A HISTORY OF UNION SQUARE - Revision history

Lisaruth: amended caption on photo 2 to include a more exact date.

2021-12-27T22:44:25Z

amended caption on photo 2 to include a more exact date.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:44, 27 December 2021
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	[[Image:Union-Square-prequake.jpg]]		[[Image:Union-Square-prequake.jpg]]

	'''~~Late 19th century view~~ of Union Square.'''		'''View of Union Square, ca. 1898.'''

	''Photo: Private collection''		''Photo: Private collection''

Ccarlsson: added photos

2020-07-04T04:02:20Z

added photos

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:02, 3 July 2020
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	During the Civil War, Union Square took on its present name because of several pro-Union rallies held there to celebrate Union victories. Often these rallies were led by Unitarian minister Thomas Starr King, whose church faced the Square. Such gatherings came to an end with the commemoration service for the late President Lincoln on April 20, 1865. Fourteen thousand people marched through the streets of San Francisco, past buildings draped in black, to Union Square to hear a memorial address delivered by Horatio Stebbins, the successor to minister King.[[Union Square History footnotes\|4]]		During the Civil War, Union Square took on its present name because of several pro-Union rallies held there to celebrate Union victories. Often these rallies were led by Unitarian minister Thomas Starr King, whose church faced the Square. Such gatherings came to an end with the commemoration service for the late President Lincoln on April 20, 1865. Fourteen thousand people marched through the streets of San Francisco, past buildings draped in black, to Union Square to hear a memorial address delivered by Horatio Stebbins, the successor to minister King.[[Union Square History footnotes\|4]]

	~~[[Image:The-Old-Mechanics-Pavilion.-West-side-of-Stockton-St.-bet.-Post-&-Geary-in-1870.-Now-Union-Square.jpg]]~~

	'''The old Mechanics Pavilion on the west side of Stockton Street between Post and Geary in ~~1870~~, before it moved west to make way for the new Union Square.'''		[[Image:Geary & Stockton 1867 Mechanics Pavilion wnp71.1466.jpg]]

			'''The old Mechanics Pavilion on the west side of Stockton Street between Post and Geary in 1867, before it moved west to make way for the new Union Square.'''

			''Photo: OpenSFHistory.org wnp71.1466''

	~~''Photo: Jesse Brown Cook collection, [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/view?docId=tf129005j4;developer=local;style=oac4;doc.view=items online archive of California] I0051221A''~~

	<font size=4>'''THE MECHANICS' PAVILION IN UNION SQUARE '''</font size>		<font size=4>'''THE MECHANICS' PAVILION IN UNION SQUARE '''</font size>

	In 1854, the Mechanics' Institute was founded in San Francisco, with the purpose of advancing the mechanical arts and sciences. Eventually, it became traditional for the Institute to hold yearly mechanics and manufacturing fairs. In 1864, the Institute requested permission to build a pavilion in Union Square, and since the city needed a large indoor gathering space, permission was granted. In 1864 and 1865, fairs were held in this pavilion, a rambling wooden structure on the eastern side of Union Square at the corner of Geary and Stockton streets. In 1868 a new Mechanics' Pavilion was built in Union Square. Supposedly, 8,000 people could be seated in the pavilion. It also held a skating rink and an art gallery and may have contained classrooms for apprentices in the mechanical and industrial arts.[[Union Square History footnotes\|5]] Here, industrial fairs were held until 1871. Afterwards, the pavilion was torn down and a new site was acquired elsewhere.[[Union Square History footnotes\|6]] When not in use for industrial fairs, the pavilions served as social gathering halls for the elite. Dances and costume balls, music events, and public lectures were held.		In 1854, the Mechanics' Institute was founded in San Francisco, with the purpose of advancing the mechanical arts and sciences. Eventually, it became traditional for the Institute to hold yearly mechanics and manufacturing fairs. In 1864, the Institute requested permission to build a pavilion in Union Square, and since the city needed a large indoor gathering space, permission was granted. In 1864 and 1865, fairs were held in this pavilion, a rambling wooden structure on the eastern side of Union Square at the corner of Geary and Stockton streets. In 1868 a new Mechanics' Pavilion was built in Union Square. Supposedly, 8,000 people could be seated in the pavilion. It also held a skating rink and an art gallery and may have contained classrooms for apprentices in the mechanical and industrial arts.[[Union Square History footnotes\|5]] Here, industrial fairs were held until 1871. Afterwards, the pavilion was torn down and a new site was acquired elsewhere.[[Union Square History footnotes\|6]] When not in use for industrial fairs, the pavilions served as social gathering halls for the elite. Dances and costume balls, music events, and public lectures were held.

			[[Image:Stockton near Geary circa 1869 Mechanics Pavilion wnp71.0177.jpg\|800px]]

			'''Mechanics Pavilion at Stockton near Geary, c. 1869.'''

			''Photo: OpenSFHistory.org wnp71.0177''


	<font size=4>'''THE FIRST PARK DESIGN '''</font size>		<font size=4>'''THE FIRST PARK DESIGN '''</font size>
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	[[Shanghaiing and its Abolition \| Prev. Document]] [[UNION SQUARE AFTER 1906 \| Next Document]]		[[Shanghaiing and its Abolition \| Prev. Document]] [[UNION SQUARE AFTER 1906 \| Next Document]]

	[[category:Downtown]] [[category:Gold Rush]] [[category:1850s]] [[category:1860s]] [[category:1870s]] [[category:1880s]] [[category:1890s]] [[category:1900s]] [[category:The Argonaut]]		[[category:Downtown]] [[category:Gold Rush]] [[category:1850s]] [[category:1860s]] [[category:1870s]] [[category:1880s]] [[category:1890s]] [[category:1900s]] [[category:The Argonaut]] [[category:buildings]]

Ccarlsson: upgraded photo

2020-06-11T02:15:21Z

upgraded photo

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:15, 10 June 2020
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	Throughout the 1850s, the Square, like all public squares in San Francisco, remained undeveloped. It was used primarily for dumping, by occasional squatters, and for sand-lot baseball games. In fact, the term sand-lot baseball is thought to have originated in San Francisco from the use of Union Square as a sandy baseball field.[[Union Square History footnotes\|2]]		Throughout the 1850s, the Square, like all public squares in San Francisco, remained undeveloped. It was used primarily for dumping, by occasional squatters, and for sand-lot baseball games. In fact, the term sand-lot baseball is thought to have originated in San Francisco from the use of Union Square as a sandy baseball field.[[Union Square History footnotes\|2]]

	[[Image:Union-~~square~~-~~armory~~.~~jpg~~]]		[[Image:National-Guard-Armory-Union-Square-1860s-Lawrence-and-Houseworth.gif]]

	'''National Guard Armory on Post Street at edge of Union Square, c. 1870s, Temple Emanuel behind on Sutter Street.'''		'''National Guard Armory on Post Street at edge of Union Square, c. 1870s, Temple Emanuel behind on Sutter Street.'''

Ccarlsson: added new photos

2016-09-12T07:29:17Z

added new photos

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:29, 12 September 2016
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	The park was redesigned in preparation for the monument, which was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt on May 14, 1903.		The park was redesigned in preparation for the monument, which was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt on May 14, 1903.

			[[Image:1903-dedication-of-Dewey-Memorial-in-Union-Square-w-Roosevelt.jpg]]

			'''1903 dedication of Dewey Monument in Union Square with President Theodore Roosvelt.'''

			''Photo: Private collection''

			[[Image:Teddy-Roosevelt-in-SF-1903.jpg]]

			'''Teddy Roosevelt speaking in San Francisco, 1903.'''

			''Photo: Private collection''

	<iframe src="https://archive.org/embed/ssf1VANQUK" width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" allowfullscreen></iframe>		<iframe src="https://archive.org/embed/ssf1VANQUK" width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Lisaruth: changed caption on photo, wrong info per user

2015-05-19T19:55:12Z

changed caption on photo, wrong info per user

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:55, 19 May 2015
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	[[Image:Unino-square-pre-Dewey-Monument-1903.jpg]]		[[Image:Unino-square-pre-Dewey-Monument-1903.jpg]]

	'''At the ~~turn~~ of ~~the century~~, ~~a different kind of monument occupied the center of Union Square~~.'''		'''This view shows the Cathedral Monument in Union Square built for the Knights of Templar Conclave, July 7-13, 1934.'''

	''Photo: Private collection''		''Photo: Private collection''

Ccarlsson: added new photos

2014-06-10T22:05:38Z

added new photos

Ccarlsson: added new photos

2014-06-10T21:59:11Z

added new photos

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:59, 10 June 2014
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	'''Union Square facing north, with [[Temple Emmanu-el of SF \|Temple E-mmanu-el]] a block away on Sutter, c. 1875.'''		'''Union Square facing north, with [[Temple Emmanu-el of SF \|Temple E-mmanu-el]] a block away on Sutter, c. 1875.'''

	[[Image:~~The-Old-Mechanics-Pavilion.-West-side-of-Stockton-St.-bet.-Post-&-Geary-in-1870.-Now-~~Union-Square.jpg]]		[[Image:Union-Square-prequake.jpg]]

	'''~~The old Mechanics Pavilion on the west side~~ of ~~Stockton Street between Post and Geary in 1870, before it moved west to make way for the new~~ Union Square.'''		'''Late 19th century view of Union Square.'''

	''Photo: ~~Jesse Brown Cook~~ collection~~, [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/view?docId=tf129005j4;developer=local;style=oac4;doc.view=items online archive of California] I0051221A~~''		''Photo: Private collection''

	Today San Francisco's Union Square forms one of the most notable outdoor spaces in the world, functioning as a major "urban room" in the heart of downtown San Francisco.		Today San Francisco's Union Square forms one of the most notable outdoor spaces in the world, functioning as a major "urban room" in the heart of downtown San Francisco.
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	Throughout the 1850s, the Square, like all public squares in San Francisco, remained undeveloped. It was used primarily for dumping, by occasional squatters, and for sand-lot baseball games. In fact, the term sand-lot baseball is thought to have originated in San Francisco from the use of Union Square as a sandy baseball field.[[Union Square History footnotes\|2]]		Throughout the 1850s, the Square, like all public squares in San Francisco, remained undeveloped. It was used primarily for dumping, by occasional squatters, and for sand-lot baseball games. In fact, the term sand-lot baseball is thought to have originated in San Francisco from the use of Union Square as a sandy baseball field.[[Union Square History footnotes\|2]]

			[[Image:Union-square-armory.jpg]]

			'''National Guard Armory on Post Street at edge of Union Square, c. 1870s, Temple Emanuel behind on Sutter Street.'''

			''Photo: Private collection''

	But this lack of development was remedied with the passage of the Van Ness Ordinance in 1855. Although the ordinance was primarily directed at the squatter problem, it also designated land for public park purposes. More importantly, the ordinance gave the responsibility for squares, parks, and grounds of public buildings within the city to the Park Commission, which was charged with remodeling these sites. One of the first to receive attention was Union Square, although documentation as to the actual physical changes made around 1860 is lacking.[[Union Square History footnotes\|3]] Most likely, the steam paddies did not level the site until after passage of the Van Ness Ordinance.		But this lack of development was remedied with the passage of the Van Ness Ordinance in 1855. Although the ordinance was primarily directed at the squatter problem, it also designated land for public park purposes. More importantly, the ordinance gave the responsibility for squares, parks, and grounds of public buildings within the city to the Park Commission, which was charged with remodeling these sites. One of the first to receive attention was Union Square, although documentation as to the actual physical changes made around 1860 is lacking.[[Union Square History footnotes\|3]] Most likely, the steam paddies did not level the site until after passage of the Van Ness Ordinance.
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	During the Civil War, Union Square took on its present name because of several pro-Union rallies held there to celebrate Union victories. Often these rallies were led by Unitarian minister Thomas Starr King, whose church faced the Square. Such gatherings came to an end with the commemoration service for the late President Lincoln on April 20, 1865. Fourteen thousand people marched through the streets of San Francisco, past buildings draped in black, to Union Square to hear a memorial address delivered by Horatio Stebbins, the successor to minister King.[[Union Square History footnotes\|4]]		During the Civil War, Union Square took on its present name because of several pro-Union rallies held there to celebrate Union victories. Often these rallies were led by Unitarian minister Thomas Starr King, whose church faced the Square. Such gatherings came to an end with the commemoration service for the late President Lincoln on April 20, 1865. Fourteen thousand people marched through the streets of San Francisco, past buildings draped in black, to Union Square to hear a memorial address delivered by Horatio Stebbins, the successor to minister King.[[Union Square History footnotes\|4]]

	'''THE MECHANICS' PAVILION IN UNION SQUARE '''		[[Image:The-Old-Mechanics-Pavilion.-West-side-of-Stockton-St.-bet.-Post-&-Geary-in-1870.-Now-Union-Square.jpg]]

			'''The old Mechanics Pavilion on the west side of Stockton Street between Post and Geary in 1870, before it moved west to make way for the new Union Square.'''

			''Photo: Jesse Brown Cook collection, [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/view?docId=tf129005j4;developer=local;style=oac4;doc.view=items online archive of California] I0051221A''

			<fontsize=4>'''THE MECHANICS' PAVILION IN UNION SQUARE '''</fontsize>

	In 1854, the Mechanics' Institute was founded in San Francisco, with the purpose of advancing the mechanical arts and sciences. Eventually, it became traditional for the Institute to hold yearly mechanics and manufacturing fairs. In 1864, the Institute requested permission to build a pavilion in Union Square, and since the city needed a large indoor gathering space, permission was granted. In 1864 and 1865, fairs were held in this pavilion, a rambling wooden structure on the eastern side of Union Square at the corner of Geary and Stockton streets. In 1868 a new Mechanics' Pavilion was built in Union Square. Supposedly, 8,000 people could be seated in the pavilion. It also held a skating rink and an art gallery and may have contained classrooms for apprentices in the mechanical and industrial arts.[[Union Square History footnotes\|5]] Here, industrial fairs were held until 1871. Afterwards, the pavilion was torn down and a new site was acquired elsewhere.[[Union Square History footnotes\|6]] When not in use for industrial fairs, the pavilions served as social gathering halls for the elite. Dances and costume balls, music events, and public lectures were held.		In 1854, the Mechanics' Institute was founded in San Francisco, with the purpose of advancing the mechanical arts and sciences. Eventually, it became traditional for the Institute to hold yearly mechanics and manufacturing fairs. In 1864, the Institute requested permission to build a pavilion in Union Square, and since the city needed a large indoor gathering space, permission was granted. In 1864 and 1865, fairs were held in this pavilion, a rambling wooden structure on the eastern side of Union Square at the corner of Geary and Stockton streets. In 1868 a new Mechanics' Pavilion was built in Union Square. Supposedly, 8,000 people could be seated in the pavilion. It also held a skating rink and an art gallery and may have contained classrooms for apprentices in the mechanical and industrial arts.[[Union Square History footnotes\|5]] Here, industrial fairs were held until 1871. Afterwards, the pavilion was torn down and a new site was acquired elsewhere.[[Union Square History footnotes\|6]] When not in use for industrial fairs, the pavilions served as social gathering halls for the elite. Dances and costume balls, music events, and public lectures were held.

	'''THE FIRST PARK DESIGN '''		<fontsize=4>'''THE FIRST PARK DESIGN '''</fontsize>

	Sometime after the removal of the Mechanics' Pavilion in 1871, but before 1880 (the date of the first photo-documentation of the Square), Union Square was first formally designed as a park. Photographs show dirt or gravel paths running diagonally from street corner to street corner and other paths at cardinal points, in the manner of the Union Jack on the British flag. All pathways intersected at a small, circular paved area in the park's center where a flagpole stood. Along the Square's periphery ran a picket fence with openings to the sidewalk and street. Inside this fence was a small strip of planted beds and secondary pathway system along the park's periphery. Several benches were placed along the peripheral pathway in front of a strip of land planted with a variety of trees, but benches were absent from the center areas of the Square.		Sometime after the removal of the Mechanics' Pavilion in 1871, but before 1880 (the date of the first photo-documentation of the Square), Union Square was first formally designed as a park. Photographs show dirt or gravel paths running diagonally from street corner to street corner and other paths at cardinal points, in the manner of the Union Jack on the British flag. All pathways intersected at a small, circular paved area in the park's center where a flagpole stood. Along the Square's periphery ran a picket fence with openings to the sidewalk and street. Inside this fence was a small strip of planted beds and secondary pathway system along the park's periphery. Several benches were placed along the peripheral pathway in front of a strip of land planted with a variety of trees, but benches were absent from the center areas of the Square.
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	Before 1900, land use immediately around the Square was mixed, with churches, residences, and shops. By 1870, churches were the most notable structures. At the corner of Powell and Geary streets was Calvary Presbyterian Church, built in the classical style, where the St. Francis Hotel now stands. The church replaced a small house and stable on the site. At the corner of Post and Powell streets stood Trinity Episcopal Church, in the Gothic Revival style. And at the corner of Stockton and Geary streets was the First Unitarian Church, also in the Gothic Revival style, which was dedicated in 1864.[[Union Square History footnotes\|8]] In addition, the Union Square Baptist and the First Congregational churches were close to Powell and Post Streets.		Before 1900, land use immediately around the Square was mixed, with churches, residences, and shops. By 1870, churches were the most notable structures. At the corner of Powell and Geary streets was Calvary Presbyterian Church, built in the classical style, where the St. Francis Hotel now stands. The church replaced a small house and stable on the site. At the corner of Post and Powell streets stood Trinity Episcopal Church, in the Gothic Revival style. And at the corner of Stockton and Geary streets was the First Unitarian Church, also in the Gothic Revival style, which was dedicated in 1864.[[Union Square History footnotes\|8]] In addition, the Union Square Baptist and the First Congregational churches were close to Powell and Post Streets.

			[[Image:Unino-square-pre-Dewey-Monument-1903.jpg]]

			'''At the turn of the century, a different kind of monument occupied the center of Union Square.'''

			''Photo: Private collection''

	Paradoxically, on adjacent Maiden Lane, then known as Morton Street, the City's first red light district flourished.[[Union Square History footnotes\|9]] At Stockton and Geary streets was the old City College, and in 1884, the Wigwam, a large structure of galvanized sheet iron that served as the Republican Party's presidential campaign headquarters that year. Later the Wigwam was leased out and run as a vaudeville theater.[[Union Square History footnotes\|10]] The Cosmos Club and the Pacific Club, the Academy of Sciences, and the Armory all at one time were located at Union Square. The appearance of the streets surrounding the Square, as well as most of the city, changed considerably every 10 to 15 years -- so much so that each generation grew up in an entirely different city.		Paradoxically, on adjacent Maiden Lane, then known as Morton Street, the City's first red light district flourished.[[Union Square History footnotes\|9]] At Stockton and Geary streets was the old City College, and in 1884, the Wigwam, a large structure of galvanized sheet iron that served as the Republican Party's presidential campaign headquarters that year. Later the Wigwam was leased out and run as a vaudeville theater.[[Union Square History footnotes\|10]] The Cosmos Club and the Pacific Club, the Academy of Sciences, and the Armory all at one time were located at Union Square. The appearance of the streets surrounding the Square, as well as most of the city, changed considerably every 10 to 15 years -- so much so that each generation grew up in an entirely different city.
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	New modes of transportation also changed the Square's ambiance. Horse cars were running along Geary Street and past Union Square in the 1870s. But by March of 1877, cable cars also were in operation on Powell Street, serving a fashionable residential neighborhood on top of Nob Hill and continuing into Chinatown. A year later, in 1878, cable cars were in use on Geary Street.[[Union Square History footnotes\|11]]		New modes of transportation also changed the Square's ambiance. Horse cars were running along Geary Street and past Union Square in the 1870s. But by March of 1877, cable cars also were in operation on Powell Street, serving a fashionable residential neighborhood on top of Nob Hill and continuing into Chinatown. A year later, in 1878, cable cars were in use on Geary Street.[[Union Square History footnotes\|11]]

	'''THE DEWEY MONUMENT AND A NEW DESIGN'''		<fontsize=4>'''THE DEWEY MONUMENT AND A NEW DESIGN'''</fontsize>

	At the turn of the century the Square underwent a major design change, largely due to San Francisco's role in the Spanish American War of 1898. At this time the city became a major naval port and the embarkation center for [[SAN FRANCISCO'S ROLE IN THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES\|troops sent to the Philippines]]. After the war, there was a movement to erect a monument commemorating the destruction of the Spanish Fleet in Manila Bay by Commodore Dewey's squadron on May 1, 1898. [[Mayor James Phelan\|Mayor Phelan]] organized a citizens committee which selected Union Square as the site for the monument, probably because of its name and central location.		At the turn of the century the Square underwent a major design change, largely due to San Francisco's role in the Spanish American War of 1898. At this time the city became a major naval port and the embarkation center for [[SAN FRANCISCO'S ROLE IN THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES\|troops sent to the Philippines]]. After the war, there was a movement to erect a monument commemorating the destruction of the Spanish Fleet in Manila Bay by Commodore Dewey's squadron on May 1, 1898. [[Mayor James Phelan\|Mayor Phelan]] organized a citizens committee which selected Union Square as the site for the monument, probably because of its name and central location.
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	Union Square became the temporary campground for guests and residents of the hotel when a group of one-story frame buildings was erected in the park area, containing 100 rooms. It was known as the "Swank" or "Little St. Francis." All temporary buildings were finally removed in 1907 with the completion of the Post Street northern addition of the hotel.[[Union Square History footnotes\|14]]		Union Square became the temporary campground for guests and residents of the hotel when a group of one-story frame buildings was erected in the park area, containing 100 rooms. It was known as the "Swank" or "Little St. Francis." All temporary buildings were finally removed in 1907 with the completion of the Post Street northern addition of the hotel.[[Union Square History footnotes\|14]]

			[[Image:Union-square-c-1920s.jpg]]

			'''Union Square, c. 1920s.'''

			''Photo: Private collection''

Ccarlsson at 21:35, 10 June 2014

2014-06-10T21:35:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 10 June 2014
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	'''Union Square facing north, with [[Temple Emmanu-el of SF \|Temple E-mmanu-el]] a block away on Sutter, c. 1875.'''		'''Union Square facing north, with [[Temple Emmanu-el of SF \|Temple E-mmanu-el]] a block away on Sutter, c. 1875.'''

			[[Image:The-Old-Mechanics-Pavilion.-West-side-of-Stockton-St.-bet.-Post-&-Geary-in-1870.-Now-Union-Square.jpg]]

			'''The old Mechanics Pavilion on the west side of Stockton Street between Post and Geary in 1870, before it moved west to make way for the new Union Square.'''

			''Photo: Jesse Brown Cook collection, [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/view?docId=tf129005j4;developer=local;style=oac4;doc.view=items online archive of California] I0051221A''

	Today San Francisco's Union Square forms one of the most notable outdoor spaces in the world, functioning as a major "urban room" in the heart of downtown San Francisco.		Today San Francisco's Union Square forms one of the most notable outdoor spaces in the world, functioning as a major "urban room" in the heart of downtown San Francisco.
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	The park was redesigned in preparation for the monument, which was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt on May 14, 1903.		The park was redesigned in preparation for the monument, which was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt on May 14, 1903.

	~~{{#ev~~:archive\|ssf1VANQUK~~\|320}}~~		<iframe src="https://archive.org/embed/ssf1VANQUK" width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" allowfullscreen></iframe>

	'''President Roosevelt rides in horse-drawn carriage on Van Ness, 1903.'''<br>		'''President Roosevelt rides in horse-drawn carriage on Van Ness, 1903.'''<br>
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	'''Union Square Monument dedicated to Admiral Dewey at Manila, [[The Weird History of the St. Francis Hotel FBI Leftist Takes a Potshot at President Ford.\|St. Francis Hotel]] behind.'''		'''Union Square Monument dedicated to Admiral Dewey at Manila, [[The Weird History of the St. Francis Hotel FBI Leftist Takes a Potshot at President Ford.\|St. Francis Hotel]] behind.'''

	~~{{#ev~~:archive\|ssfUNIONSQ1~~\|320}}~~		<iframe src="https://archive.org/embed/ssfUNIONSQ1" width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" allowfullscreen></iframe>

	'''President Theodore Roosevelt dedicates the Dewey Monument in Union Square, May 14, 1903.'''<br>		'''President Theodore Roosevelt dedicates the Dewey Monument in Union Square, May 14, 1903.'''<br>

Jeff at 17:44, 28 December 2010

2010-12-28T17:44:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:44, 28 December 2010
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	[[Shanghaiing and its Abolition \| Prev. Document]] [[UNION SQUARE AFTER 1906 \| Next Document]]		[[Shanghaiing and its Abolition \| Prev. Document]] [[UNION SQUARE AFTER 1906 \| Next Document]]

	[[category:Downtown]] [[category:Gold Rush]] [[category:1850s]] [[category:1860s]] [[category:1870s]] [[category:1880s]] [[category:1890s]] [[category:1900s]] [[category:The ~~Argonaut\|~~Argonaut]]		[[category:Downtown]] [[category:Gold Rush]] [[category:1850s]] [[category:1860s]] [[category:1870s]] [[category:1880s]] [[category:1890s]] [[category:1900s]] [[category:The Argonaut]]

Jeff at 17:35, 28 December 2010

2010-12-28T17:35:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:35, 28 December 2010
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	[[Shanghaiing and its Abolition \| Prev. Document]] [[UNION SQUARE AFTER 1906 \| Next Document]]		[[Shanghaiing and its Abolition \| Prev. Document]] [[UNION SQUARE AFTER 1906 \| Next Document]]

	[[category:Downtown]] [[category:Gold Rush]] [[category:1850s]] [[category:1860s]] [[category:1870s]] [[category:1880s]] [[category:1890s]] [[category:1900s]] [[category:The Argonaut]]		[[category:Downtown]] [[category:Gold Rush]] [[category:1850s]] [[category:1860s]] [[category:1870s]] [[category:1880s]] [[category:1890s]] [[category:1900s]] [[category:The Argonaut\|Argonaut]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:05, 10 June 2014
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	''Photo: Jesse Brown Cook collection, [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/view?docId=tf129005j4;developer=local;style=oac4;doc.view=items online archive of California] I0051221A''		''Photo: Jesse Brown Cook collection, [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/view?docId=tf129005j4;developer=local;style=oac4;doc.view=items online archive of California] I0051221A''

	<~~fontsize~~=4>'''THE MECHANICS' PAVILION IN UNION SQUARE '''</~~fontsize~~>		<font size=4>'''THE MECHANICS' PAVILION IN UNION SQUARE '''</font size>

	In 1854, the Mechanics' Institute was founded in San Francisco, with the purpose of advancing the mechanical arts and sciences. Eventually, it became traditional for the Institute to hold yearly mechanics and manufacturing fairs. In 1864, the Institute requested permission to build a pavilion in Union Square, and since the city needed a large indoor gathering space, permission was granted. In 1864 and 1865, fairs were held in this pavilion, a rambling wooden structure on the eastern side of Union Square at the corner of Geary and Stockton streets. In 1868 a new Mechanics' Pavilion was built in Union Square. Supposedly, 8,000 people could be seated in the pavilion. It also held a skating rink and an art gallery and may have contained classrooms for apprentices in the mechanical and industrial arts.[[Union Square History footnotes\|5]] Here, industrial fairs were held until 1871. Afterwards, the pavilion was torn down and a new site was acquired elsewhere.[[Union Square History footnotes\|6]] When not in use for industrial fairs, the pavilions served as social gathering halls for the elite. Dances and costume balls, music events, and public lectures were held.		In 1854, the Mechanics' Institute was founded in San Francisco, with the purpose of advancing the mechanical arts and sciences. Eventually, it became traditional for the Institute to hold yearly mechanics and manufacturing fairs. In 1864, the Institute requested permission to build a pavilion in Union Square, and since the city needed a large indoor gathering space, permission was granted. In 1864 and 1865, fairs were held in this pavilion, a rambling wooden structure on the eastern side of Union Square at the corner of Geary and Stockton streets. In 1868 a new Mechanics' Pavilion was built in Union Square. Supposedly, 8,000 people could be seated in the pavilion. It also held a skating rink and an art gallery and may have contained classrooms for apprentices in the mechanical and industrial arts.[[Union Square History footnotes\|5]] Here, industrial fairs were held until 1871. Afterwards, the pavilion was torn down and a new site was acquired elsewhere.[[Union Square History footnotes\|6]] When not in use for industrial fairs, the pavilions served as social gathering halls for the elite. Dances and costume balls, music events, and public lectures were held.

	<~~fontsize~~=4>'''THE FIRST PARK DESIGN '''</~~fontsize~~>		<font size=4>'''THE FIRST PARK DESIGN '''</font size>

	Sometime after the removal of the Mechanics' Pavilion in 1871, but before 1880 (the date of the first photo-documentation of the Square), Union Square was first formally designed as a park. Photographs show dirt or gravel paths running diagonally from street corner to street corner and other paths at cardinal points, in the manner of the Union Jack on the British flag. All pathways intersected at a small, circular paved area in the park's center where a flagpole stood. Along the Square's periphery ran a picket fence with openings to the sidewalk and street. Inside this fence was a small strip of planted beds and secondary pathway system along the park's periphery. Several benches were placed along the peripheral pathway in front of a strip of land planted with a variety of trees, but benches were absent from the center areas of the Square.		Sometime after the removal of the Mechanics' Pavilion in 1871, but before 1880 (the date of the first photo-documentation of the Square), Union Square was first formally designed as a park. Photographs show dirt or gravel paths running diagonally from street corner to street corner and other paths at cardinal points, in the manner of the Union Jack on the British flag. All pathways intersected at a small, circular paved area in the park's center where a flagpole stood. Along the Square's periphery ran a picket fence with openings to the sidewalk and street. Inside this fence was a small strip of planted beds and secondary pathway system along the park's periphery. Several benches were placed along the peripheral pathway in front of a strip of land planted with a variety of trees, but benches were absent from the center areas of the Square.
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	New modes of transportation also changed the Square's ambiance. Horse cars were running along Geary Street and past Union Square in the 1870s. But by March of 1877, cable cars also were in operation on Powell Street, serving a fashionable residential neighborhood on top of Nob Hill and continuing into Chinatown. A year later, in 1878, cable cars were in use on Geary Street.[[Union Square History footnotes\|11]]		New modes of transportation also changed the Square's ambiance. Horse cars were running along Geary Street and past Union Square in the 1870s. But by March of 1877, cable cars also were in operation on Powell Street, serving a fashionable residential neighborhood on top of Nob Hill and continuing into Chinatown. A year later, in 1878, cable cars were in use on Geary Street.[[Union Square History footnotes\|11]]

	<~~fontsize~~=4>'''THE DEWEY MONUMENT AND A NEW DESIGN'''</~~fontsize~~>		<font size=4>'''THE DEWEY MONUMENT AND A NEW DESIGN'''</font size>

	At the turn of the century the Square underwent a major design change, largely due to San Francisco's role in the Spanish American War of 1898. At this time the city became a major naval port and the embarkation center for [[SAN FRANCISCO'S ROLE IN THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES\|troops sent to the Philippines]]. After the war, there was a movement to erect a monument commemorating the destruction of the Spanish Fleet in Manila Bay by Commodore Dewey's squadron on May 1, 1898. [[Mayor James Phelan\|Mayor Phelan]] organized a citizens committee which selected Union Square as the site for the monument, probably because of its name and central location.		At the turn of the century the Square underwent a major design change, largely due to San Francisco's role in the Spanish American War of 1898. At this time the city became a major naval port and the embarkation center for [[SAN FRANCISCO'S ROLE IN THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES\|troops sent to the Philippines]]. After the war, there was a movement to erect a monument commemorating the destruction of the Spanish Fleet in Manila Bay by Commodore Dewey's squadron on May 1, 1898. [[Mayor James Phelan\|Mayor Phelan]] organized a citizens committee which selected Union Square as the site for the monument, probably because of its name and central location.
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	As for the surrounding area, by the turn of the century, a major retail shopping area had come to be centered around Union Square and along Market Street from Third to Eighth streets. This retail district consisted of a number of hotels, stores, restaurants, and motion picture houses, most of which were to be devastated in the earthquake and fire of 1906.		As for the surrounding area, by the turn of the century, a major retail shopping area had come to be centered around Union Square and along Market Street from Third to Eighth streets. This retail district consisted of a number of hotels, stores, restaurants, and motion picture houses, most of which were to be devastated in the earthquake and fire of 1906.

	'''THE [[The Weird History of the St. Francis Hotel FBI Leftist Takes a Potshot at President Ford.\| ST. FRANCIS HOTEL]] '''		<font size=4>'''THE [[The Weird History of the St. Francis Hotel FBI Leftist Takes a Potshot at President Ford.\| ST. FRANCIS HOTEL]] '''</font size>

	One of the major additions to the Square was the construction of the first two wings of the St. Francis Hotel in 1903. By March 2, 1904 the hotel had opened. It was, and remains, the tallest structure (13 stories) facing the Square, forming an impressive backdrop for the Dewey Monument.		One of the major additions to the Square was the construction of the first two wings of the St. Francis Hotel in 1903. By March 2, 1904 the hotel had opened. It was, and remains, the tallest structure (13 stories) facing the Square, forming an impressive backdrop for the Dewey Monument.
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	The St. Francis became a major contributor to the vitality of the Square. Throughout the years, the hotel has been host to hundreds of dances, debutante balls, and society and fashion luncheons. It became world famous, and has served as lodging for royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities.[[Union Square History footnotes\|13]]		The St. Francis became a major contributor to the vitality of the Square. Throughout the years, the hotel has been host to hundreds of dances, debutante balls, and society and fashion luncheons. It became world famous, and has served as lodging for royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities.[[Union Square History footnotes\|13]]

	'''THE GREAT QUAKE, FIRE AND RECONSTRUCTION'''		<font size=4>'''THE GREAT QUAKE, FIRE AND RECONSTRUCTION'''</font size>

	Disaster struck Union Square and San Francisco with the earthquake and fire of 1906. Structures surrounding the Square were completely destroyed and the St. Francis, though it survived, was gutted.		Disaster struck Union Square and San Francisco with the earthquake and fire of 1906. Structures surrounding the Square were completely destroyed and the St. Francis, though it survived, was gutted.