Overview
Collection Information
Size: 5 Volumes, (on partial microfilm reel)
Summary: Five scrapbooks of clippings documenting Polk's career and many important Bay Area events during his time in San Francisco. Subjects of the clippings include the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the San Francisco civic center, and his partnership with D.H. Burnham and the subsequent establishment of his own firm in San Francisco.
Biographical/Historical Note
Architect; San Francisco, Calif. Played an important part in shaping the city of San Francisco in the early part of the 19th century. Joined the firm of D.H. Burnham & Co. in Chicago. Following the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, Burnham set up an office in San Francisco, placing Polk in charge and with a partnership interest. It was one of the primary firms involved in the reconstruction of San Francisco. In 1911, Polk took over the San Francisco office and the name was changed to Willis Polk & Co. Some of his projects include the civic center, the Panama-Pacific Exposition of 1915, the Chronicle Building, the Pacific Club, Women's City Club Building, major business buildings and homes of prominent citizens. Polk ran for mayor in 1915.
Provenance
Lent for microfilming 1975 by the California Historical Society.
Language Note
English .
Location of Originals
- Originals returned to the California Historical Society after microfilming.