This is the Third article in the series.
To view Part One - Click here
To view Part Two - Click here

Granite Lady Closes and Reopens

Its replacement, the third United States Mint at San Francisco, began striking coins in 1937. This period was comparatively brief however. Following World War II, the mints at Philadelphia and Denver were greatly improved. The plan was to have all of the nation’s coinage produced at these two facilities. As a result, in March 1955, after the production of the 1955 Lincoln cents, all coinage production at the third San Francisco Mint ceased and the facility became an assay offi ce and a supplier of plainchants for the Denver Mint.

The “Granite Lady,” after its closure in 1937 and through the years of the Second World War and the 1950s, served as a storage facility and offi ce space for a number of governmental agencies. It was apparent that the future of this historic building would become a concern of the government. Many facilities, following their wartime uses, were being declared as “surplus.” In its July 1959 publication, CSNA’s “Calcoin News” reported that a February 18, 1958 meeting was held to discuss the future of the mint building. At this meeting some people believed the site should be developed for commercial interests while other argued for a museum. Still, no action was taken.

By 1968 it was decided that the Federal Government no longer needed this building and the decision regarding its future commenced. At the end of February, the General Services Administration (GSA) sent notices to other federal agencies announcing the agency would remove its 150 employees now occupying the building within the next 90 days. The “Granite Lady,” fi rst opened in 1874, now was vacant and deserted. Offi cials advised that unless some local, state or federal agency made a bid for the building, the property would be sold at public auction.

Will The “Granite Lady” Become A State College?

The San Francisco Chronicle reported in its June 27, 1969 edition that the 2nd San Francisco mint building was to be given to the San Francisco State College system for a downtown campus. To facilitate this plan, the property was transferred to the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. The transfer was made offi cial on June 19, 1969. However, the State College wanted the site not the building and announced plans to demolish the old Mint building.

It was apparent many people were opposed to this plan and on June 24, 1969 the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and congressman Phillip Burton asked that the old Mint be preserved as a historic monument. Prophetically, as events turned out, the congressman suggested a museum be established within the building including the 1906 earthquake and fi re and the efforts to save the city. Because of these efforts to preserve the building, on June 26th, the GSA and HEW were ordered to stop removing artifacts from the building until its future was determined. By this time, several fi replaces had already been dismantled and carted away.

As a compromise, it was suggested that a new site be found for the building of the San Francisco State College campus or, if the mint was used for its site, the preservation of the exiting mint building must be a prerequisite. By this time, a number of agencies were joining together to prevent the destruction of this historic building.

Will The “Granite Lady” Become A Western Smithsonian Building?

Those in favor of the “Granite Lady” being preserved as a museum honoring its role in the gold and silver production of U.S. coins as well as its role following the 1906 earthquake and fi re, proposed that the Smithsonian Institution be given the building. California numismatist Gordon B. Hunt wrote a letter to Senator George Murphy, July 30, 1969, pointing out that there was no institution like the Smithsonian Institution in the western part of the United States. Hunt asked Senator Murphy to delay any fi nal decision regarding the disposition of the 2nd San Francisco Mint until all parties had a chance to suggest an appropriate future for the building. Mr. Hunt, unlike many people before him, did not just argue that the buildingshould be saved regardless of its usage. Instead, he had a plan that would preserve the facility for what it was, a vital part of the history of the west including the gold rush, the silver from the Comstock mines, the recovery of the city following the 1906 earthquake and fi re and the role of the mint in the history of the western development of the United States.

In April 1970, it was reported that Dr. Dillon S. Ripley, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution board of regents, politely said, “Thank you but no thanks.” Thus, the idea that the “Granite Lady” be preserved as a part of the Smithsonian Institution came to an end.

By this time there now seemed to be an agreement that regardless of the use of the former mint, the building should not be demolished and should retain its original exterior. On June 17, 1970 Congressman Phillip Burton (D-Cal) informed the public that the U.S. Government was considering preparing the “Granite Lady” to house a Federal Court. The General Services Administration (GSA) reported in October that it would cost $4 million to convert the old mint building into a federal court facility. On October 8, 1970 the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution supporting the conversion of the mint building both as a Federal Court and as a museum. However, the cost of converting the facility into a court proved too costly and the project was abandoned.

Mint Director Mary Brooks and The “Granite Lady”

As the 1970s began, technology and a very interested Mint Director, Mary Brooks, proposed a solution as to the future of the old mint building. By this time, the third San Francisco Mint had resumed minting coins in 1968 with its new mission to strike all United States proof coinage. With this mission came the need to process and distribute all the government’s growing proof coinage business, a task that was not yet computerized and in need of adequate offi ce space.

Mint Director Mary Brooks suggested that the great amount of extra space required for these functions could be housed within the 2nd mint building, known as the “Granite Lady.” Thus the need for more space would be met and, at the same time, the desire for a museum to commemorate the gold rush, earthquake and gold and silver coinages from the mint, could be accommodated. The old mint building got another reprieve.

On March 23, 1972, President Nixon, who came from California, transferred the building from the GSA to the Treasury Department. The building no longer faced destruction. Mint Director Mary Brooks participated in a very important meeting in San Francisco on July 14, 1972 to discuss the use of the building and the possibility of a numismatic museum.

The meeting included the numismatic leaders from California as well as mint offi cials. Among those attending this meeting were: Everett Phillips, CSNA President; Charles Colver, CSNA Secretary; Ben and Claire Abelson, NASC Past President; Ruth Ludwigsen Phillips, President of the PCNS; Barbara Hyde, Calcoin News editor; Roy Hill, Mint historian; Don Thrall, Frank Strazzarino, George Sailor, John Fies, John Sears and Gordon Hunt.

The agenda of the meeting was to hear suggestions regarding the future of a museum to be part of the restoration of the 2nd San Francisco Mint building. There was a consensus that a museum should honor the heritage of California including its Spanish and Russian beginnings. It was very important, they all agreed, that any museum should be very informative to the youngsters who would visit the facility. Mrs. Brooks reported that she hoped the museum would house $1,000,000 in gold bullion as a reminder of the heritage of the gold rush and the beginnings of California. Gordon Hunt was elected to serve as chairman and Angelo Turrini as cochairman. John Sears and John Fies were named as secretaries and Robert Bridges, from the San Francisco Assay Offi ce, was to serve as a liaison between the Bureau of the Mint and the collectors.

Meanwhile the renovation of the mint got underway under the Director of the Mint, Mrs. Brooks. The work commenced only after much researchrevealed how the building appeared when it was in its prime. The plan was the rear portions of the fi rst and second fl oors would be utilized to house the mint’s Special Coins and Medals Division and its computer operations. It was important to demonstrate that there was a need for this facility to be restored and opened. The front area of the fi rst fl oor and the basement, almost 45% of the building, were reserved for the museum.

The mint director’s offi ce on the fi rst fl oor was restored using photographs of the original offi ce as a guide. Much of the original furniture was brought out of storage in an effort to make this room as authentic as possible. Nearby in another room, an 1869 coining press was installed while yet another room contained scales and balances utilized in the minting process.

In the basement the vaults were restored. Fire-fi ghting equipment was displayed in this area as a reminder of the role of the mint during the earthquake and fi re of 1906. Another exhibit, relating to the role of this facility to the history of the gold mining era, was an old miner’s cabin and a stamp mill from the Red Cloud mine in Twain Harte, CA.

A Special Invitation

The invitation read: “The Director of the Mint cordially invites you to attend a reception marking the re-opening of the Old Mint. Fifth and Mission Streets, San Francisco, California. Friday, June 15, 1973. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.” In attendance was the Governor of California, Ronald Reagan. With this invitation, Mint Director Mary Brooks welcomed guests to the historical building even though the refurbishing of the facility had only begun, particularly on the exterior.

The next day, Saturday June 16, the doors were opened to the public. San Francisco Mayor Joseph Alioto cut the ribbon, offi cially re-opening the facility. Based upon photographs and the recovery of furniture, the superintendent of the mint’s offi ce was completed; however, there was much work still to be done. The visitors formed a long line to strike a commemorative medal at this mint on the 1869 coining press. Throughout the building were exact replicas of the 1874 gaslight chandeliers along with bronze doorknobs and hinges, etc. It should be noted that this event occurred prior to any numismatic exhibits being installed.

Exhibits Are Installed In The Second Mint

The 2nd United States Mint at San Francisco became known as the “Old Mint” to distinguish it from the 3rd mint in San Francisco. Perhaps collectors know it better as the “Granite Lady,” a name taken from the large granite blocks used in its construction and the majestic stairs leading to its front door. As plans were being completed for the opening of the exhibits relating the years of coinage production of this facility (1874-1937). Items were gathered for either temporary or permanent displays.

In the basement, where the vaults were located, was a stagecoach from circa 1860 that traversed the Placerville- Genoa-Carson City route. Nearby were some boxes used to transport the gold from the mines. Included was a huge redwood section dating back to 1250. Also on display was an 1893 La France piston fi re engine to remind visitors of the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fi res. Minting equipment, in addition to the press, included a stamp mill for crushing the ore from the 1870s, a 10,000-ounce beam balance and other equipment used in the preparation of dies and the striking of coins. A popular exhibit was the Fricot nugget, a 201-ounce cluster of gold crystals taken from the Grit Mine in El Dorado County in 1865.

From the fi rst meeting with historians, mint personnel and California numismatists, Mint Director Mary Brooks had invited the coin collectors to help plan the exhibits. After this invitation, Gordon Hunt agreed to serve as coordinator with a number of prominent coin people serving on various committees. Many of these people were named earlier in this article. Collectors were invited to donate or loan items for the numismatic part of the exhibits. Among the displays were 2,368 California tokens representing companies and municipalities throughout the state. Among these tokens was one of CSNA past president Nona Moore. Also included was a complete set of “S” mint-marked silver dollars and trade dollars. One of the currency displays was entitled: “California National Banknotes – 1863-1935.” Another was a set of $5 notes from the fi rst national bank of Banning. Coin displays also included gold, silver, nickel and copper pieces, all struck at the old mint.

A Numismatic Celebration At The Old Mint

The invitation read: Mrs. “Mary T. Brooks, Director of the Mint and the California State Numismatic Association, cordially invites you to an open house at the Old Mint, Fifth and Mission Streets, San Francisco. Sunday, October 14, 1973 at 5:00 p.m.” Bryan Burke served as master of ceremonies. The guests included Olga Melko Widness, the museum supervisor and the one who was to serve in this capacity until the museum was closed. Randy Briggs and Bryan Burke, both from San Bernardino, were responsible, with the assistance of mint personnel, of setting up the displays. In attendance was Virginia Culver, President of the American Numismatic Association. Presidents included William O. Wisslead, CSNA; Gordon Greene, NASC; Charles Colver, COIN and Maurice Gould from the ANA.

On June 29, 1974 the fabulous collection of pioneer gold coins and related items, belonging to Henry H. Clifford of Los Angeles, was opened to the public. The collection was later acquired by A.M. and Don Kagin. This gold collection remained on display at the Old Mint until June of 1990 when it was removed.

100th Birthday of the Old Mint – 1874-1974

The Director of the Mint, Mary Brooks, hosted a party to celebrate this important occasion. The invitation read: “To Celebrate the 100th Birthday of the Old Mint, Mrs. Mary Brooks cordially invites you to a sneak preview of the award winning fi lm “THE GRANITE LADY” and the new MILLION DOLLAR GOLD DISPLAY. Monday December 9, 1974 at The Old Mint in San Francisco.”

Perhaps the star of the exhibits within the museum was the milliondollar pyramid of gold bars and nuggets that weighed over a ton. The 71 bars of 999.9 fi ne gold weighed 28,169 troy ounces. The gold bars were surrounded by a 1000-ounce gold nugget collection on loan from Sierra County and were taken from the Ruby Drift Mine near Downieville. The celebration included a “sneak preview” of the award-winning color fi lm, “The Granite Lady.” It told the story of the Second San Francisco Mint along with the “lore of the west” including the fabled gold rush beginning in 1848 and the horrifi c 1906 earthquake and fi res. The role played by the “Granite Lady” during the tragedy and the recovery of the city is recounted. Mercedes McCambridge narrates the fi lm.

The restoration of the Second San Francisco Mint, popularly known as the “Granite Lady” was begun under the direction of Mint Director Mary Brooks in 1973. By January 20, 1976, workmen began putting the crowning touch on the building as the new cornices were added to the building’s facade. This last work completed the restoration of the facility that fi rst opened in 1874.

The building was the fi rst public building to open in compliance with Public Law 92-362, providing for the adaptive use of surplus historic buildings. On November 7, 1976, a reception was held at the mint building to celebrate the completion of the restoration of the “Granite Lady.” “Granite Lady” –

A Historical Landmark

The Second San Francisco Mint, the “Granite Lady” became “California Registered Historical Landmark No. 875” on January 28, 1977. In ceremonies held at the mint, Mint Director Mary Brooks received the identifying plaque. The plaque carried a brief description of the role played by the mint in the growth of San Francisco. It read: “The Old Mint (1869) San Francisco’s second, is California’s only such Greek Revival structure. Due to unsurpassed productivity, it became a sub-treasury in 1874. Intact after the 1906 earthquake, it became a clearing house-bank, thus aiding in the city’s reconstruction. Closed in 1937; Restored 1972-1976 by Mint Director Mary Brooks.”

All Good Things Come to an End

In June 1990, the Clifford-Kagin pioneer gold collection, which had been one of the most attractive and popular collections at the facility for many years, was removed from display after its sale and problems with insuring the exhibit. With decreasing attendance and continued rising costs of guards, administration, etc., the future of the building was once again debated. Added to these problems was the unexpected intervention by “mother nature,” this time doing what the great quake of 1906 had failed to do. An earthquake that had struck Nevada in October 1989 had caused some structural damage to the Old Mint. It was reported that $25 million would be needed to complete the necessary repairs and retrofi tting to make the building safe from future shocks. Treasury Secretary Lloyd Bentsen ordered the building to be closed to the public on January 3, 1994. California Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer intervened and the Treasury Secretary relented. On January 6, 1994, the museum was opened again to the public for a period of 90 days, time to give city offi cials an opportunity to fi nd funding for the repairs. On March 18, 1994, while the city offi cials were exploring possible solutions to the problem, Secretary Bentsen granted an extension of an additional 120 days. While these efforts continued, the estimated costs continued to rise and legislative efforts to appropriate the funds were never completed. The Treasury Secretary again granted an extension, this time through the remainder of 1994. Despite all of these efforts, the building was ordered closed on December 30, 1994 and has remained closed.

Why were all the attempts to keep the museum/old mint building open doomed to fail? The following points all contributed to the building’s closure:

1. The cost of keeping the facility open, only as a museum with educational programs, was enormous.

2. There was no agreement as to sharing the facility with commercial venues that could help with repair and maintenance costs

3. The question of who should continue to administer the facility was not resolved.

4. The location of the building was a factor. Unlike most of the attractions to visitors to San Francisco, the old mint is not near a cable car route or near the most popular venues of the city.

What Is To Become of the “Granite Lady?”

In August 1999, the GSA began to take steps to turn over the old mint building to the city of San Francisco. Four years later, in August 2003, the GSA turned over the “Granite Lady” to the city of San Francisco. On September 26, 2006, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a 66-year, rent-free lease to the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society. This organization must raise about $40 million, the amount needed to complete the $86 million renovation of the building. The Society has about 18 months to accomplish this. Within the next three years, the improvements called for by the “Disposition and Development Agreement” must be underway prior to the signing of a lease. Offi cials pointed out that the “money museum” was only part of the museums that are expected to be established within the old mint building as well as other venues.

The American Money and Gold Rush Museum

This historical and numismatic museum would be established in conjunction with a 32,000-square foot historical museum. It would be dedicated to American numismatics with a special emphasis on the California Gold Rush. To help raise funds for this project, the U.S. Mint struck two varieties of commemorative coins dated 2006. This legislation was signed into law June 15, 2006 but limited the sales period to just over four months. The offi cial mint report put the fi nal sales fi gures at 55% of the total coins authorized. Although 500,000 dollars were authorized, this report states that 65,609 uncirculated silver dollars along with 207,248 Proof dollars were sold. The sale of the $5 half eagles included 16,149 uncirculaed pieces and 41,517 Proof coins. 100,000 gold coins were authorized. In addition, 48,452 American Legacy sets were sold. All the coins were struck in San Francisco and bear the “S” mintmark. At the time this article is being written (August 2007) efforts are still under way to raise all of the necessary funds.

Superintendents – Second San Francisco Mint

Oscar H. LaGrange - 1869-1878
Frank A. Leach – 1897-1907
Henry L. Dodge – 1878-1882
E.F. Sweeney – 1907-1912
E.F. Burton – 1882-1885
Frank A. Leach – 1912-1913
Isaac Lawton – 1885-1889
T.W. Shanahan – 1913-1921
W.H. Dimond – 1889-1893
M.J. Kelly – 1921-1933
John Daggett – 1893-1897
Peter J. Haggerty – 1933-1945

Special Thanks goes to The California Numismatist for permission to Re-publish this series of exceptional articles.