Gardening isn’t often a route to fame. As one of the park’s gardeners recently said to me, “you don't really see us.” And many of them, as well as many of us visitors, like it that way. Still, we ought to know who to thank for this gift that’s been giving for 153 years. Sadly, the man who created Golden Gate Park has been buried in anonymity and unfairly overshadowed. So in honor of the park’s birthday this month, I want to celebrate William Hammond Hall.
I love the postcard image, which shows the true scope of GG Park. When you're walking in the park it feels so beautifully contained, it doesn't feel as huge as it really is!
It's amazing to see that 1865 photo of Outside Lands with only the Cliffhouse there. By the time I moved to the Outer Richmond, it looked the way it does now--houses as are as the eye can see. My father-in-law grew up there too.
Thank you for telling Hall's story--and the barley! How interesting!
Apr 19, 2023·edited Apr 19, 2023Liked by Susan Freinkel
Fascinating story —and a great tribute to Hammond. I’d never heard of him. And I doubt I’ll ever visit the park on a windy day without thinking of those poor horses!
I love the postcard image, which shows the true scope of GG Park. When you're walking in the park it feels so beautifully contained, it doesn't feel as huge as it really is!
It's amazing to see that 1865 photo of Outside Lands with only the Cliffhouse there. By the time I moved to the Outer Richmond, it looked the way it does now--houses as are as the eye can see. My father-in-law grew up there too.
Thank you for telling Hall's story--and the barley! How interesting!
Fascinating story —and a great tribute to Hammond. I’d never heard of him. And I doubt I’ll ever visit the park on a windy day without thinking of those poor horses!
I suggest that JFK Drive be renamed in honor of Hall.