Guide to the Percy Broell Presidio Park Collection
MS 73
Finding aid prepared by Samantha Mills
San Diego History Center Document Collection
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA, 92101
619-232-6203
April 12, 2017
Title: Percy Broell Presidio Park Collection
Identifier/Call Number: MS 73
Contributing Institution:
San Diego History Center Document Collection
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.5 Linear feet
(1 box)
Date (bulk): Bulk, 1937
Date (inclusive): 1937-1976
Abstract: This collection contains manuscripts and correspondence regarding the history of Presidio Park by Percy Broell, the gardener
and park superintendent largely responsible for its physical construction.
creator:
Broell, Percy C.
Biographical / Historical Notes
Percy Broell (1904-1982), an Iowa native, was a resident of San Diego for over 50 years. He was an active member in civic
affairs, particularly in the arena of parks and recreation. Broell was the main constructor of Presidio Park, under the supervision
of George Marston. After the park’s completion he remained as gardener, park foreman, and park superintendent.
Scope and Content
This collection contains manuscripts and correspondence regarding the history of Presidio Park by Percy Broell, the gardener
and park superintendent largely responsible for its physical construction. The first manuscript contains a history of the
park and its physical construction, including original photographs documenting its progress, as well as a history of Old San
Diego. The second manuscript is a botanical guide and index.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged by material type.
Preferred Citation
Percy Broell Presidio Park Collection, MS 73, San Diego History Center Document Archives, San Diego, CA.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.
Processing Information
Collection processed by Lindsay Banuelos in March 2008.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Broell, Percy C.
Marston, George White, 1850-1946
Warren, Jerrald
Botany
Gardening
Presidio Park
Box-folder 1:1
“History of Presidio Park 1905-1937” (1 of 3),
1937
Box-folder 1:2
“History of Presidio Park 1905-1937” (2 of 3),
1937
Box-folder 1:3
“History of Presidio Park 1905-1937” (3 of 3),
1937
Box-folder 1:4
“Presidio Park: a brief history and guide,”
undated
Scope and Content
This file contains drafts, with illustrations, of text also contained in the first manuscript.
Box-folder 1:5
“Presidio Park Plant Life,”
1937
Box-folder 1:6
Research Reference,
undated
Includes:
Research notes and a portion of a map.
Box-folder 1:7
Correspondence (copies),
1938 November 23 - 1976 June 16 and undated
Includes:
Letters to Jerrald Warren, editor of the Union Tribune, with detailed information about George Marston and the creation of
Presidio Park; a letter of recommendation for Broell from George Marston; and two letters to Jack Broell, Percy’s brother.
