kiernat exclusive list of highly significant places across America. At each site, the National Trust Frederic Knapp is dedicating intensive staff support to achieve specific preservation goals. The entire list Jon Knorpp can be viewed at savingplaces.org. Benjamin F. Ladomirak We are certainly proud that the National Treasure designation recognizes the Haas- Arnie Lerner Lilienthal House as a site of national cultural significance, but we are ever-mindful that the Chandler W. McCoy designation also highlights real threats jeopardizing its future. If the House is to continue Patrick M. McNerney Willett Moss to serve as a public resource and the home of Heritage, it will need maintenance that ex- Charles R. Olson tends far beyond a new coat of paint. In the words of one restoration expert, “It’s ready Mark Paez for a 126-year tune-up, or it will deteriorate at an ever-increasing pace.” Mark P. Sarkisian The new partnership with the National Trust was preceded by an intensive and unprec- Neil Sekhri edented effort by Heritage’s board and staff to evaluate the House and forge a sustain- Zander Sivyer able path for the future. Confronted by declining rental revenue and mounting costs, the Douglas Tom Heritage board formed the Haas-Lilienthal House Business Plan Subcommittee in June STAFF 2011 to review long-term capital costs, annual revenues and expenses, and alternative Mike Buhler, Executive Director operational models. Based on this investigation, the committee identified multiple threats William C. Beutner to the House’s physical preservation and financial viability as a museum. As confirmed by Dorothy Boylan the National Treasure selection, the Haas-Lilienthal House is a poster child for common Laura Dominguez challenges faced by historic house museums across the country. Heather Kraft Despite these challenges, several factors have converged to create a unique opportu- Barbara Roldan nity to boldly reinvent the Haas-Lilienthal House and safeguard its future. The National Desiree Smith Trust’s selection of the House as a National Treasure is the most auspicious. Dana Talise For the past several months, Heritage has been working collaboratively with a multi- disciplinary team of National Trust staff to evaluate current operations at the House, Heritage News is published identify its strengths and weaknesses, and survey hundreds of visitors. With extraordi- four times a year by narily generous support from the Columbia Foundation, we convened a highly productive San Francisco Architectural Heritage two-day visioning workshop in August. Our mutual imperative is to create a sustainable 2007 Franklin Street stewardship model for the House that will have national implications for other similarly San Francisco, CA 94109 situated historic properties throughout the country. We have made significant progress, 415-441-3000 but still have much work to do. sfheritage.org In the meantime, I invite you to come explore this treasure in your own backyard at email: [email protected] Heritage’s annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 2nd! For advertising and editorial questions, email Laura Dominguez at [email protected].

© 2012 San Francisco Architectural Heritage

Mike Buhler Executive Director

Heritage News 2 Winter 2012 H E R I T A G E N O T E S

soMA PiliPinAs eThnoTour Limited-edition Print of n April 2011, the National the haas-LiLienthaL house ITrust for Historic Preserva- tion awarded a $3,000 grant to n commemoration of the National Trea- the Filipino-American Develop- Isure designation, Heritage is pleased to ment Foundation (FADF)/Bay- present a colorful new illustration of the anihan Community Center to Haas-Lilienthal House by local artist and develop a bilingual walking tour architect Michael Murphy. booklet describing cultural spac- The man behind the widely acclaimed es and places, sites and streets, series “Forgotten Modernism” of San Fran- landmarks, and community ritu- cisco, Murphy’s interpretive illustration re- als important to San Francisco’s flects his interest in “capturing the under- vibrant Filipino community in lying essence of a highly complex historic piece of architecture and re-presenting the South of Market area. it in a fresh and new way. By distilling the The booklet, dubbed “SoMa Photo by Francoise Paradas on Picasa House into its basic geometries and using Pilipinas Ethnotour,” is based Tutubi Children’s Park, featured on the tour, is located stylized graphics and color, a different view- on a walking tour created by on the corner of Minna and Russ Streets and was point of the building emerges, emphasizing FADF staff member, MC Can- designed with input from immigrant families in the neighborhood. its relevance and place in 21st century San las, who has been leading tours Francisco.” of Filipino SoMa since 2000. It provides information in both English and Tagalog Murphy’s illustrations have appeared in for over 20 important sites, such as Bessie Carmichael School, West Bay Pilipino, and galleries around the world and in publica- the Lipi ni Lapu-Lapu Mural, which is painted on an exterior wall of the San Lorenzo tions such as Dwell Magazine and Center (formerly the Dimasalang House). Home and Design. AIA SF is hosting an ex- Heritage members had the opportunity to visit some of these sites and learn more hibition of his “Forgotten Modernism” se- ries from November 1 through December about their history from MC Canlas during our 2012 Annual Membership Meeting. 20. For details, visit aiasf.org. The booklet was recently completed, and Heritage plans to work with FADF/Baya- nihan Community Center to promote the tour and advocate for the protection of resources identified therein. In November 2012, Heritage received a $3,550 grant from the National Trust to create a summer program for middle school students in partner- ship with FADF’s Galing Bata After School Program.

“essenTiAlly sF” now AvAilAble For iPhone

laying the role of tour guide to out-of-town guests over the holidays? “Essentially PSF: The City’s Architectural Icons from SF Heritage” brings twenty-five San Francisco gems right to your fingertips, ranging from well-known landmarks like Coit Tower to those that are less-traveled, such as the Bayview Opera House. Released in October, the smart phone application updates and replaces the guide that debuted in February 2012. Developed in partnership with Escape Apps, “Essentially SF” belongs to the dis- cerning Know What network, a collection of thoughtfully and creatively curated city guides. Designed to satisfy locals and visitors alike, the app leads users to discover the iconic places that make San Francisco one of the world’s most vibrant architectural destinations. Murphy Michael by Illustration Each listing features architectural details, photos, and a brief history that help place the building in the context of both modern and historic San Francisco. Also included Signed limited-edition giclee prints are available for purchase. A portion of the is important information for on-the-go users, including websites, addresses, and busi- proceeds will benefit the Haas-Lilienthal ness hours where applicable. House and Heritage’s citywide mission. For The app is updated regularly (and for free), so you don’t miss out on any changes — more information on pricing, please email or any new gems in the making. Proceeds from new guides ($1.99) will directly support [email protected]. Visit sfheritage. Heritage’s preservation efforts. The app can be purchased in the iPhone App Store. org to see the full-color illustration.

Heritage News 3 Winter 2012 P R E S E R V A T I O N N O T E S

“Legacy Bars and restaurants” to deBut on heritage weBsite

eritage is thrilled to introduce H“Legacy Bars and Restaurants,” a groundbreaking new educational initia- tive that invites users to experience the history of some of San Francisco’s most legendary eateries, watering holes, dives, and haunts. The interactive online guide is the first of its kind to celebrate iconic Photo by SocketSite by Photo establishments that contribute to the cul- Twin Peaks Tavern, known as the “Gateway to the Castro,” would be only the third San Francisco ture, character, and lore of San Francisco. Landmark associated with LGBT history. Initiated by the Planning Department, the nomination has In the wake of the unsuccessful drawn significant support from local community members, historians, and activists. Dust Lounge Landmark nomination last spring, the Historic Preservation Com- mission and Planning Department staff win eaks andmark their first decisions was to replace the ex- expressed support for exploring alterna- t P L isting painted and papered over windows tive methods of recognizing and protect- nomination with large plate glass windows, openly ing places with intangible cultural signifi- revealing the identities of their patrons. cance. “Legacy Bars and Restaurants” is win Peaks Tavern, long distinguished Cunha and Forester then remodeled the Heritage’s nascent effort to celebrate the Twithin the Castro as an emblem of interior space as a “fern bar,” an upscale city’s vast culinary heritage and to pro- bar decorated with antiques, brass fittings, mote businesses that do not necessarily community pride, is slated to become a qualify for formal landmark designation. City Landmark, one of several awaiting a stained glass lamps, and, of course, ferns. With guidance from Heritage’s Edu- decision by the Board of Supervisors and House rules were also established that dis- cation Committee, staff identified 25 the Mayor in the coming months. Located couraged kissing and touching and instead restaurants and bars for the first round at 401 Castro Street, Twin Peaks was rei- promoted a welcoming, safe, and conge- of the project. Located throughout the magined as a gay bar in 1972. Only two nial environment that encouraged person- city, these establishments (including Twin other San Francisco Landmarks, the Cas- al bonding. Peaks Tavern, right) have achieved longev- tro Camera and Harvey Milk Residence Another piece of history in the life of ity of 40 years or more and meet one (573-575 Castro Street) and the Jose The- the bar is its membership in the Tavern or both of the following criteria: pos- ater/Names Project Building (2362 Mar- Guild of San Francisco. Formed in 1962, sess distinctive architecture or interior ket Street), have been designated based on the Tavern Guild is important as the first design; and hold a special place in their gay business association in the country community and contribute to a sense of their association with LGBT history. If history in the surrounding neighborhood. listed, Twin Peaks Tavern would join only established to fight discrimination against The guide includes historic photographs, a handful of places in the country that members of the LGBT community. This ephemera, and a brief history of each es- have been formally designated for their organization served a critical role in es- tablishment, as well as a map of all the lo- significance in LGBT history. tablishing and improving relationships cations. Eventually, the guide will include between owners of businesses catering over 100 legendary establishments in ev- BACKGROUND to LGBT residents, city leaders, the Cali- ery corner of San Francisco. fornia Department of Alcoholic Beverage “Legacy Bars and Restaurants” will be Originally constructed in 1886 and re- Control, and the San Francisco Police De- available on our website at sfheritage.org/ modeled twice, the building has housed partment. Indeed, the guild’s advances of legacy in mid-December. HeritageYP will Twin Peaks Tavern since 1935, two years the 1960s enabled the development of an be hosting a special happy hour in Janu- “out” gay bar in the 1970s. ary to kick off the project. More details following the repeal of Prohibition. Prior will follow by email and on the Heritage to its reinvention as a gay bar in 1972 by website. Hope to see you there! new owners MaryEllen Cunha and her LANDMARK DESIGNATION PROCESS partner, Margaret Ann (Peggy) Forester, Twin Peaks Tavern was known as a work- Twin Peaks Tavern was one of 16 prop- ing-class Irish bar. As new owners, one of erties included on the Historic Preserva-

Heritage News 4 Winter 2012 tion Commission’s Landmark Designation iBernia ank Work Plan in 2011. Planning Department h B staff member Moses Corrette prepared ProPosaL the draft Landmark Designation Report and conducted significant community out- s a clear sign of Mid-Market’s ongo- reach as part of the research and public Aing resurgence, one of San Francisco’s engagement process. Staff interviewed most storied and longest shuttered land- past and present bar owners, patrons, and marks will finally be brought back to life. members of the larger LGBT community, The owners of the Hibernia Bank build- including three “History Happy Hours” at ing, which has been vacant for nearly three the bar to invite long-time patrons to share decades, are seeking a Certificate of Ap- their stories about the tavern. propriateness to complete code upgrades The Landmark designation was unani- for reuse as assembly and/or office space. mously initiated by the HPC in September The hearing before the Historic Preserva- 2012. The draft designation report identi- tion Commission (HPC) is scheduled for fies Twin Peaks Tavern as significant for early December. its contribution to the evolution of a mod- Completed in 1892 and designed by Al- ern LGBT society and culture. The report bert Pissis, Hibernia Bank was one of the also concludes that the building retains few buildings in the central city to survive its character-defining features, including Group Architectural Resources by Photo the 1906 earthquake and fire, although it its signature open plate glass windows. The conditions assessment of Coit Tower in- was partially damaged by fire. Designated Heritage testified in support of initiating cluded spaces with limited public access, such as this second floor mural. as City Landmark #130, Hibernia Bank is the designation process, as the report pre- a Category I Building under the Down- pared by the Planning Department report town Plan and is a contributor to the Na- thoroughly documents the role of Twin In June 2012, San Francisco voters passed tional Register-listed Market Street The- Peaks Tavern in the formation, expan- Proposition B, a non-binding measure that ater and Loft Historic District. After being sion, and diversification of modern LGBT calls for strictly limiting commercial activi- vacated by the Hibernia Savings and Loan subcultures. Both the building owners and ties and prioritizing funds generated from Company in 1985, the basement served as the bar owners support the designation. concession operations to preserve the mu- temporary quarters for the San Francisco Based on the HPC October 17th recom- rals, maintain the building, and beautify Pi- Police Department Tenderloin Task Force mendation of approval, Supervisor Scott oneer Park. The Land Use and Economic until the new Tenderloin Station was com- Wiener introduced the legislation at the Development Committee of the Board of pleted in 2000. Board hearing on November 6th. A hear- Supervisors have passed a motion reaf- In September, Heritage’s Issues Com- ing at the Land Use & Economic Develop- firming Proposition B. mittee toured the building and met with ment Committee is expected by the end of Also in June, RPD released a conditions members of the project team. The pro- the year. If approved, the designation will assessment of Coit Tower prepared by Ar- posed project includes seismic, mechanical, move forward to the full Board of Super- chitectural Resources Group and conser- electrical, plumbing, and safety upgrades, visors and to Mayor Lee for his signature. vator Anne Rosenthal. The report evalu- adding new means of egress for the bank- ates the historic frescoes and provides a ing hall and penthouse, reconfiguring the series of conservation and improvement basement interior space, and installing new restrooms in the penthouse. Proposed ad- estoration ork recommendations. Report findings indi- r w cate that the major culprits of mural dete- ditions, such as the new staircase and rest- Begins at coit tower rioration are graffiti vandalism, water dam- rooms, are strategically placed away from age from building leaks, and mechanical critical historic areas. Seismic and systems arlier this year, Heritage reported on impacts from visitors and building users. upgrades are minimal and respectful of the Ecommunity efforts to bring attention Top restoration needs include: installing building’s historic fabric. Although some to Coit Tower and its imperiled stock of new roofing at the second floor level, re- of the original teller counters will be re- Works Progress Administration (WPA) era pairing severe concrete spalling at the top moved, they will be carefully documented, murals. Significant progress has been made of the tower, improving signage and mural disassembled, and stored on site. to address the problems at Coit Tower, in- barriers on the first floor, stabilizing fres- In its letter to the HPC, Heritage ap- cluding new treatment guidelines adopted coes at areas of severe water damage, and plauded the project sponsor for taking by the San Francisco Arts Commission implementing an inspection and mainte- extraordinary care to insure that the build- and restoration of the historic building nance program for the murals. ing’s character-defining features are pre- and frescoes made possible by a $1.75 Initial restoration work on the tower be- served while allowing for practical adaptive million allocation from the San Francisco gan in October and focused on mitigating reuse of the building, which is expected to Recreation and Parks Department (RPD). water damage and intrusion. re-open in 2015.

Heritage News 5 Winter 2012 F E A T U R E

hAAs-lilienThAl house receives “nATionAl TreAsure” DesignATion

n 1887, a local journalist wrote of the IHaas-Lilienthal House: “beautiful resi- dences have been erected along Franklin Street, but none finer than this one.” Since 1973, this building has been Heritage’s headquarters and an icon of San Fran- cisco’s historic preservation movement. Today more than ever, the Haas-Lilienthal House stands as a site of national cultural and architectural significance. Its status was elevated to new heights this year when the National Trust for Historic Preserva- tion—the largest private, nonprofit preser- vation organization in the country—iden- tified the Haas-Lilienthal House as one of 34 “National Treasures” in America. Photo from the Heritage Archive The Haas family was active within San Francisco’s pioneering Jewish community. Left to right: Alice, William, Charles, Florine, Bertha, and cousin Louis Green, circa 1889. FROM S.F. ICON TO NATIONAL TREASURE ish immigrants, this Queen Anne gem was tral players in public life. As recognized by The Trust’s newly inaugurated National spared destruction in the 1906 earthquake National Trust President Stephanie Meeks, Treasures program highlights “endangered and fire and survives miraculously intact the Haas-Lilienthal House—with roots places of national significance,” where today with many of its original furnish- extending to the founders of Wells Fargo “on-the-ground success can have positive ings. As the only Victorian-era residence Bank, MJB Coffee, and Levi Strauss and implications for preservation nationwide.” open to the public in San Francisco, the Co.—has “tremendous potential to tell the With thousands of historic buildings, land- Haas-Lilienthal House has attracted visi- story of the significant contributions of scapes, and communities at risk across the tors from around the nation and world. the Jewish-American community in San country, the Trust’s groundbreaking cam- Dubbed “the acme of San Francisco’s Francisco to a national audience.” paign aims to identify new models for Victorian houses” by San Francisco Chron- The Haas-Lilienthal House additionally interpreting historic sites, building mean- icle “native son” Carl Nolte, the House is holds a special place in the popular imagi- ingful grassroots coalitions, preventing de- also the bedrock of Heritage’s educational nation of many 20th century city dwellers. terioration and demolitions, and protecting platform. Since 1982, thousands of third- During the 1950s, KPIX produced a local the places that reveal our national stories. grade schoolchildren have explored Victo- youth television program, Captain Fortune, The National Treasure designation rian life and architecture through our Heri- which included a scene with children run- marks a watershed moment in the life of tage Hikes program. ning up the front stairs of the House in the Haas-Lilienthal House. In granting its opening credits. In 1977, an image of this status, the National Trust recognizes CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE the House graced the cover of the Bay this San Francisco Landmark as a site of Area telephone directory, which described national prominence. Their designation, The Haas-Lilienthal House is also an the residence as “the grande dame of San however, also identifies the Haas-Lilien- important piece of cultural history, a Francisco Victorians.” The forthcoming thal House as a national asset in peril. The monument to the special role Jewish im- documentary American Jerusalem: Jews and House is a rare survivor, a structure that migrants played in the early development the Making of San Francisco features the emerged from earthquakes and economic of San Francisco and the American West. House in a reenactment of a high society cataclysm mostly unscathed. Yet today, San Francisco’s Jewish leaders transcended Jewish holiday party. it is threatened by the ravages of time— traditional social and political boundaries, mounting preservation, maintenance, and shaping the very creation of the city’s in- REINVENTING THE HOUSE MUSEUM operational costs jeopardize its future. frastructure and institutions in an unusu- The Haas-Lilienthal House embod- ally diverse and integrated urban center. Though the Haas-Lilienthal House is ies both the progressive spirit that distin- Unlike many American cities of the a compelling emblem of early San Fran- guishes San Francisco’s cultural landscape period, where Jews adapted to existing cisco, it faces a number of equally tangible and the Victorian grandeur of its built power structures, San Francisco was a threats. Like hundreds of house museums environment. Constructed in 1886 by Jew- place where Jewish residents became cen- across the country, the House has mainte-

Heritage News 6 Winter 2012 free community day draws LocaL crowd Photo from the Heritage Archive

eritage’s second annual Free Commu- Hnity Day at the Haas-Lilienthal House on Sunday, October 21 was a tremendous success! Nearly 600 visitors stepped over the threshold to discover the rich history of this newly-minted National Treasure. The majority of tour-goers were San Francis- cans who had passed by the House many times, but never explored beyond its doors. On the heels of the National Treasure announcement, the event was the perfect

Photo from the Heritage Archive opportunity to share Heritage’s vision for The 1977 telephone directory featuring the exterior of the House was a fixture in households reinventing the House and its role in our throughout the Bay Area. citywide mission with the local community. A special thank you to everyone who at- tended the event and to all of our partners nance and capital improvement needs that Trust convened a two-day visioning who helped spread the word, including Carl far exceed the revenue drawn from its visi- workshop attended by historic sites ex- Nolte at the San Francisco Chronicle, whose tors. Through this project, Heritage and perts from across the country, as well October 14 column featuring the history of the National Trust are bringing together as representatives of the Contemporary the House piqued widespread interest. some of the brightest minds in historic Jewish Museum and the San Francisco sites stewardship to create a long-term, Arts Commission. sustainable vision for the House to ensure The new vision aims to identify that its unique history endures for future groundbreaking interpretive and market- generations. ing strategies to revitalize the House, in- Efforts to secure and reinvent the crease earned income, and create a broad House are well underway. Museum as- awareness of the important stories that sessment studies have been completed by it has to share. Together with the Na- the National Trust and the American Al- tional Trust, we seek to demonstrate liance of Museums. With support from how the Haas-Lilienthal House can be a the Columbia Foundation, Heritage com- replicable model for bringing new life to Photos by Ian Boyle missioned the Sustainability Management urban historic house museums. Plan for the Haas-Lilienthal House, which Heritage News will continue to feature Volunteer coordinator Dorothy Boylan directs was released in March 2012. The plan pro- stories about the House throughout the visitors in the Master Bathroom. Many of our docents donned period clothing to complete vides “a road map for greening the mainte- coming year. Please be sure to visit sfher- the experience. nance procedures and capital building im- itage.org and savingplaces.org for regular up- provements at the Haas-Lilienthal House.” dates on our progress. In August 2012, Heritage and the National

Heritage News 7 Winter 2012 E V E N T S

lecTure series breAks new grounD the artisans’ BaLL eritage’s 2012 Lecture Series concluded on November 15 with a panel discussion rtistic License, a Hon historic preservation in the Tenderloin and its role in cultivating neighbor- AArea guild of period revival artisans, hood pride. The 2012 series pushed traditional boundaries of preservation practice by will host the Artisans’ Ball on Saturday, providing fresh perspectives on a diverse array of topics, ranging from LGBT preser- December 8 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. In vation to the conservation of murals emblematic of California’s Chicano Movement. celebration of the Guild’s 30th anniver- Perhaps what is most exciting about the 2012 series is the enthusiasm it gener- sary, the gala will benefit the historic Bay- view Opera House and its community ated around particular preservation issues. August’s sold-out lecture, “These Walls programs. Can Speak: Telling the Stories of Queer Places,” received media attention as far Built in 1888 by the San Francisco Free away as France, sparked the creation of a new Facebook page called “LGBT His- Masonic Lodge #212, the Bayview Opera toric Sites in California,” and inspired the formation of a committee to plan fu- House is believed to contain the only re- ture projects and programs dedicated to the preservation of LGBT historic sites. maining pre-fire theater in San Francisco. The 2012 series was a huge success thanks to the hard work and dedication of our In 2010, Heritage received an easement speakers, volunteers, and partners, including DOCOMOMO-NOCA, the GLBT donation for the building. Historical Society, HeritageYP, The Women’s Building, and the Tenderloin Neigh- The event will be held at the Green borhood Development Corporation. A special thank you to our sponsors: Tom El- Room at the San Francisco War Memo- iot Fisch, Holmes Culley, Cody Anderson Wasney Architects, and Knapp Architects. rial and Performing Arts Center, located at 401 Van Ness Avenue. For tickets and more details, please visit artisticlicense.org. Photo by Mike Buhler The September lecture featured three presentations about mural conservation in California. (L-R): Panelists Judy Baca, Josie S. Talamantez, and Juana Alicia with moderator Desiree Smith.

holiDAy oPen house, DeceMber 2 eck the halls with Heritage at our ort ity For The oliDAys Dannual Holiday Open House on P C h Sunday, December 2! Join us as we thank our members for their ongoing eritage is pleased to offer a special support throughout the year, complete Honline holiday rate for Port City: The with music, refreshments, and a visit History and Transformation of the Port of San from Santa at 2 p.m. The Haas-Lilien- Francisco, 1848-2010. thal House will glisten with holiday “Our waterfront from every conceiv- cheer, including the traditional tree trim- able historical and architectural angle,” mings. The restored family train will be lauded John King, who featured Port City running for the kids, and holiday shop- on his annual holiday book guide last year. ping will be available in the ballroom. Authored by Michael R. Corbett, the book This festive afternoon event is free for is the first to tell the comprehensive—and members and their guests. Admission largely unknown—story of San Francis- for the general public is $10 for adults co’s waterfront. and $5 for children 12 and under. Mem- The book is now available for $40 bers and their guests are encouraged to (discounted from $65). For more infor- RSVP and non-members to purchase mation and to make a purchase, please tickets at sfheritage.org/upcoming_events. visit sfheritage.org/port-city. Murphy Michael by Illustration

Heritage News 8 Winter 2012 V O L U N T E E R S

eriTAge ocenTs ecAll AvoriTe h D r F PauL anders: MeMories oF The hAAs-lilienThAl house in memoriam By Dorothy Boylan s part of its new “National ATreasures” initiative, the t is with deep sorrow that Heritage National Trust for Historic Iannounces the death of Paul Anders Preservation invites support- (1946-2012). A long-time docent at the ers to share their stories about Haas-Lilienthal House, Paul passed away in why the chosen places matter in September. His in-depth knowledge of Vic- torian social customs, architecture and dé- our national narrative. This on- cor was an indispensable element of Heri- line tool enables users to upload tage’s tours and docent training program, text and photographs that reveal where he was a leader for over 20 years. their connections to these his- With his charm and unique style, Paul toric sites. truly made the history of the House come The Haas-Lilienthal House to life. He could always be counted on to share something unexpected about the comes to life each week under Photo by Dorothy Boylan the careful stewardship of Heri- JoAnne Stewart displays traditional Victorian clothing to House and the historical period, from the tage’s docents. These dedicated students on Heritage Hikes. etiquette of paying social calls to the intri- volunteers enthusiastically relate cacies of applying faux oak grain to red- the legacy of the House to the broader for the countless wood wainscoting. guests who visit each year. In honor of the National Treasure designation, several of Paul also taught at the Academy of Art University for 30 years and created the our docents graciously shared some of their most meaningful stories. Survey of Bay Area Architecture class in the early eighties, exposing students to the From JoAnne Stewart: Haas-Lilienthal House and other architec- “This is about the mystery of the Haas-Lilienthal House, or at least about the mys- tural treasures throughout the region. terious minds of the third grade children who tour the house. Early in my experience Paul was also an active member of the leading children’s tours, a child asked about the secret passageway, which even the oldest Society and participated in the of us harbors a desire for in an old house. In the basement restroom is a small, modest, 100th Anniversary Celebration of the 1906 and deservedly seldom noted door which does not lead to a murky underground river San Francisco Earthquake and Fire. flowing to the sea or to a dank cave laden with bones of forgotten prisoners. Instead, Paul’s presence will be deeply missed by it gives access to the plumbing fixtures under the house. Heritage and the many docents with whom Not wanting to disappoint my small charges or break the spell of imagination, I said he shared his passion for architecture and that the secret passageway was in the basement restroom. We moved on to the doll design throughout the years. house, the bay windows, and a return to the basement where the tour both starts and ends. This was no ordinary return; it was a stampede whose energy showed me the error of my ways. Now, Haas-Lilienthal House still has a secret passageway, but it is the door between the maid’s room and the front bedroom. It is one for which no one has died and for which few have suffered, but it does move the children and their imaginations into the next room to check the other side of that mysteriously locked door.”

From Clare Willis: “When we enter the grand dining room with beautifully needle-pointed chairs, I tell my third graders that in many Victorian families, children did not eat with their parents until they had reached the ‘age of reason.’ I explain that this means the children had mastered all the delicate etiquette of Victorian dining, from handling multiple utensils correctly, to sitting ramrod straight so that their backs never touched the chair. I ask these eight year olds what age they think constituted the age of reason. Invariably they say a number higher than their own age, perhaps ten or twelve. When I tell them that Photo by Dorothy Boylan it was, in fact, usually around age eight, they laugh delightedly, but their own backs get straighter as they imagine being able to handle such serious duties.” Correction: The photograph of John Gaul in the last You, too, can share your favorite memories of the Haas-Lilienthal House! Please issue should be attributed to Ramon del Rosario. visit savingplaces.org/treasures/haas-lilienthal-house and click on the “Share your story” tab.

Heritage News 9 Winter 2012 D O N O R S

AnnuAl giving cAMPAign the neighborhood’s tangible and intangible cultural character.

We collaborated with the Bayanihan Com- munity Center in SoMa on an oral history project and a bilingual walking tour of Fili- pino landmarks. In 2013, we will launch a new summer youth education program for middle school students in SoMa.

REINVENTING THE HAAS-LILIENTHAL HOUSE

The National Trust’s “National Treasure” designation recognizes Heritage’s long- time headquarters as a site of national cul- tural significance, but it also identifies the House as a national asset in peril.

Calling on the brightest minds in historic site stewardship, we are working with the

Photo by Desiree Smith Desiree by Photo National Trust to develop a long-term A view from Heritage’s sold-out August lecture,“These Walls Can Speak: Telling the Stories of plan to restore and sustain the House, di- Queer Spaces.” versify and broaden its audience, and in- he past year has been distinguished by constant voice defending against propos- crease revenue. Tseveral important milestones, both for als to roll back protections for historic re- Heritage and for historic preservation in sources. On the heels of the National Treasure an- San Francisco. In May, the Board of Su- nouncement, we welcomed nearly 600 vis- pervisors passed comprehensive amend- Heritage collaborated with Supervisor itors to the House for our second annual ments to Articles 10 and 11 of the Plan- Scott Wiener to pass legislation expanding Free Community Day in October. ning Code, followed by Mills Act reform access to Mills Act property tax incentives SUPPORTING HERITAGE legislation in July. Heritage’s annual lecture for historic property owners. series broke new ground, established new Please consider deepening your commit- partnerships, and explored historic ven- Heritage’s Issues Committee provided ment to our mission by making a special ues throughout the city. Closer to home, expert guidance on proposed projects in- year-end gift above and beyond mem- the National Trust for Historic Preserva- volving Hibernia Bank, Pier 70, Bay- bership. Your contribution will help en- tion selected the Haas-Lilienthal House view Opera House, and the Strand The- sure that Heritage can respond quickly and as one of 34 “National Treasures” across ater, among other landmarks. forcefully as new threats arise. To be sure, the country in October, underscoring the there are major challenges ahead that de- House’s significance and the many chal- ENGAGING RESIDENTS IN ALL OF mand continued vigilance. As this issue SAN FRANCISCO lenges it faces. goes to print, legislation is pending be- Our annual lecture series hosted a sellout fore the Board of Supervisors that could Your support is what makes our work pos- crowd at the GLBT History Museum, exempt thousands of projects impacting sible, including the following progress in partnered with The Women’s Building historic resources from public notice re- 2012: to explore mural conservation, and high- quirements. lighted the role of historic preservation in ADVOCATING FOR PUBLIC POLICY An Annual Fund Donation envelope is en- AND SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT building community pride in the Tender- loin. closed with this issue of Heritage News— Four years after voters passed Proposi- just fill out the tear-off form on the next tion J, the Board of Supervisors enacted In Japantown, we continued to work with page or visit sfheritage.org. Your tax-deduct- amendments to Articles 10 and 11 of the residents and the Planning Department to ible contribution of any amount will Planning Code. Over the course of more develop a groundbreaking new Social Her- make a difference! than 25 public hearings, Heritage was a itage Program model that aims to protect

Heritage News 10 Winter 2012 C A L E N D A R

DECEMBER 2012 JANUARY 2013 FEBRUARY 2013

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 12 p.m. SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 6 p.m. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 8 p.m. San Francisco Architectural Heritage Art Deco Society of California SF Maritime National Historical Park Holiday Open House Port Costa Prohibition Days - 1933 Chantey Sing sfheritage.org I 415-441-3000 artdecosociety.org I 415-982-3326 nps.gov/safr I 415-447-5000

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 12 p.m. SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 1 p.m. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2 p.m. SF Museum and Historical Society Contemporary Jewish Museum Museum of the African Diaspora Holiday Tea at the Old San Francisco Photo Ball Lorraine Hansberry Theatre sfhistory.org I 415-537-1105 thecjm.org I 415-655-7800 moadsf.org I 415-358-7200

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 6 p.m. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 8 p.m. Artistic License San Francisco Architectural Heritage ArtPoint The Artisans’ Ball Semi-Annual Meeting Wooden Shoe Be Mine? Valentine’s Gala artisticlicense.org I 415-596-0843 sfheritage.org I 415-441-3000 artpoint.org I 415-750-3548

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 11 a.m. THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 7 p.m. FEBRUARY 22 & 23, times vary Art Deco Society of California Oakland Heritage Alliance Humanities West Marina District - Art Deco Walking Tour Neon Works Factory Lecture and Demo Charles II: Phoenix of Restoration London artdecosociety.org I 415-982-3326 oaklandheritage.org I 510-763-9218 humanitieswest.org I 415-391-9700

suPPorT sAn FrAncisco ArchiTecTurAl heriTAge!

2007 Franklin Street I San Francisco I California 94109 I 415-441-3000 I Fax 415-441-3015 I sfheritage.org

YES! I wish to contribute to Heritage’s work in preserving and enhancing San Francisco’s unique architectural and cultural identity.

Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation to the Annual Giving Campaign of ‰ $100 ‰ $500 ‰ $150 ‰ $1000 ‰ $250 ‰ oTher

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S A V E T H E D A T E H E R I T A G E T O U R S

free memBer events! haas-LiLienthaL house tours Wednesdays, Noon - 3 p.m. Saturdays, Noon - 3 p.m. hoLiday oPen house Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. sunday, decemBer 2, 12 - 3 P.m. haas-LiLienthaL house waLking tours (meets at HLH) Pacific Heights, Sundays, 12:30 p.m. The Haas-Lilienthal House will be full of holiday cheer on Sunday, December 2. Stop by for refreshments, holiday shopping, and a visit from Santa. Non-member admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. See page 8.

heritage semi-annuaL meeting wednesday, January 16, 6 P.m. haas-LiLienthaL house

Heritage’s executive director Mike Buhler will provide an overview of Heritage’s activities since June. Architectural historian Richard Brandi, author of San Fran- Photo by Taylor Rose cisco’s St. Francis Wood, will discuss the Olmsted design for the Mason-McDuffie Tours are free for members, $8 for the Company residential park, which attracted some of the Bay Area’s most talented general public, and $5 for seniors and architects and is one of the country’s most successful examples of City Beautiful children 12 and under. For group tours, “garden suburbs.” This event is free for Heritage members. call 415-441-3000 x24. For tour and event information, call 415-441-3011.

For more information on these events and more, visit sfheritage.org/upcoming_events. Heritage programs supported in part by City of San Francisco Grants for the Arts. Photo by Mark Citret