Historical Snapshot #4

A few weeks ago when the weather was unusually warm I jumped at the chance to take Zealand on an outing of grand proportions - the San Francisco Zoo. It turned out to be a good call on many levels, one being the cool breeze from the ocean that kept this corner of the city temperate and enjoyable.

The San Francisco Zoo is just a stone's throw from the Great Highway and the Pacific Ocean. It was originally called the Fleishhacker Zoo after its' founder, Herbert Fleishhacker, who was a prominent banker, philanthropist, and president of the Parks Commission in the 1920's.

The zoo opened its doors in 1929 and since has evolved into an attraction that can't be beat for little ones. In addition to gaping at the tall giraffes, Zealand goes bananas for the steam train. On this visit he insisted on sitting next to me while he held on to the side. He oohed and ahhed the whole ride and was just plain thrilled. He also took an instant liking to the metal tractors in the Family Zoo. Even though he was exhausted and the zoo was close to closing he pushed these guys around and probably would have done so until the sun set if I hadn't finally injected some sanity into the picture and scooped him up.

Zealand right now is most interested in the non-animal attractions at the zoo. It turns out the history of the non-animal features of the zoo are also more interesting (to me at least). Before the zoo was built, Fleishhacker funded the completion of, at the time, the worlds largest pool. The pool along with a playground, a Mother's Building, tennis courts, and baseball fields would become the foundation, or surrounding attractions, for the animal exhibits which opened four years later.

The pool opened to the public in 1925 after hosting exclusive athletic competitions. 25 cents gained you admission and the use of a bathing suit and large towel. The pool was 1000 feet long and 150 feet wide and was full of ocean water that was pumped in from the sea and then heated slightly. The pool was so large that lifeguards had to tool around on kayaks and rowboats to make sure they could get to everyone.

(Photos taken from WPN website)

The Mother's Building also opened in 1925 and was intended as a place for women and their children to rest after play at the adjacent playground. The walls of the Mother's Building were adorned with art completed by WPA artists during the Great Depression. After the building closed the zoo used it as a gift shop for a spell. It is currently closed to the public.

An enormous pool filled with sea water and an Italian Renaissance inspired building for mother's to lounge in with beautiful art and antique oak chairs and tables! All within walking distance of each other! Sign me up. Although a Mother's Building concept has survived until today with cafes and such designed for families, I am afraid they lack the historical charm.

And, I know Zealand would have given the huge pool his signature thumbs up, "OOOOHH." The pool is now covered over with dirt and cement and never did become part of the zoo parking lot as was intended in the 1970s. As we stroll leisurely through the zoo we can only dream of the fantastical attractions that once were a part of the Fleishhacker Zoo. Now that I know a bit of the history, I just might see 1000 x 150 feet of water, instead of cement, the next time we visit.

Sources: Wikipedia and http://www.outsidelands.org/index.php