Where Is the Missing Lotta's Fountain Medallion?

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Those who takes a close look at Lotta's Fountain, which is located at the intersection of Geary, Keary, and Market streets, are going to notice that one of the medallions is missing. Estimating what it looked like based on the others still there, it was made of metal and shaped like a small round man-hole cover. There are others of the set still there; one with a ship and another about the mining industry, and even a main one with some writing about Lotta and San Francisco; but there's obviously one from the set that's been missing since even before the big renovation. Does anyone know what happened t

-- Hamilton Barrett (Mimereader@aol.com), August 02, 2002

Answers

PS:

I should also mention that I learned about this suspected missing plaque from an authority at the San Francisco Art Commision. And after closely examining Lotta's Fountain again today, I shall offer at least a few theories about what may have been on it.

In the recessed frame that seems to have once held it, the following words are inscribed, "Reconstructed by the Path of Gold Festival Committee Oct. 4/5/1916." And that may have been an effort to imitate the missing original in that year.

On the other hand, it could have been another etched image that would've looked appropriate next to the ones about mining and shipping; so perhaps it depicted a scene about California agri

-- Hamilton Barrett (Mimereader@aol.com), October 03, 2002.


At one time there was a medallion commemorating when Louisa Tertazini's performed at the fountain. I believe she performed on New Year's Eve 1911. I am not exactly sure when the medallion was put there - but it is in the reference books --- I just read it lately.

-- Judy De Bella (judydbella@aol.com), November 13, 2002.

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