Pioneer Monument

Overview

F. Happersberger created the monument in San Francisco, 1904.

Composition

Granite and bronze

Scope of Project

Repair damage from vandalism and weathering, and relocate 1000-ton monument to new site.

As a technical challenge, this was a big one. When relocated, the large granite blocks on each pier had to be adjusted until the joints between blocks were corrected to within 1/16 of an inch. As for surface treatment, a lot of paint/ink graffiti and 30-year old oil, which had become hard and tar-like over time, had to be removed. The oil had been applied in the 1960s to create a slippery surface for unwanted pigeons. Unfortunately, the oil did not deter the pigeons and only contributed to the monument's damage. Also, the side of one granite block had sustained damage from the many fires built by homeless people camping on the steps and had to be restored.

Approximately 60' of bronze replacement fence was made for the project to match the existing 6' tall fence. The original lengths had been removed for whatever reason decades ago.

Before restoration

Monument in transit

After treatment and relocation