Philosopher's Way at McLaren Park

Unfinished History

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Inaugural ceremony for "Philosopher's Way" in McLaren Park, January 5, 2013.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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Checking out the new plaques on the Philosopher's Way loop in McLaren Park, January 2013.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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View from same spot looking north.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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During a Shaping San Francisco Public Talk on Storytelling and Memory Keepers, artist Susan Schwartzenberg describes the development and creation of "Philosophers Way," a meandering circular path that integrates older paths around McLaren Park into a new circumnavigation of the whole park. Elegant marble plaques quoting historic events, musings, and set in under-appreciated view spots, highlight the tour.

Video: Shaping San Francisco

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Susan Schwartzenberg and Peter Richards at inaugural, January 5, 2013.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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SF Arts Commission Plaque

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke at the Cow Palace (visible in distance) in 1964, and this plaque commemorates that event.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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MLK plaque

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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Forest trail, part of Philosopher's Way.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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Hiking Philosopher's Way, January 2013.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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Describing how the street names in the Excelsior were changed after WWII.

Photos: Chris Carlsson

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Reading plaque about origins of Visitacion Valley, overlooking the former Brisbane Lagoon.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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Visitacion Valley origins.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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View north from McLaren Park, Bernal Heights in foreground, downtown in distance, 2013.

Photo: Chris Carlsson

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Five years later, 2018, this view from further south and west on a higher peak in McLaren Park.

Photo: Chris Carlsson


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