Pop quiz: How are writers and parks alike?
We both need help to grow and thrive.
Help like the work of Patrick Quigley, pictured here.
A few months ago, I wrote about one man’s campaign to have Stow Lake renamed for Quigley. The question of the lake’s name is still pending, with one more public hearing to come, the date still TBD. Meanwhile, Quigley’s backer, Angus McFarlane, managed to track down some of Quigley’s descendants and secured this photo of him. Despite the caption, I don’t think Quigley was the first park employee. That honor, according to park historian Raymond Clary, goes to Patrick Owens, hired in 1870 as “keeper of the grounds” for $75 a month. Still, Quigley was clearly not far behind him. I love seeing him (and that tiny park bench!) and the way the photo instantly brings me closer to someone who was so essential in bringing the park to life.
This newsletter is all about connecting us to the life of the park, past and present. And so, dear readers, I now have an ask for you:
If you are enjoying 1,017 Acres, please consider supporting it with a paid subscription. I wanted to create something of value before receiving sponsorship. Now, six months and 20 newsletters in, I am asking for your support. The fact is many of these pieces take a lot of work, including hours of interviews and research. Your support will help keep 1,017 Acres going so more wonders can be revealed about Golden Gate Park—like where you can find the rare albino redwood; the odd origin of the park’s coyotes; or the weirdest items to be found John McLaren’s archives, and more.
Therefore, I’m adding a new option for paid subscribers: a $5 monthly donation. (As they like to say on NPR, that’s the cost of a single latte). Paid subscribers will get bonus content one to two times every month.
For those who already made pledges of support: huge gratitude. Your pledges were a great confidence booster when I was first starting this newsletter. That said, I never flipped the button to turn those pledges into actual donations. I plan to now. You can switch to a monthly model or stay with the one-time donation.
Thank you for reading and being part of 1,017 Acres! I welcome comments, feedback, ideas for stories.
Susan