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Heritage Park Gets A Facelift
San Diego's Heritage Park in Old Town was busy this summer as workers redressed the Sherman-Gilbert house and the Temple Beth Israel in historic colors. A mutual agreement between SOHO and the county provides SOHO the opportunity to oversee and approve work done to insure historic integrity. Bruce Coons worked with contractors to assure appropriate colors and placement, resulting in an eye-catching glimpse of the aesthetics of their time.
Sherman-Gilbert House (1887) was the first structure moved to Heritage Park. John Sherman, cousin of Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, hired architects Comstock and Trotsche to build this house. From 1892 to 1965, sisters Bess and Gertrude Gilbert, patrons of art and music, brought internationally famous entertainers for receptions in their home. It was the eminent demolition of this home that was the catalyst for the founding of SOHO over thirty-two years ago. For the first time, since moving to Heritage Park, the color scheme is both accurate and beautiful in its deep rich shades of greens and terracotta.
Temple Beth Israel (1889), was San Diego's first synagogue. Constructed by the Congregation Beth Israel, it also became temporary quarters for many religious sects before they established churches of their own. And even now its social importance is reflected in the use by the county of the Temple as a community center. Its rich legacy is now reflected more honestly in the truer deeper colors of its time.
Reservations for weddings, bar mitzvahs, receptions on the lawn, and public meetings can be made by calling the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation at (619)565-3600.
The buildings are quite striking and we urge you to visit the park and see the many improvements.
More from this issue
- Baton Passes to SOHO for Neon Majorette
By Barry E. Hager- Old San Diego Police Headquarters
By Vonn Marie May- Message from the Executive Director
By Bruce D. Coons- Heritage Park Gets a Facelift
- Aztec Brewery Art & Artifact Ensemble
By Vonn Marie May- The Whaley House
- Help Furnish the Whaley House
- Volunteers Make the Difference
By Alana Coons- Heritage Tourism
- Threat to Agua Caliente
By María Castillo de Curry- We Called it Caliente
By Kathleen Kelley-Markham- Historic Hotel San Diego Awaits the Wrecking Ball
By Paul Hudson- County Historic Site Board Reinstated
- Mills Act Notice
Deadline September 27, 2002- Whaley House Garden Update
By Jessica McGee- SOHO Museum Shop at the Whaley House Grand Opening
email: SOHOSanDiego@aol.com
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