Having risen from the ashes of the great quake and fire of 1906, The City was ready to invite the world to a party. To celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal and the rebuilding of the city, San Francisco played host to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915. Many architecturally rich, though temporary structures were built for this world event. One such structure, Festival Hall, … [Read more...]

On the morning of February 21, 1915, whistles were blowing and spirits were high; it was opening day of the World's Fair. Seated at the Exposition Organ's console was the fair's official organist, Wallace Sabin. With a large chorus and orchestra, Sabin opened the Panama-Pacific International Exposition with Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. A lavish nine month program of musical entertainment followed. … [Read more...]

Several months after the fair ended, Lemare was honored with the position of San Francisco's first Municipal Organist in which he was contracted to perform two concerts weekly. San Francisco had become home. Lemare's salary was ten times that of the average worker and was guaranteed, regardless of ticket sales. Lemare was one of the highest paid organist in the world. But his impressive salary … [Read more...]

In 1984 the Citizens Committee to Preserve the San Francisco Municipal Organ was formed. Spearheaded by organ historian Charles Swisher, the committee began an effort to renovate the instrument. Over a period of several years Schoenstein & Company (formerly Felix F. Schoenstein & Sons) began working pro-bono to restore the instrument to playing condition. Just as the restoration was nearly … [Read more...]

In late 1997 the City of San Francisco began the last phase of the Embarcadero reconstruction project. The Embarcadero looked nothing like it did before the Loma-Prieta quake. A beautiful tree-lined boulevard and rail system now replaced the ugly two tiered freeway. A new pier, wider sidewalks and new outdoor public spaces had also enhanced the waterfront. In April of 1998 an article appeared in … [Read more...]