WEEK 5:

The Indian summer has finally arrived in San Francisco, and we were fortunate enough for it to come along at the time of our day trip to Ocean Beach. The weather was in the high 80’s with minimal wind breeze, something rare to the San Francisco climate. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day to be able to walk along the long sandy beach, looking near the calm aqua blue water. We were also able to enjoy the beach chalet that houses historical art works along the walls. 

Ocean Beach is at the end of Golden Gate Park. The sand dunes that were referred to as the “Outside Land,” still can be seen on the beach. This destination is absolutely stunning. It played a significant part in San Francisco's history, because it was created to help America after the Great Depression. The beach chalet is filled with amazing murals. The artists of these amazing pieces of art were hired as a part of the 1936 Works Progress Administration project (the WPA). The WPA project provided thousands of jobs for otherwise unemployed artists throughout America. The job creation played a big role in the development of this area. Without it, many people would have never been able to showcase their artwork and would have had a tough time finding employment. As highlighted by a radio broadcast about the preservation of WPA murals, the art work is threatened by time, lack of money and neglect. It truly is a tragedy. 

The murals depict life in San Francisco in the 1930’s. “San Francisco Life” is the title of the murals in the Beach Chalet. In the murals you can see areas such as Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and the Marina. The people that are depicted are high profile people, because during the time of the 

Great Depression such activities represented wouldn't have been done by most people.  The room of murals is now a visitor’s center. Unlike other famous murals, such as the ones in Coit Tower, the murals are in good conditions. They were restored in 1988, but problems have occurred with money that would allow continuing to keep the murals in pristine conditions. Weathering, water damage and the wear and tears of touching can be problems for such massive pieces of art work. 

Compared to other districts we have visited, the signage was lacking in contrast to places like the Haight or the USF campus. It lacked signage, just as Golden Gate Park did. There were no signs present on the beach. Once I stepped foot onto the sand, the only type of signage I saw was graffiti on the cement walls. Along the road way that leads to the beach there are signs that warn people about what can and cannot happen at the beach. I saw signs explaining that there was only to be fires in the designated fire pits, what time the beach closed, and warnings about swimming in the oceans. The other sign I saw was recognizable to anyone pretty familiar with San Francisco. This was the 49 Mile Scenic Drive Sign. This drive was opened in 1938 as a promotion for the Golden Gate International Exposition, and highlights many of the city’s major historic structure. The lack of signage allowed people to not be overwhelmed with advertisements and signs, so you could simply enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean.

Inside of the Beach Chalet, the signs I saw present were explaining the art and history of the murals along the wall. These signs help to inform people about what was being depicted in the art. Another type of signage I saw while in the chalet was with souvenirs. Clothing was designed with Ocean Beach logos, cups were imprinted with these same types of logos. The signage in the Chalet was much more apparent than outside, near the beach.

I very much enjoyed exploring this area. Each trip I begin to love this city more and more. With the sun beating down on us, and the beautiful blue water crashing on the sand, the beach was the perfect place to spend the day. I add this to the list of places I will return to, maybe for a bonfire, a beach day or a dinner at the Beach Chalet.