August 26, 2005
It’s one of San Francisco’s strange and secret treasures, hidden in plain sight at the edge of the Bay. As you stroll along the jetty you suddenly spy the… wait, what is that? A fragment of the ruins of a lost city? No, not this time… it’s a collision between nature and architecture, the fruits of the labor of a public spirited artist and a wonderfully creative museum, who have together created a quiet spot in the middle of the bay for frazzled citizens to seek a bit of respite from a hectic world. (dogs like it, too.)
Thanks to Fake Tan for the use of the track “Tiger Lilly”, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network.
Sparkletack was the blog and podcast of a guy obsessed with diggin' up San Francisco history. The site is on permanent hiatus.
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August 27, 2005 at 4:37 pm
Best ever! Loved it!
August 28, 2005 at 4:37 pm
For the trivia question:
The Marina was hard hit during the Loma Prieta eathquake since the neighborhood is built on sand and landfill. Some of the houses sank or toppled because of their unstable foundations, and the jetty that ends in the wave organ grew huge cracks since the rubble its built from shifted around.
I have been loving your podcast, thanks for putting it together!
August 29, 2005 at 4:37 pm
hi malima… you’ve got (of course) the right answer to the trivia question, but somebody snuck an email in a little earlier. thanks for support, and i’m glad the show’s pleasing your ears.
April 10, 2007 at 5:57 pm
What’s up with that lighthouse? I’ve always wondered about it.
April 12, 2007 at 12:26 pm
The yacht harbor was constructed specifically for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, but was later given over to municipal control. The lighthouse appears to have been constructed sometime between 1927 and 1931, based on period photos of the place.
Noted San Francisco architect Willis Polk built the St. Francis Yacht Club right next door in 1927… could it be that he designed the lighthouse as well? I could use some more information myself…
Here’s a photo of the lighthouse under construction in 1931, and in its prime in 1935.
December 15, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Thanks! this is a new discovery for me and I greatly appreciate your generosity in researching it and telling me about it.
February 24, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Hi, Richard,
I’m back again!
I have been to the end of the jutting land and have heard the music, but didn’t realize what it was at the time. I shall have to go back and listen again.
Chloe
January 27, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Great audio depiction of the Wave Organ. I live two blocks away and discovered the Wave Organ while on a date and walking around the Marina about 5-6 years ago (possibly around the same time you posted this). Thanks!