Lots of amazing history to discover here at Whittier Mansion.

The Whittier Mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and is San Francisco Landmark 75.This massive Arizona sandstone building was built for William Franklin Whittier between 1894 and 1896. One of the few major houses of the late 19th century to survive to the present day, it is an interesting combination of massive Richardsonian Romanesque with Period styling. The architectural details of the interiors are exceptional in material and in preservation.Occupied as a residence until the early 1940s, it was sold to the German Reich in 1941 as a San Francisco consulate. Seized by the Alien Property Custodian (later transferred to the Attorney General of the United States) during World War II, it was auctioned in 1950 to Mrs. Echo Leonetti. From her it passed to George and Mary Barton, thence to Robert Wilhelm and Isabelle and Paul Dessez, and finally to the California Historical Society in 1956.Mortimer Adlers Institute of Philosophical Research occupied part of the building from 1952 to 1955.The California Historical Society long ago moved to less flamboyant quarters on Mission Street. The Whittier Mansion is once again a private residence.Students of the paranormal tell us that the Whittier Mansion is haunted and that over the years many people have seen shadowy outlines and felt ice cold presences around the wine cellar and maids quarters. Most believe that it is the ghost of William Whittier, but at least one of the former docents believes that the ghost is actually Whittiers incorrigible son Billy still searching for a bottle of claret and a wench to serve it up.

One of the most levish place Ive ever visited.

Architecturally impressive, but in significant need of rescue and restoration. Many of the exterior details have and continue to crumble.