Kim Pendleton, Committee Co-Chair
This year marked a remarkable milestone for our organization as we celebrated Telegraph Hill Dwellers’ 70th anniversary with an unforgettable birthday event. The afternoon brought together members and friends from across the community to honor our legacy and the incredible journey that has brought us to this point.
Held at Coit Tower, the milestone kicked off with a heartfelt welcome from Board President Nick Ferris, who shared THD’s history and introduced many of its past leaders. Reflecting on the organization’s core values—preserving and protecting, building community, celebrating history and engaging in city affairs—Nick emphasized how these principles have guided us through decades of challenges and successes.
While celebrating our group’s 70th, we also honored an important anniversary for the Coit Tower Murals. The Murals, celebrated for their vibrant depiction of California’s history and culture, marked their 90th anniversary in 2024. Created in 1934 as part of a New Deal-era public works project, the Coit Tower Murals were painted by a group of artists commissioned by the federal Works Progress Administration. These iconic works, located inside San Francisco’s Coit Tower, reflect a variety of themes, from labor and agriculture to social issues of the time. Over the decades, the Murals have become an integral part of San Francisco’s artistic and cultural heritage, attracting visitors worldwide and highlighting the vision of both the artists and the city’s commitment to preserving public art.
We had three guest speakers throughout the day, discussing the Murals: Professor Robert Cherny, reading from his new book, The Coit Tower Murals: New Deal Art and Political Controversy in San Francisco; Harvey Smith from The Living New Deal, speaking about the national impact of the Coit Tower Murals, and Jon Golinger (former THD Board president), performing a scene from his play about the creation of the Coit Tower Murals, Painting Coit Tower.
Guests were treated to a festive afternoon featuring live jazz music, delicious food, perfect October weather, and an amazing cake!
The 70th birthday celebration was a fitting tribute to the Telegraph Hill Dwellers’ enduring impact and a reminder of the talented and passionate people who have helped shape its legacy. We look forward to continuing to serve our community and grow together for many more years to come.
Here’s to 70 more years preserving and protecting our unique and special neighborhood!
