M. H. de Young

Lore & Background

De Young was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to a Jewish family. His father may have been a peripatetic jeweler and dry-goods merchant named De Jong or De Jongh, though de Young later claimed he was a Baltimore banker of French birth. De Young graduated from Heald College in San Francisco. He insisted the fair be held in Golden Gate Park, despite opposition from park superintendent John McLaren, who worried about tree removal. De Young owned about 31 blocks south of the park, which may have motivated his push. After the fair, he persuaded the city to save the Fine Arts Building, which was later renamed the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum.

Reader's Guide

M. H. de Young's significance lies in his dual impact on San Francisco journalism and its cultural landscape. As co-founder of the Chronicle, he helped establish a newspaper that became a lasting institution on the Pacific Coast. De Young insisted the museum never charge admission, reflecting his desire to share his collections with all citizens. His legacy is also carried by his descendants, who remained involved with the Chronicle Publishing Company into the late 20th century.

Did You Know?

• De Young converted to Catholicism after marrying his wife, Katherine I. Deane, and a Roman Catholic mass was held at his funeral.
• His great-great-grandson is actor Max Thieriot.