The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-01
ONE MAY REMAIN.
Probably a Fair Pavilion
Will Be Kept.
A QUESTION OF STABILITY.
Mechanics Fairs Might Go to
the Park.
COMMISSIONER STOW SAYS so.
The Plan to Abolish the Old Pavilion
and Have a Grand Park
Building.
A QUESTION OF STABILITY.
COMMISSIONER STOW SAYS so.

A prominent member of the Mechanics
Institute has raised really interesting
question, which involves a revolution in
the programme which originated some
time back regarding library and pavilion
buildings. Hethinks that. the Midwinter
Fair buildings proper might be preserved
for uses to which the ramshaekle pavilion
on Larkin street is now used.
In voicing this sentiment he only stated
what many members of the board Of
trustees have under consideration. The
institute has progressive men among the
trustees. and likely enough. after the
coming election candidates with wish to
step out of the rut will be in power. Then
this question will sooner or later present
itself, and as no time can be lost decisive
measures must be taken.
A plan to sell the real estate owned by
the institute on Folsom street, the pavilion
property, library building and other hold
ings is proposed. Upon the receipts from
these sales handsome building could be
erected near Union square. The plan
includes classroOms. chessrooms and
apartments fer drawing classes.
For annual exhibitions it is suggested
that the fair buildings surrounding the
grand plaza in Golden Gate Park could be
touched up and be made permanent struc-
lures. At other occasions. such as festi-
walls and when the weather is too un-
pleasant to permit of outdoor concerts,
band promenades and other entertain
meDts could be given in one of the large
pavlllons. Then, too. grand organ recitals,
children's fetes and festive events would
occupy one of the buildings several nights
In the year. But there is one difficulty
Will the Park Commissioners allow one or
any of the fair structures to remain?
Commissioner Stow was asked for his
opinion on the matter yesterday. He is in
clined TO favor the idea of an ornamental
and magnificent palace of amusement in
Golden Gate Park, but is doubtful about
nerpetuation of any or all OF the fair build
ings for such purposes.
They are only pasteboard houses" said
he, "and would not stand more than two
years. They are built for six months at
most, and II left alone much longer would
look shabby. Then It would be a constant
expense keeping themiu order.
Another objection is this: Concert Val
ley shall be Concert Valley, with hand
some band platform in the center and
carriage course all around. Now, these
buildings would be iu the way. NV idea
Is to have an ornamental stand for the
musicians. with a high roof, so that the
sound could float out over the valley and
be heard from the carriage concourse
Shilli!iR luo Inc flQe Arts
building is not so much in the way, as il
stands back in nook between the mounds
and trees.
Il would like to see a magnificent payil-
ion for annual fairs and frequent fetes
and concerts in the park. The subject has
not received much thought from me, how
ever, and | would like to weigh it care
fully for a time at least.
But wish the Casino was abolished
1t is an eyesOre. The commissioners had
an offer of $3.50 month for it as a restau-
rant and We refused the offer because we
were afraid the place might be turned to
disreputabfe uses. If at all possible |
would like to see the Casino removed and
large building erected in its place. There
is enough room there for a splendid struc-
ture, like the Manufactures ald Liberal
Arts building, or a concert hall, designed
after the Mormon Temple at Salt Lake
City, which has the finest acoustic proper
ties OF any hall in the world. There is no
reason why such a pavilion should not be
built in Golden Gate Park"
Apparently Commissioner Stow had not
made up his mind regarding any of the
Midwinter Fair buildings, but would like
10 have opinions first from architects re-
gardlng stability of the material and con-
structlon. If change assuring stability
caG be made at small expense by replacing
staff with StuccO or lumber. and strength
enlng weak points, some of the great
pavlli0ns may remain.