Conservatory of Flowers
The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park has a fascinating history dating back to the 1870s. It all began with James Lick, a wealthy California pioneer and horticulture enthusiast, who ordered two conservatories for his estate in Santa Clara. These structures were likely commissioned from Lord and Burnham, a renowned American conservatory manufacturer.
After Lick's death in 1876, the unconstructed conservatories, consisting of 33 tons of glass, were inherited by the Society of California Pioneers. In 1877, the Society sold the conservatory materials to 27 prominent San Franciscans, including former Mayor William Alvord, Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford, and Claus Spreckels. These philanthropists intended to donate the conservatory to the City of San Francisco for public use in Golden Gate Park.
Construction of the Conservatory of Flowers was completed in 1879, making it the oldest building in Golden Gate Park. It quickly became the park's most visited attraction. The original layout featured a central dome, a Palm Room, an Orchid House, and galleries for various plant species.
The Conservatory opened to the public in April 1879 and immediately became a popular attraction.
In 1883, a fire originating in the furnace room destroyed the central dome and many plants. Charles Crocker donated $10,000 for reconstruction, during which the dome was raised by 6 feet.
In 1895, it was wired for electricity for the first time. The Conservatory survived the 1906 earthquake without serious damage.
In 1995, a winter storm severely damaged the aging structure. A $25 million reconstruction project was undertaken, and the Conservatory reopened in 2003.
Today, the Conservatory of Flowers remains a beloved landmark in San Francisco, showcasing rare and exotic plants in its Victorian-style greenhouse. It is in the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information:
Wikipedia
SFist.com
gggp.org
SFStandard.com
seaonc.org
