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Junior League of San Francisco "Here Today" building research files
SFH 611
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Title: Junior League of San Francisco "Here Today" building research files
Dates: 1964-1978 (1964 bulk)
Collection Number: SFH 611
Creator/Collector:
Junior League of San Francisco. Historic Sites Committee.
Extent: approximately 3,500 files (10 file drawers)
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: The Junior League of San Francisco "Here Today" building research files include over 3,500 building surveys compiled by the
women of the Junior League of San Francisco’s Historic Sites Project. Files contain a building survey data sheet and photograph.
Some files also contain a building history and newspaper clippings.
Language of Material: English
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk
hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items. The
Junior League of San Francisco retains copyright.
[Identification of item]. Junior League of San Francisco "Here Today" building research files . Collection Number: SFH 611.
San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco History Center
The collection was acquired by the library circa 1980.
Biography/Administrative History
The "Here Today" historic resource survey was initiated by the Junior League of San Francisco in response to a loss of historic
structures in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties. The survey resulted in the 1968 publication Here Today: San Francisco’s
Architectural Heritage, which described many of the surveyed buildings. The Junior League’s survey was the first historic
resources survey conducted in San Francisco.
Established in 1963 the Junior League of San Francisco’s Historic Sites Project identified architecturally, and historically
significant buildings built prior to 1920. General Chairman Martha Nell (Mrs. Alden Crow) and San Francisco County Chairman
Gee Gee Platt (Mrs. Peter Platt) led a team of 200 trained and educated League members to conduct block-by-block surveys of
over 2,500 properties in the three counties.
Brown, M. (2011, January 12). San Francisco Modern Architecture and Landscape Design. San Francisco Modern Architecture and
Landscape Design (1935-1970) Historic Context Statement. http://sfplanninggis.org/docs/Historical_Context_Statements/Modern
Architecture Context adopted Jan 2011.pdf
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection comprises the original San Francisco surveys, as well as photocopies of the Marin County and San Mateo County
files. Each file includes a Historic Building Data Sheet and an exterior snapshot of the building. Some files also contain
written house histories and newspaper clippings. Data sheets may include the address and block number, year built, owner at
time of survey, original owner, architect, architecture, neighborhood information, use at time of survey, original use, notable
features, and general facts – for example if the structure is the site of an historic event, or if the building is associated
with a famous person. Addresses are listed alphabetically by street name with numbered street names spelled out.
Many of the structures surveyed for the project appear in the book "Here Today", first published in 1968. Some files contain
material collected for the 9th printing (1978). The book lists properties on pages 335-337 if they had a change in status
since the first publication. It is unclear if the book lists all properties with updated surveys.
Originals of the Marin surveys are housed at the Anne T. Kent California Room at the Marin County Free Library, 3501 Civic
Center Drive, Room 427 San Rafael, CA 94903, californiaroom@marincounty.org.
Architecture -- California -- San Francisco.
Buildings -- California -- San Francisco.
San Francisco (Calif.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.