George White Marston: San Diego’s “First Citizen” ( )

George Marston’s humble beginnings

George saved his hard-earned money Marston’s Department Store

George Marston used his money to help found and build: The San Diego Historical Society The Junipero Serra Museum and Presidio Park The YMCA Anza Borrego Desert Park,Torrey Pines State Park, and Balboa Park

Philanthropy/ Philanthropist He was a very generous philanthropist who came to be know as San Diego’s “First Citizen” because he made so many important contributions to our city

What would YOU do as a philanthropist? Help animals? Build a playground?

“Geranium George” A plaque to his memory on one of his gifts, the Serra Museum, says: GEORGE WHITE MARSTON Friend of His Fellow Men Lover of All Growing Things. Piece by piece through many years he acquired these acres, the site of the first Spanish settlement in California. He erected this building, he planted the trees and shrubs and maintained their growth with tireless devotion, and when the barren hillside had blossomed into beauty, he presented Presidio Park to the City he loved as a memorial to Father Junipero Serra.

George Marston Timeline 1850 born in Wisconsin 1870 moved to San Diego opened his first store Founds SDHS 1948 Dies in San Diego

History Makers Chronological Timeline (by birth year) 1828 Mary Chase Walker 1848 Ah Quin 1850 George Marston 1857 Kate Sessions

Today’s Vocabulary Words: Founder- A person who begins something new Philanthropist -Someone who contributes time, money, or goods, to support a cause or community

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