"This is the building under construction. In around 1923, you can see the sand dunes," said Isabella Lores-Chavez, Ph.D., associate curator of European paintings, while pointing to a black and white photograph. She says the early story of the Legion of Honor is intertwined with a unique San Francisco character who helped build it: Alma Spreckels.
"Alma de Bretteville Spreckels is a San Francisco-born lady who became the kind of grand dame of San Francisco. She was born in the outer, outer lands right in the outer sunset and grew up in a farmhouse... she, you know, had sort of made a name for herself as a great beauty."
"It was a huge deal. The mayor was here the day of the opening, and he said that during the opening ceremony, this would be a palace that would endure for many generations. And, of course, that has come true, with our celebration of 100 years."
"By the mid 1920s, the socialite--dubbed 'Big Alma' because of her height--was amassing an even bigger art collection that would help fill the museum she and Adolph Spreckels would donate to San Francisco."
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