I'm researching "The Associates" or "Big Four" for an article. I'm trying to find out information on Mark Hopkin's estate in Nob Hill (before it was destroyed, of course). I'd love to find out architectural/decor details about the original mansion. Does anyone know where to find that information?
Also, does anyone know where to find the value of Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, and Charles (and E.B.) Crocker's estates at the time of their respective deaths? If anyone has information, I'd love the help.
—Nora
One excellent source is,
ReplyDeleteThe Governor: The Life and Legacy of Leland Stanford,
by Norman E. Tutorow.
See, for example, chapter 26 for information about the Stanford estate.
From: "Kevin Bunker" mikadobear45@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI can't help with the Hopkins mansion architectural details. As for estates appraisals, these are usually filed with the county in question. However, you may find that San Francisco County's records did not survive the great fire of 1906. Still, it can't hurt to make an inquiry either with the Main Library, San Francisco Special Collections department in Civic Center. They may be able to best point you to anything that may survive in the way of estates appraisals.
—Kevin
I've probably got some architect/contractor details at home in my master's thesis – will try to get back to you ...
ReplyDelete—John Snyder
From: "Joshua Dyer" drumjedi76@gmail.com>
ReplyDeleteI am writing a novel on the Big Four and had a question that I didn't see on your site. In the early 1860s, where were the Big Four living? Was Huntington living over his store, or in another home in town? Thank you for any assistance you can provide.
—J. E Dyer
From: "Denny Dickinson" echosdad@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteInteresting question. Is there a record that Charlie Crocker had a residence any time in Truckee while the CPRR was building down the Truckee Canyon?
From: "Stephen Harris" stephenh321@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteA very good question; would like to know myself. Charles Crocker's personal footprint in Truckee could be key to other questions.
Wonder if the correspondence among the Big Five about the construction of the CPRR would show where they were living?
ReplyDeleteFrom: "Joshua Dyer" drumjedi76@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSubject: "Big Four"
Exactly. Charlie and Ed may have had permanent residences in the area, but I'd bet Charlie wasn't around much after his company took over the line's construction.