San Francisco’s Pioneer Monument, created by F.H. Happersberger was dedicated to The City by James Lick in 1894. Previously located at Marshall Square, near the intersection of Hyde and Grove, it marked the site of the Old City Hall, destroyed by fire in the earthquake of 1906. During the renovation of the new San Francisco Library there were plans to relocate it, preservationists opposed this relocation, wishing to retain the marker as the last tie to the vanished city hall. It now sits between the new Asian Art Museum and the new San Francisco Library.
Native Americans opposed the move for a different reason: its demeaning portrayal of native peoples. The Victorian monument, an elaborate series of cast iron figures and bas-reliefs, commemorates the early settlers of California. On a central pedestal, Eureka stands with her shield, 30 feet in the air, in front of the State bear. Around the pedestal’s circumference are inscribed the names of the founders: Lick, Fremont, Drake, Serra, Sutter — stretching from 1648 to 1850.
On four lower pedestals, arranged around the column, are life-size and larger figures from California history. Two classically draped goddesses on opposite pedestals represent Agriculture and Commerce, one with a cornucopia and the other, an oar symbolizing the shipping trade. At the other two points are “’49” — a trio of prospectors panning for gold — and “Early Days,” a triumvirate of Mexican vaquero, Franciscan padre, and submissively seated Indian.
There is an interesting article on the Albion Monitor regarding the controversy of this monument.
F.H. Happersberger (1885-1915), his studio was located at 51 Park Avenue in San Francisco.
Happersberger was the son of a Bavarian immigrant pioneer, he was born in Placer County, CA, in 1859. His father, Frank Happersberger, Sr., came west from New York to participate in the Gold Rush. Frank, Jr., spent his youth in San Francisco, and first worked as a wood-carver for the San Francisco firm of Kemp and Hoffman. Happersberger received an eight-year education at a German royal art academy. While still in Europe, he made a successful entry in a competition for a life-size statue of the assassinated President Garfield to be placed in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. He returned to San Francisco, the Garfield statue was unveiled triumphantly and from that point, Happersberger was established as a sculptor skilled with the media of marble and bronze.
Impressive momunment! Beautifully photographed!
You certainly have some interesting objects between the new Asian museum and the new SF Library. I think this is quite beautiful. And back in the days, European types didn’t think much of native Americans. That led to great tragedy but is no reason, in my opinion, to relegate such historical works of art to the trash bin. Perhaps another, more up-to-date sculpture which commemorates the talents and wonders of our native peoples could be installed in this location?
I do like the style of this monument. Eureka is very impressive. I understand the controversy re the native American, but it does give us a glimpse into the prejudices of the era it was made. Have a lovely weekend!
Not politically correct but certainly worth preserving!
I am glad they kept it in its (close to) original location. All the works are nicely done and I really like it.
Every statue or monument has a story to tell. Thank you for always doing such in-depth research for all your posts.
[…] by San Franciscan Frank Happersberger, a native of Dutch Flat, CA, who also sculpted the giant Pioneer Monument next to the city’s main library. Columbia, the female symbol of the United States, sits on […]
[…] by San Franciscan Frank Happersberger, a native of Dutch Flat, CA, who also sculpted the giant Pioneer Monument next to the city’s main library. Columbia, the female symbol of the United States, sits on […]