San Francisco County
Biographies
EDWARD J.
LYNCH
Known widely in the bay district for his ability as an electrical contractor and for his knowledge of the building trades, Edward J. Lynch also holds the presidency of the Dreamland Auditorium in San Francisco, which is without question, one of the most beautiful and modernly equipped structures in the United States devoted to music, drama, boxing, athletics, skating and divers other forms of entertainment.
Mr. Lynch was born here in San Francisco, July 27, 1884, and is a son of the late Michael and Annie (Daley) Lynch. The father came to San Francisco as a young man, and engaged in business pursuits. For a period of four years, he was assistant superintendent of public schools under Superintendent Webster. His death occurred in the year 1907. His wife was a native of San Francisco.
Edward J. Lynch received his education in the grade and high schools of San Francisco, and after laying aside his textbooks he participated in a number of employments, and eventually learned the electrical business. In this work he made marked progress, and became widely reputed as an electrical contractor. Many important contracts were filled by him, including the wiring of the International building at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. Mr. Lynch was in Alaska in 1908. Sports, in particular boxing, were always subjects of keen interest to him, and he erected the old Dreamland Auditorium in San Francisco, and continued to operate it until the new Dreamland was constructed, and he became president of Dreamland Auditorium, Incorporated, the operating company.
To Mr. Lynch much credit is due for the erection of the new Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco’s great center of entertainment. His ability as an organizer, as an electrical contractor and builder were qualities which well fitted him for the task of superintending the construction. The list of officers first chosen for the new edifice indicates the men whose efforts and interest brought about this civic feature. These officers are: Edward J. Lynch, president; Isadore Zellerbach, vice president; Andrew F. Mahoney, David Zellerbach, and Philip Ehrlich, directors. Ward & Blohme, architects, designed the building; James L. McLaughlin, of the building firm of James L. McLaughlin Company, was superintendent of construction; and the general contractors were Barrett & Hilp. The building was constructed with the idea of providing, first of all, for the comfort of the patrons. Spaciousness of aisles, stairs, ramps, rest rooms, corridors and parking concourse are distinguishing features; increased number of ticket windows, of entrances and exits, and other mechanical aides are also notable. One of the most unique improvements is the boxing ring and the main floor, each of which is manipulative by means of hydraulic machinery. The floor may be inclined or leveled by a single switch, and the ring, in the center of the main floor, is in the nature of an elevator. For boxing it is raised four feet above the floor level for the better view of the audience, and between bouts it is lowered to the basement, where the dressing rooms of the boxers are situated, and takes on the participants in the next bout, after which it is again raised into view of the spectators. The ring may also be secured at floor level for other types of entertainment, then being an integral part of the main floor space.
On May 25, 1913, Mr. Lynch was married to Miss Violet Scott, a native of Tuolumne county, California, and a descendant of pioneer stock. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch now have three children: Edward J., Jr., Raymond, and Leonard.
Mr. Lynch is past president and a member of the Presidio Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West. Boxing and athletics are his favorite diversions, and also duck hunting and fishing appeal to him as recreational activities. He is very popular in his home city, and is admired for his ethical procedure in all of his affairs, his belief in clean sports, and his public spirit.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Byington, Lewis Francis, “History of
San Francisco 3 Vols”, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1931. Vol. 3 Pages 140-142.
© 2007 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
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