SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL
1897
(MECHANICS INSTITUTE FAIR)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Mechanics Institute, organized March 1855, held first industrial fair Sept. 8, 1857 in specially built pavilion. Fair came to be annual event, lasting 3 to 4 weeks, an "elaborate exhibition of mechanic arts...agriculture and horticulture exceedingly popular...always densely crowded." Earthquake and fire destroyed hall in 1906.
Medal below, struck for 1897 Fair, commemorates completion that year of tower of City Hall, cornerstone of building having been laid 25 years earlier. Designed by Institute; struck by L. H. Moise, San Francisco; issue quite limited.
Photos courtesy of Fred Holabird
Obv. Edifice and plaza, on ribbon above City Hall; on ribbon below San Francisco; below, microscopic L. H. Moise; beaded, rope-like border.
Rev. City Hall and History / Act Authorizing / --Erection-- / Signed by Henry H. Haight, Gov. of Cal / --April 4. 1870.-- / Commissioners--P. H. Canavan. / Jos. G. Eastland & Chas. E. McLane. / Robt. George, Sec'y.--Thos. H. Selby, Mayor / Augustus Layer, of Albany, N. Y. Arch't. / Excavation Began Mar 28. 1871 & Founda- / tion Laid May 20. Aug. 28 Sale of City Hall / Lots Realized $953,900. Cornerstone / Laid Feb 22. 1872. Tower Completed / May 28, 1897. June 30, 1897 Cost of / Building $5,660,000 / Stamped by L. H. Moise / Mechanics Fair / 1897; beaded, rope-like border.
HK-641 Aluminum. 45mm.
HK-640 HK-642