Alfred Clark, an Irish immigrant with a background as a sailor, gold-miner, lawyer and policeman, was once described by the SF Examiner as a man almost as colorful as Emperor Norton. Late in his life, in 1891, he announced plans for a great castle to be built at the foot of Twin Peaks. His castle was quickly dubbed Nobby Clark's Folly, both because of its huge size and its location, i.e. it should have been built on Nob Hill. Clark, however, got the last laugh, as nearly all of the mansions on Nob Hill were destroyed in the 1906 fire, while his building suffered only minor damage and is still present. By 1904, the building had become the California General Hospital. About 1909, the building was converted to 15 apartments, and which it likely still is today. The building has 45 rooms on 5 floors and was built on 3 city lots, with a garden covering a fourth lot. Its architectural style is mostly Queen Anne and Baroque, but ultimately is described as eclectic. This photo is from the California Historical Society files. See related slides.
