The Work of Samuel Berger

Bittersweet.

2011-08-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

When my Mom passed away recently, I had the painful task of going through her things. This left me with inheriting the stunning lamp Sam carved so many decades ago.

This lamp was carved for my grandparents. It was my grandmother's prized possession. She would stare at the cherubs for hours. When people came over she would proudly show them her father's lamp. Well, Mom and Bannie (my grandma) died a year and a half apart, so the lamp suddenly became mine.

When it was delivered I cried like a baby. "Why is this here? It shouldn't be here." I couldn't walk in our living room for days. I was just about to call my cousin to give it to her and my husband said that I'll feel better with time.

Now I'm able to walk in the room again and admire this work of art. I'm just looking for the appropriate lamp shade to do it justice.

My lineage has all passed away leaving me with special memories and some treasures. It doesn't feel right to have this lamp, but I'm proud to share it with you. In time, I'm sure I'll feel a bit more comfortable with it. Until then, I still get a little teary when I walk into the room.

All that remain are the solemn faces of the cherubs, and the echoes of voices from a bygone era...

images: David Stone Photography

Something to Share!

2010-10-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

I was absolutely thrilled when Valerie Schmalz, a writer for the San Francisco Catholic Weekly contacted me about doing a story about my great-grandfather's work. She had stumbled upon this blog and thought there could be a great potential story.

Well, tomorrow the story is officially in the paper and online. I'm so elated to have my great-grandfather recognized for his magnificent wood-carving!

You can read the whole article here. The story is titled, "Jewish Artisan's Legacy of Christian Beauty."

Big thanks to Valerie for doing this lovely tribute!

St. Catherine Church, Burlingame, CA

2010-08-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

Finally catching up on my research here. It's been awhile since I've posted. My friend Sandy and I recently visited St. Catherine of Siena Church in Burlingame, California.

St. Catherine, a Catholic church, was built in 1909, and Sam Berger did most of the woodcarving in this beautiful church.

Sam did all of the carving on the altar which is quite spectacular in person..

Ambon carved by Sam

So much detailed carving on the walls and confessionals of which he carved all...

The bare wood shows the beautiful grain, color tone and detail. According to one of my cousins, my great-grandfather was quoted as saying, "painting wood is blasphemy." Obviously, he was a purist.

Up and to the left is the organ cover that Sam carved, as well as the railing.

These acorn-shaped adornments are at the base of the railing. They seem to go on forever and are spectacular in person!

This is a small chapel inside the church. It is quite beautiful and again, Sam did most of the carving in here...

St. Catherine's is not only a Catholic Church but also a school for children.

This was a wonderful day seeing yet another breathtakingly beautiful church that my great-grandfather carved. If you're in the Bay Area, you should visit St. Catherine Church. Truly a beauty.

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
1310 Bayswater Avenue
Burlingame, CA 94010

image credit: Photography by Sandy

A Meeting with the Archdiocese

2010-05-07T17:15:00.001-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Jeffrey Burns, the Archivist for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The archives are located at the beautiful St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park.

St. Patrick's Seminary

I was hoping that Jeffrey could help me identify some of the numerous photos and sketches I have. He helped me carry 3 large tubs to his office and we started digging.

Jeffrey sifting through boxes of materials

Some photos were easily identifiable, but most were not. Jeffrey explained that each church serves as its own caretaker of its own individual history and records. Therefore some of the records may be "housed" at their own church and not at the Archdiocese archives.

original sketch of Santa Clara University insignia

One of the interesting things that Jeffrey discovered was this sketch of an insignia that Sam carved for Santa Clara University. This would have been seen on the college's campus. Sam's notes; "I like these...one of each... Enlarge to 16" di (diameter), one of each."

So apparently I need to take a trip to Santa Clara to see the finished results of these insignias! Another thing identified!

negative of Santa Clara University insignia

Since there is an overwhelmingly large quantity of photos and materials, Jeffrey suggested that I start scanning them and he will circulate them among the church's elder priests. Then perhaps with their assistance and knowledge, I'll be able to begin identifying some of these mysterious photos.

Special thanks to Jeffrey for assisting me with this continuous search!

Exciting Discovery!

2010-04-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days where I wanted to jump up and down with joy! Another piece of the puzzle...

Yesterday I emailed the Design Archives at U.C. Berkeley looking for any info they had on Sam. This morning I received an email from Miranda Hambro, the Assistant Curator. She was quite helpful. She didn't know of any mention of Sam in their Julie Morgan collection, but to my surprise, she said that he was mentioned in the book, Building for Hearst and Morgan: Voice from the George Loorz Papers, by Taylor Coffman, 2003. Sam is referred to on page 316 and pgs. 341-42 in the notes. I was elated! The first time I've seen his name published.

I've been having quite a hard time finding out exactly what work he did at Hearst Castle (there is a lot), so this was a great surprise. Something in writing. Needless to say, I purchased the book online (it's out of print, but still available) and came to find out that he's also mentioned in another book by the same author, titled, The Builders Behind the Castles: George Loorz and the F.C. Stolte Company, published in 1990. Purchased that as well and anxiously awaiting for them to arrive!

Next on the agenda is locating the author, Taylor Coffman. I'm sure he has a wealth of knowledge, as he is an authority on Hearst Castle. I'll keep you posted!

Grace Cathedral: Part Two

2010-04-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

The exterior of Grace Cathedral, late 12th and early 13th century French Gothic in inspiration

As part of an ongoing exploration of my great-grandfather's wood carving, yesterday's visit was to the landmark Grace Cathedral, atop Nob Hill in San Francisco.

I had previously posted some early photos of Sam in the studio with the magnificent organ covers, but had never actually visited the church.

Renee on the steps before entering the cathedral

My friend Renee and I started out early in the morning with an appointment for a private tour with Michael Lampen, the church's archivist. Michael has been with Grace Cathedral since the 1950's, and is a wealth of knowledge. He even had information in his office about my great-grandfather and family.

"The Doors of Paradise" --main cathedral doors

The main cathedral doors are gilded bronze replicas of originals make for the Bapistry of the Duomo Cathedral inn Florence, Italy

Unfortunately, it was a dark, rainy day and my camera didn't work too well. I'm going to have to return with a professional photographer and add to this post.

Grace Cathedral, an Episcopal church, is nothing short of awe-inspiring, from its concrete exterior and gilded bronze cathedral doors, to the massive high ceilings and stained glass-laden sanctuary. It is the third largest Episcopal church in the United States.

carving by Sam Berger

Michael spent almost two hours with us touring this magnificent church, from special back rooms to the breathtaking sanctuary. He went over every detail including important artists' contributions such as Benjamin Bufano, Dirk Van Erp and Charles Connick.

In addition to the larger work, small pieces of Sam's work are all over the cathedral such as this detailed piece above.

detailed doors carved by Sam...

and some additional doors in the back of the cathedral...

Organ covers that Sam carved

I gasped as I looked up at the massive organ covers that my great grandfather carved. Speechless, I could hardly take out my camera. I can only imagine what these look like when the sun is gleaming through the 68 stained-glass windows and the cathedral is bright.

early photo of Sam in the Pacific Manufacturing Studio, S.F. where the carving was done

"An often overlooked aspect of Grace Cathedral's great organ are the two spectacular English oak screens (1935), designed by cathedral architect Lewis Hobart and carved by Romanian-American master carver Samuel Berger. Weighing a total of 14 tons and assembled without metal nails or screws, they rise on either side of the choir, enclosing the two organ chambers. Carved detail includes robed figures holding songbirds, angel musicians playing instruments, dragons, and a profusion of foliage wreathing the upper portions of the screens." - Michael Lampen

another archived photo of Sam and crew in front of the organ covers

So, that was our day at Grace Cathedral. Breathtakingly beautiful to say the least! Definitely going back for more photos. Special thanks to Michael Lampen for the most fascinating tour.

If you're visiting San Francisco, I highly recommend you going to see Grace Cathedral. It is truly magnificent! Again, thanks for joining me!

Grace Cathedral
1100 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 749-6300

St. Cecilia Church, San Francisco

2010-04-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is the second in my series of posts about the wood carving done by my great-grandfather, Samuel Berger. Sam Berger's work has not been recorded, and this is my attempt to chronicle some of his work in a series of postings. I'm hoping that this will be a helpful resource/reference for my family, as well as anyone interested in California/San Francisco history or wood carving.

This post is a little long (lots of photos), so bear with me as I go through!

Exterior: St. Cecilia Church, San Francisco

Sam's woodcarvings grace some of California's most beautiful public and private buildings. His works can be found in many churches in San Francisco including, Grace Cathedral, Basilica of Mission Dolores, St. Peter and Paul's, Star of the Sea, St. Anne's and St. Brigid's, to name of few. Some of his crowning achievements were at Hearst Castle at San Simeon where he did most of his wood carving. Sam collaborated with the renowned architect, Julia Morgan, on much of his work.

church exterior

Thursday's journey began with a visit to St. Cecilia Catholic Church in San Francisco. My friend Renee and I took the day off, and what a treat it was to see this church in person. It was spectacular! We were greeted by the lovely Mary Scanlan, a longtime staff member, who shared stories with us, such as the altar of the church being a smaller replica of the Basilica of Rome.

St. Cecilia church saw many different locations in San Francisco. The current St. Cecilia, Colonial Spanish in design, is breathtaking in person. Its construction is reinforced concrete and cast-stone trim, with a roof of variegated Spanish tile, random-laid. We were told that much of the church design was influenced by France and Italy.

main church interior

We were introduced to Alvin Martin, Parish Manager, who was so very helpful in showing us around and identifying some of my unidentified old family photos of Sam's work that matched with some of the pieces in the church. Being Jewish, I'm not that familiar with some of the names of the pieces and what they represent or symbolize. Alvin was quite helpful in explaining. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together.

It was overwhelming to see and touch the magnificent work that my great-grandfather did. I can't even imagine...all hand carved.

Early photo of Sam Berger next to the crucifix that would later be on the altar at St. Cecilia

Another photo I located of Sam's carving of the Baldacchino (canopy) and crucifix located on the main altar of the church

The magnificent altar. The Baldacchino, crucifix, ceilings and altar railings, all carved by Sam Berger.

These are amazing in person. Such intricate carving.

Sacred Heart of Jesus before being painted

This Sacred Heart of Jesus was in one of my photo albums, among many other random photos of Sam's work. I had no idea that this piece was from St. Cecilia Church.

Sacred Heart of Jesus after completion

Our Blessed Mother before completion

Our Blessed Mother after completion. Isn't she beautiful?

The main altar railings, also carved by Sam Berger

Church pews

notice the detailed carving

The Ambon

He also carved all of the Stations of the Cross

Magnificent confessionals carved by Sam

close-up of confessionals

stained glass windows grace the interior of the church

The Lady's Chapel outside the main chapel - so ornate in person. Sam carved much of the work in the chapel, including the magnificent ceilings...

It's difficult to show just how incredible the carving of these ceilings are in person. It's truly overwhelming.

I can't imagine how many months, years (?) it took my great-grandfather to carve these...

The Baptismal font with Sam's carving on the back wall, and quite possibly on the font itself

Renee and I outside of St. Cecilia

Exterior of St. Cecilia School

There is even an ocean view from the church (can you see it in the background?)

What a glorious day it was at St. Cecilia's. One I'll never forget. Next week we're off to Grace Cathedral to see more of Sam's work. Thanks for joining me on my journey!

St. Cecilia Church
2555 Seventh Avenue
San Francisco, California 94116

photo credits: most photos, Lynn Goldfinger, Ambon & Stations of the Cross: Peg Harrison, black & white photos: family archives

A Gift from Julia Morgan

2010-01-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

Telechron 'Globetrotter" World Time Clock 1937-39

Some of you may have read my blog post about my grandmother, "Bannie," recently passing away. Well, I've had the difficult task of going through her belongings, which include my own items that I've stored at her house since childhood. It's been a hard task, but with some unexpected bittersweet findings.

As we were going through her things, my husband stumbled upon this clock. I hadn't remembered seeing it before. It was certainly handsome, with a wonderful Art Deco look. I turned the clock around, and Bannie had written and attached this note (below) on the back. It was given to my great grandfather (her father) from renown architect Julia Morgan. My great grandfather, Sam Berger, a woodcarver from Romania, collaborated with Julia Morgan on Hearst Castle in San Simeon. In fact, he used to spend entire summers working there. I have fond memories of him. He died when I was 10.

Needless to say, I was in awe thinking that this clock, dating to 1937-39, stayed in the family for all of these years. And, a gift from the late, great Julia Morgan. It was wonderful going through certain items and seeing notes that my grandmother had left. It's as if she was talking to us, telling us what everything was, and where or whom they were from.

A real treasure was this carved table and mirror, given to my grandparents as a wedding gift from my great-grandparents. Entirely hand-carved by my great-grandfather, Sam Berger. I have always admired it since childhood.

Berger as a young man (on right) in his workshop in San Francisco

Samuel Berger emigrated to San Francisco in 1904 from Bucharest, Romania, where he learned his trade as a second generation wood carver. I did a post awhile back about some of Sam's woodcarvings for Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

He carved for California's most beautiful public and private buildings. His works can be found in many churches in San Francisco including, Grace Cathedral, Basilica of Mission Dolores, St. Peter and Paul's, Star of the Sea, St. Cecilia's and St. Brigid's, to name of few.

The table and mirror were one of few items he carved for family and not commercial projects.

This was the first thing you saw when you entered my grandparent's home. Left to me, it's the first thing you see upon entering my house now. When it first arrived I was weeping like a baby. All I could think of is, This shouldn't be here. It's my grandmother's. But, now as I stare at it and touch it, I have fond memories of my grandparents and great-grandparents. Its beautiful detailed carving tells stories of past generations, and I'm honored to have it and will cherish it.

I hope you don't mind me sharing a bit of my family history with you. I miss my grandmother terribly, and hoping that going through these pieces and reading her notes will be comforting.

Grace Cathedral: Part One

2010-01-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

My Great-Grandfather, Samuel Berger emigrated to San Francisco in 1904 from Bucharest, Romania, where he learned his trade as a second generation wood carver. I was fortunate enough to have known him; he died in 1970 when I was ten years old.

Sam's woodcarvings grace some of California's most beautiful public and private buildings. His works can be found in many churches in San Francisco including, Grace Cathedral, Basilica of Mission Dolores, St. Peter and Paul's, Star of the Sea, St. Cecilia's and St. Brigid's, to name of few. Some of his crowning achievements were at Hearst Castle at San Simeon where he did most of his wood carving. Sam collaborated with the renowned architect, Julia Morgan, on much of his work.

Berger as a young man (on right) in his workshop in San Francisco

Sam Berger's work has not been catalogued, and this is my attempt to chronicle some of his work in a series of postings. I stumbled upon some wonderful old family photo albums filled with church interiors and architectural elements. Other than a few living relatives that can identify his work, there are still many photos of carvings that are not labeled. This is going to be my journey to investigate and identify Sam Berger's most beautiful work from a bygone era.

The following are photos of Sam in front of the magnificent organ covers that he carved for Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Please be sure and click on the photos for super-enlarged detailed shots.

All photos property of Lynn Goldfinger-Abram