High on a Hill: Marini Triangle
The Marini Triangle is the 35' x 22' x  25' remnant of the southwest corner of Washington Square that was created when that park was trimmed for the addition of Columbus Avenue (then known as Montgomery Avenue) in the 1870s. The tiny parcel, which often goes unnoticed along the 30 Line near the Washington Square Bar & Grill, is short on space but long on character. Features include a small pond, M. Earl Cummings' Drinking Man sculpture, a concrete bench, Cal Bear statue, and a number of trees and plants. A bust is dedicated in honor of Frank Marini, the North Beach benefactor for whom the park was christened in 1952. As if that weren't enough, a bird bath stands as a gift from our sister city, Assisi, Italia. These elements are gracefully balanced to create an oasis of art and natural beauty. According to historical documents, the model who posed for the Drinking Man also posed for Rodin's St. John the Baptist.

(In the main photo and Detail III, the Washington Square Bar & Grill can be seen during its incarnation as the Cobalt Tavern, from 2000-2002.)

Detail I
Detail II
Detail III
Detail IV


Copyright 2002 Hank Donat
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