Over the decades, the windmills in Golden Gate Park have seen periods of action, neglect, and renewed life as city landmarks. Join Western Neighborhoods Project (WNP) on Thursday, June 15 for a panel discussion and film screening at the 4 Star Theater to celebrate the windmills and learn more about the people that brought them back to life.

Doors open at 6:30pm with plenty of time to purchase WNP merchandise and goodies from the 4 Star concession stand! The program will begin at 7pm with a panel discussion featuring historian and writer Rose Marie Cleese; historian, writer, and restoration activist Don Propstra; and WNP board member and curator Lindsey Hanson - all moderated by WNP Executive Director Nicole Meldahl. Following the panel and Q&A, we’ll screen “A Jitney Elopement” (1915), a Charlie Chaplin short comedy which was filmed on location in San Francisco and features a guest appearance from Murphy windmill.

Please register using Eventbrite. This program is $15 for WNP Members (and we absorb your Eventbrite fees) and $25 for non-members. Tickets sales support both WNP and the 4 Star Theater!

Panelist Bios

Rose Marie Cleese is the granddaughter of former San Francisco mayor Angelo Rossi, and the niece of Eleanor Rossi Crabtree. Eleanor was known as “The Windmill Lady” because of her tireless efforts to restore Old Dutch windmill.

Don Propstra’s Dutch heritage compelled him to assemble a team of passionate volunteers to restore the Murphy windmill.

Lindsey Hanson is a graduate of SF State’s Museum Studies M.A. program. Her exhibit, “The Windmill Sentries,” is currently on display in the front windows of WNP’s office at 1617 Balboa Street.