Re: Primary sources?

10/06/09 - posted by John Martini

Check out the Park Archive of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in the Presidio. It has extensive documents on the establishment of Golden Gate NRA, especially the collection donated by the founder of "People For A Golden Gate National Recreation Area."

The archive also has a lengthy Oral History interview with George Whitney Jr. made shortly before his death in which he talks extensively about his family's development of the Playland/Cliff House/Sutro Baths area. (There's a summary of the interview on this website at
http://www.outsidelands.org/whitney-interview-timeline.php

The staff at the Park Archive are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and I recommend calling ahead and telling them about your areas of interest. Walk-in hours are:

Monday 1 pm - 4 pm
Thursday 10 am - 1 pm

Individual appointments are also available by calling (415) 561-2808.