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

(1850-1946)

George Marston’s humble beginnings

George saved his hard-earned money

1885 1928

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/ PhilanthropistHe 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

1850-1946

Friend of His Fellow MenLover of All Growing Things.

Piece by piece through many years heacquired these acres, the site of thefirst Spanish settlement in California.

He erected this building, he planted thetrees and shrubs and maintained their growth

with tireless devotion, and when thebarren 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 toSan Diego

1890 1910

1872 opened hisfirst store

1930 1950

1928FoundsSDHS

1948Dies in San Diego

History Makers Chronological Timeline(by birth year)

1828 Mary Chase Walker

1848 Ah Quin

1850 George

Marston

1857 Kate Sessions

1810 1820 1830 1840 1860

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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