The two sides of John Marchbank

He acquired a small fortune in Alaska, where he mined for gold and then mined the miners for their gold in taverns and gambling establishments. That was during the Klondike gold rush of 1897.

He came to San Francisco where he recognized the need for similar establishments here. By then, San Mateo County had been formed and had become the place for San Franciscans to indulge in pastimes that were frowned upon in the city.

Marchbank came to Daly City in 1905 and bought the Knowles Ranch. That was before the 1906 earthquake had driven so many people out of the city to live on the Peninsula. It was before there was a Daly City.

Although Marchbank’s aim was to provide for the recreation of his friends in San Francisco, he became protective of the local citizens of growing Daly City.

It has been said that he would not allow local people to gamble in his places. In fact, underneath it all, Marchbank seemed quite a philosopher who believed in the greatness of America and the opportunity it gave to its children.

After Daly City incorporated in 1911, Marchbank deeded 7.7 acres of his Knowles Ranch property to the city for a park. He became legendary for his generosity. He gave an annual children’s Christmas party. He tore down one of his saloons and built a motion picture theater in Daly City. He owned the local newspaper, the Daly City Record. He was able to use the Record to voice his editorial beliefs in America’s future as well as to advertise his various business enterprises and support political candidates.

Continuing his gambling interests, he bought Tanforan Race Track. Of course, along with his wealth, his newspaper, his business connections and the devotion of the local citizens, political power also came to Marchbank.

He became a kingmaker in local government. He is considered one of the men responsible for San Mateo County’s reputation for corruption in the early days.

His backing of candidates for office guaranteed protection for his interests, whether legal or illegal.

His generosity seemed to know no bounds. He gave out free popcorn and ice cream at the movies on special occasions. He provided for the down and out during the Depression. He supported the public library. That park was renamed Marchbank Park in 1941 in honor of the local benefactor.

Marchbank had lost a leg back in his early days and spent many years confined to a wheelchair. His political power began to decline in the late 1930s. He died on Dec. 1, 1947 at the age of 79, leaving $5 million to his second wife.

They had married just a few months before. His house on San Jose Avenue was said by some to be haunted by his ghost wheeling around in his chair.

That home, part of a business compound he had created, continued to be used for the publication of the Record.

Marchbank Park was renovated a few years ago. It is adjacent to Pacific Plaza and the theater complex that are a focal point in Daly City near the BART station. Regardless of his motives or his questionable business practices, John William Marchbank’s gift is still giving to the youth of Daly City.

Rediscovering the Peninsula appears in the Monday edition of the Daily Journal. For more information on this or related topics, visit the San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City.