When we humans see a hill, we want to put something on top of it. Maybe it’s an old instinct of war to create a defensive position and a higher viewpoint to spot the invading army. Or maybe as creative animals we are unable to resist “improving” nice things. Ego and avarice play their parts, of course.
The Sweeny Observatory once graced the top of Strawberry Hill at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.
Looking northwest from Sweeny Observatory at the top of Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park in 1898, this picture shows a sandy Richmond District and barren Lincoln Park. Prayerbook Cross is in the center foreground.
Historical photo from San Francisco’s past.
Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon 