Nov 072011
North Beach
Marini Plaza
These are the bears of Marini Plaza at Powell Street. It once was a lone corner of Washington Park. Frank Marini (1862-1952) is mentioned often in Alessandro Baccari’s book, “Saints Peter and Paul: ‘The Italian Cathedral’ of the West, 1884-1984.” Marini was a major civic benefactor, participating in the work of the Salesian groups at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. He was a sponsor of the boys’ club, to help troubled immigrant boys who had little English speaking ability, education or guidance. He was a fundraiser to pay off the debt for building the church and Salesian school. He gave the money to build a gymnasium at St. Francis Church, on Vallejo Street, for the church-sponsored basketball teams.
The bears are gold painted, metal and filled with concrete. I could find no information on the original sculptor, but after a tree limb fell on the walking bear, and it’s paws were damaged by vandals, it was restored by conservator Genevieve Baird.
This is the pose the Golden Bear has on our California State Flag.
Drinking Man
The other statue in the park is “Drinking Man” by M. Earl Cummings. Mr. Cummings, who was a Park Commissioner at the time, donated the statue to the city in 1905. The city then paid $1550 to have it cast in bronze. The model for the piece also posed for St. John the Baptist by Auguste Rodin.
Great sculptures and pains me to think anyone would vandalize a piece of art!
These are the kind of treasures that make city living so wonderful!
These are such wonderful works of art, and I thank you so much for sharing them with us at The Creative Exchange.
Have a great evening!
lisa.
oh wow! i especially love the bear! beautiful!