Haas–Lilienthal House facts for kids
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Haas–Lilienthal House
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Haas–Lilienthal House in 2008
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 Location in San Francisco County
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | San Francisco County, California |
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| Built | 1886 |
| Architect | Peter Schmidt |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne - Eastlake |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000438 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 2, 1973 |
The Haas–Lilienthal House is a special old building in San Francisco, California. It's located in the Pacific Heights area. This house was built in 1886 for William and Bertha Haas. It's famous because it survived the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the huge fire that followed.
This beautiful Victorian home is a San Francisco Designated Landmark. It's also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Today, it's a museum filled with furniture and items from that time. Over 6,500 people visited it each year as of 2016.
Contents
History of the Haas–Lilienthal House
The Haas–Lilienthal House was built for William Haas, his wife Bertha, and their three children. William Haas (1849–1916) came to San Francisco in 1868. He quickly became a successful businessman. In 1880, he married Bertha Greenebaum. Her father also owned a successful company in California.
The Haas family wanted a grand home for themselves. They asked Peter R. Schmidt, an architect, to design it in 1886. McCann & Biddell were the contractors who built the house.
Surviving the 1906 Earthquake
The house was built very well. It survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake with only small damage. However, a huge fire followed the earthquake. This fire destroyed about 40% of San Francisco.
The Haas family watched the fire from their roof. But soon, they had to leave their home. Like many other San Francisco residents, they camped out in Lafayette Park. Three days after the earthquake, the fire was finally stopped. It stopped just at Van Ness Avenue, which was very close to the house. This saved the Haas–Lilienthal House from being destroyed.
Family Life and Changes
Later, in 1928, more living space was added to the house. Architect Gardner Dailey designed an apartment above the garage. This was to make room for the growing family.
Three generations of the Haas and Lilienthal families lived in this house. Alice Haas-Lilienthal lived there for almost 80 years. After she passed away in 1972, her children gave the house to a non-profit group. This group is called San Francisco Heritage.
The Haas–Lilienthal House became a special landmark. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Then, in 1975, it was named a San Francisco Landmark. In 2012, it was even called a National Treasure.
Visiting the Haas–Lilienthal House Museum
In 1972, the Haas–Lilienthal House opened its doors to the public. It is the only Victorian family home in San Francisco that is open regularly as a museum. You can see original furniture and items from the past inside.
Volunteer guides lead tours of the house. The tours start in the basement ballroom. Visitors can explore the first floor. They can also see the main bedroom, another bedroom, a nursery, and a bathroom on the second floor. The third floor, or attic, used to have a playroom and servants' rooms. Now, it holds offices for San Francisco Heritage and a home for the house manager. The apartment built in 1928 over the garage is also a residence.
In November 2023, the museum temporarily closed. San Francisco Heritage plans to reopen it in the spring of 2024.
House Design and Style
The Haas–Lilienthal House was built in the Victorian Queen Anne - Eastlake style. It is made of redwood. The house follows a common design for San Francisco homes. This design helps use space well on narrow, sloped lots.
Gallery
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First floor hallway
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First floor hall detail
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Hallway clock
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second floor parlor
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Back Bedroom
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Bathroom
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Dining Room
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Garden
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Stained glass on the windows
See also
