The Historical Society was formed in 1971 in efforts to save the Martin House. Built in 1893 by South San Francisco founding father, William J. Martin, the house was located on the corner of Grand and Eucalyptus Avenues. Unfortunately, that effort failed and a disastrous fire destroyed the beautiful house in 1974.
In 1980 an effort sponsored by St. Paul’s Methodist Church came forward to urge enactment of legislation to protect historic properties of South San Francisco. Thankfully, this venture succeeded and we now have the “Historic Preservation Ordinance” which recognizes the importance of our historic resources. The Sidewalk of Names (Miller Avenue in front of All Souls Church), the Magnolia Plaza Community Room (Grand at Magnolia Avenues), and 25 historic homes throughout the city are protected under this ordinance. One of these buildings, The Plymire-Schwarz House (519 Grand Avenue) is a fine example of how and why we should preserve our City’s unique character.
The purpose of this Society shall be to identify, to publicize, and to take steps to preserve whatever is deemed of historical, architectural, or social significance in our city and to cooperate with the agencies and departments of the City of South San Francisco in carrying out this purpose.
The South San Francisco Historical Society has two facilities in South City featuring historical information. The Historical Society Museum, at 80 Chestnut Avenue, houses a collection which includes vintage clothing, photos and artifacts, oral history tapes, historic school yearbooks, newspapers and maps, special exhibits, and a database for researching historical photographs. The Plymire-Schwarz House is a restored 1905 colonial revival style house located at 519 Grand Avenue. This historic home was donated to the Historical Society who worked diligently to restore the furnishings with period-appropriate antiques.
80 Chestnut Avenue South San Francisco, California 94080
(650) 829-3825
519 Grand Avenue South San Francisco
(650) 875-6988
Membership is open to all who are interested. Membership meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of March, June, September and December at Magnolia Senior Center, 601 Grand Avenue. Board meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the other eight months and are open meetings which any member is welcome to attend (dates in January and February may change due to holiday schedule). Membership is $15 for individuals and $20 for families.
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave Casagrande
First Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Penna
Second Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ginny Tilton
Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Denise Fernekes
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Julie Chimenti
Financial Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donna Smith
Co-Sponsored by South San Francisco Department of Parks & Recreation
80 Chestnut Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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