It was was built by Harry Plymire, MD as a private residence and in 1914 became the first "modern" hospital in South San Francisco. The house was built by Dr. Harry (aka Henry) Garriston Plymire, one of South San Francisco's first physicians and a founding father. Dr. Plymire was also the first
president of the San Mateo Medical Society as well as San Mateo County coroner. The Plymire Family had c
ome to California in the 1890’s from West Virginia, first settling in Red Bluff and finally in San Francisco. Harry and his brother, Brandley, were both physicians while their father and other brothers were renowned marble cutters. When the little burg of South San Francisco was in search of a new town physician, Dr. Harry answered the call. He took over the practice left behind by Dr. Almeron J. Holcombe in the Martin Building – tantamount to a clinic – at Grand and Maple Avenues. After it was built in 1905, he moved his office to the new House and maintained the rest of it as a private residence for his himself and wife and young son. When the 1906 earthquake hit, the Plymire family in San Francisco lost everything and sought refuge in South San Francisco. Father and brothers built new homes and Dr. Brandley joined Dr. Harry’s practice and they formed “The Plymire Hospital.”
From the time he first arrived in town, Dr. Harry dreamed of building a “commodious and first-class hospital building” and that finally came to fruition in 1914. He built a new residence next door to his existing one and converted the House into “South San Francisco General Hospital.”
Here he and his brother were able to better care for their patients – which included many factory and industry workers. Being the only hospital between San Francisco and San Mateo they boasted: “sparing residents of San Bruno, Daly City and Colma the cost and inconvenience of having to go to San Francisco or San Mateo for treatment.”
Sadly, his dream was short-lived as Dr. Harry succumbed to pneumonia in 1915 at the young age of 38. His practice and house were sold to Dr. Frank Dolley who had the house moved to its current location so the new “South San Francisco General Hospital” could be built in its place. This hospital was completed in 1918 and the home at 519 Grand Avenue eventually became “The Industrial Club for Businesses and Professional Men.” After that, it was owned for a time by Savino and Gertrude Gianella and operated as a boarding house through the next two decades. It became a private residence when Nathan and Jessie Adler purchased it in the late 1930’s. Ernst Schwarz bought the house in 1958 and he wed Margarete Scholz in 1960. They built a life together in the historic home at 519 Grand Avenue. Ernst was a prolific amateur painter and the house was filled with his artwork. After his death in 1984, Margarete's desire was to preserve the house as well as Ernst's paintings. When Margarete died in 1994 she bequeathed the property to the Historical Society of South San Francisco. The house was designated a historical home and transformed into a museum. Throughout the years, The Plymire-Schwarz House steering committee and volunteers have worked diligently restoring and furnishing the home with period-appropriate antiques. One item of particular pride is an authentic, fully restored 1910 Cribben-Sexton Company stove in the kitchen. Showcased in the dining room is a 1911 Victrola. A complete collection of the South San Francisco local newspaper “The Enterprise Journal” is housed in the upstairs library. There is a rotating exhibit of Ernst's art in an upstairs gallery as well as displayed throughout the home. A lovely, sheltered garden is maintained by volunteers and featured along its pathways are memorial stepping stones, which were sponsored by Historical Society members and Plymire-Schwarz House supporters. A traditional Victorian Tea, hosted by volunteers, is held annually. This popular event has become the major fundraiser for the home and is always booked to capacity. Docents are available for tours Saturdays 1-4 pm or by appointment.
• Admission is Free •
