‘San Francisco Relocated’ author to present book at Martinez Library

By DAVID SCHOLZ
Martinez Tribune

History buffs may enjoy hearing the perspectives of Diane Donovan who will be speaking on her book, “San Francisco Relocated,” on Tuesday at the Martinez Library.

The hour-long presentation about the City’s amazing building moves from the time of the Gold Rush to modern times will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 740 Court St., Martinez.

Donovan, of San Francisco, explained that moving entire buildings was a common activity not just within San Francisco’s limits but throughout California.

“While my talk primarily focuses on San Francisco’s moving history, it also includes details of some Martinez moves,” said Donovan, who is now researching and writing a second book on the topic.

Local examples include a house on Marina Vista which was floated in by barge from San Jose in the 1970s, and a Court Street structure moved from the Contra Costa County Hospital grounds, where it housed the “insane asylum.”

“Indeed, Contra Costa County (as is the case with many Bay Area counties) has a rich, yet (until now) relatively ‘hidden’ history of moving buildings,” she added.

Donovan spotlighted a pioneer merchant in Pleasant Hill whose 1853 house was moved to Martinez when an office complex was built, as well as a luxurious mansion built in 1877 and moved to Martinez in the 1920s.

“The entire Bay Area holds much history of moving all kinds of structures, from bungalows and small homes to commercial buildings,’’ Donovan said.

Martinez librarian Ruth Boyer said she is preparing to add “San Francisco Relocated” to the library’s collection. More information about the book is available at www.sfrelocated.com.