SFHS Monthly Program: Woodward's Gardens with Gloria Lenhart

Welcome to the SFHS monthly history program. Tonight local historian Gloria Lenhart tells the story of San Francisco’s first amusement park-Woodward’s Gardens-an extraordinary example of state-of-the-art entertainment in the Victorian Age.
Three generations of San Franciscans enjoyed its expansive gardens, museum galleries filled with art, and exotic creatures from around the world. A wind-driven boat pond, daily performances by pole-climbing bears, and camel rides were just some of the amusements offered there.
Gloria’s presentation features rare photos of Woodward’s Gardens by famed photographer Eadward Muybridge. Enjoy this journey back in time.

[@simonenalani8972]

This was so interesting! I wish I could have visited the park.

[@brucelamoreaux6070]

Love the photos and history

[@jeffgibson4482]

This is really excellent, thanks so much for putting it together. Along with Woodward street, another connection to the past was Woodward's Gardens restaurant which for years operated on the corner of Mission and Duboce - but closed, I believe, a few years ago.

[@Bingewatchingmediacontent]

Very interesting. Sad that they shot and killed the animals for their skin. But the presentation was fascinating