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History of San Francisco, California, USA
Journey back in time to San Francisco, California, USA
Explore San Francisco, California, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have San Francisco Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
During his engagement at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, Otis Redding stayed on a houseboat in Sausalito. While there he wrote his last song and greatest hit: "The Dock of the Bay."
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San Francisco Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
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Wm. Smith, Manufacturer of Patent Water Closets
Jackson Foundry, No. 523 Jackson Street, Between Montgomery and Kearny, San Francisco, 1871
San Francisco, California, USA
Artwork
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f1269&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2fsan_francisco_ca_1875.jpg&description=San Francisco, California, USA - The "Cliff House"
Picturesque America... Oliver Bell Bunce, William Cullen Bryant
New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1872-1874.
"The Cliff House is a restaurant perched on the headland above the cliffs just north of Ocean Beach, on the western side of San Francisco, California. It overlooks the site of the former Sutro Baths and is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, operated by the National Park Service. On the terrace of the Cliff House is a room-sized camera obscura.
Cliff House has had five major incarnations since its beginnings in 1858. That year, Samuel Brannan, a prosperous ex-Mormon elder from Maine, bought for $1,500 the lumber salvaged from a ship that foundered on the basalt cliffs below. With this material he built the first Cliff House.
The second Cliff House was built in 1863, and leased to Captain Junius G. Foster. It was a long trek from the city and hosted mostly horseback riders, small game hunters or picnickers on day outings. With the opening of the Point Lobos toll road a year later, the Cliff House became successful with the Carriage trade for Sunday travel. Later the builders of the toll road constructed a two-mile speedway beside it where well-to-do San Franciscans raced their horses along the way. On weekends, there was little room at the Cliff House hitching racks for tethering the horses for the thousands of rigs. Soon, omnibus, railways and streetcar lines made it to near Lone Mountain where passengers transferred to stagecoach lines to the beach. The growth of Golden Gate Park attracted beach travellers, in search of meals and a look at the sea lions sunning themselves on Seal Rocks just off the cliffs, to visit the area..." wikipedia){kind=small}
The "Cliff House"
Picturesque America... Oliver Bell Bunce, William Cullen Bryant
New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1872-1874.
"The Cliff House is a restaurant perched on the headland above the cliffs just north of Ocean Beach, on the western side of San Francisco, California. It overlooks the site of the former Sutro Baths and is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, operated by the National Park Service. On the terrace of the Cliff House is a room-sized camera obscura.
Cliff House has had five major incarnations since its beginnings in 1858. That year, Samuel Brannan, a prosperous ex-Mormon elder from Maine, bought for $1,500 the lumber salvaged from a ship that foundered on the basalt cliffs below. With this material he built the first Cliff House.
The second Cliff House was built in 1863, and leased to Captain Junius G. Foster. It was a long trek from the city and hosted mostly horseback riders, small game hunters or picnickers on day outings. With the... Read MORE...
San Francisco, California, USA
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Scene at the Beach, San Francisco, Cal.
San Francisco, California, USA
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Cresta Gold Rum
Bennett Distilling Co., San Francisco, California
Found at The Way It Was Museum, Virginia City, Nevada
San Francisco, California, USA
Douglas County Historical Society Courthouse Museum, Genoa, Nevada
Pure Food Rice
M. J. Brandenstein & Co.
about 1899
San Francisco, California, USA
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Fisherman's Wharf
San Francisco, California, USA
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Lower Gardens, Golden Gate State Park, San Francisco, Cal.
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Great Highway and Beach Esplanade, San Francisco, Calif.
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Discover San Francisco: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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1847 - January 30 – Yerba Buena, California is renamed San Francisco.
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January 30, 1847
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January 30, 1847
1852 - July 3 - Congress authorizes US's 2nd mint (San Francisco, California)
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July 3, 1852
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July 3, 1852
1854 - San Francisco
San Francisco, the commercial metropolis of California, and the queen city of the "far West," is situated on the western shore of the magnificent bay from which it derives its name. It stands in a plain about half a mile wide, gently inclined towards the bay, with numerous hills behind it. The soil on which this city is built is very sandy ; and in the vicinity, more particularly toward the north, are a number of sandhills. It is regularly laid out, the streets crossing each other at right angles. The houses till recently were mostly frame, but since the destructive fires that have occurred several times, laying the greater part of the town in ruins, brick and iron are becoming more extensively used. The city now contains many well-built fire proof stores and banking houses. The better class of frame houses are painted white, with green blinds, presenting the appearance of the houses in New England...
Population. — The inhabitants of San Francisco have been variously estimated from ... Read MORE...
San Francisco, the commercial metropolis of California, and the queen city of the "far West," is situated on the western shore of the magnificent bay from which it derives its name. It stands in a plain about half a mile wide, gently inclined towards the bay, with numerous hills behind it. The soil on which this city is built is very sandy ; and in the vicinity, more particularly toward the north, are a number of sandhills. It is regularly laid out, the streets crossing each other at right angles. The houses till recently were mostly frame, but since the destructive fires that have occurred several times, laying the greater part of the town in ruins, brick and iron are becoming more extensively used. The city now contains many well-built fire proof stores and banking houses. The better class of frame houses are painted white, with green blinds, presenting the appearance of the houses in New England...
Population. — The inhabitants of San Francisco have been variously estimated from ... Read MORE...
1866 - TERRIBLE EXPLOSION -- GREAT LOSS OF LIFE.
San Francisco, Monday, April 16.
A terrible explosion of what was supposed to be nitro glicerine, occurred at a 1:15 o'clock to-day, near WELLS, FARGO & Co.'s building. The explosion shook the earth like an earthquake for a circle of a quarter of a mile.
SAMUEL KNIGHT, Superintendent of Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express, died in half an hour of injuries received. G. W. BELL, Supervisor and Assayer, was instantly killed. MR. WALLUT, Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Assayer; JOSEPH ELLIOTT; JOHN GALLAGHER; FRANK WEBSTER and WILLIAM JUSTIN were also killed.
Eight dead bodies were so mutilated that they could not be identified. LOUIS McLANE, Capt. ELDRIDGE, of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, and Judge HOFFMAN, were bruised and cut. FELIX LAMAX, D. STACY, JEFFERSON TAYLOR, H. BLANE, clothing dealer, Capt. J. AYRES, FRED LEIZ, FRANK MORAN and others, were injured, but not fatally. Some will never be identified, as fragments of human flesh, bones and brains were found nearly two blocks... Read MORE...
San Francisco, Monday, April 16.
A terrible explosion of what was supposed to be nitro glicerine, occurred at a 1:15 o'clock to-day, near WELLS, FARGO & Co.'s building. The explosion shook the earth like an earthquake for a circle of a quarter of a mile.
SAMUEL KNIGHT, Superintendent of Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express, died in half an hour of injuries received. G. W. BELL, Supervisor and Assayer, was instantly killed. MR. WALLUT, Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Assayer; JOSEPH ELLIOTT; JOHN GALLAGHER; FRANK WEBSTER and WILLIAM JUSTIN were also killed.
Eight dead bodies were so mutilated that they could not be identified. LOUIS McLANE, Capt. ELDRIDGE, of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, and Judge HOFFMAN, were bruised and cut. FELIX LAMAX, D. STACY, JEFFERSON TAYLOR, H. BLANE, clothing dealer, Capt. J. AYRES, FRED LEIZ, FRANK MORAN and others, were injured, but not fatally. Some will never be identified, as fragments of human flesh, bones and brains were found nearly two blocks... Read MORE...
1868 - Built on Made Land
San Francisco is so largely built on made land that the timbers of old wharves were recently exhumed half a mile from the present water front.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 13, 1868
San Francisco is so largely built on made land that the timbers of old wharves were recently exhumed half a mile from the present water front.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 13, 1868
1868 - In digging a foundation in San Francisco, a heavy barrel was exhumed, and great was the excitement when it became rumored that a barrel of gold dust had been hidden there some twenty years ago.
When opened, it proved to be full of very putrid flour.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
August 22, 1868
When opened, it proved to be full of very putrid flour.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
August 22, 1868
1869 - First westbound train arrived in San Francisco
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ catimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ catimeln.htm
1869 - Teaching Chinese Girls
Teachers are to be employed to instruct the Chinese girls in San Francisco, where they are rapidly increasing. The work is undertaken by the churches.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 19, 1869
Teachers are to be employed to instruct the Chinese girls in San Francisco, where they are rapidly increasing. The work is undertaken by the churches.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 19, 1869
1873 - August 2 - A San Francisco cable car travels on Clay Street between Kearny and Jones Streets during its first trial run.
http://www.independentsentinel.com/
http://www.independentsentinel.com/
1874 - A Curious Clock
A Thompson, Connecticut, clock company has shipped a curious clock to San Francisco, to be placed in the tower of the greatest hotel on the continent, where it will furnish the time for 500 dials, which are to be operated by compressed air carried in pipes all over the building. The building has 500 rooms and there is to be a dial in every room.
The Galveston Daily News
Galveston, Texas
February 24, 1874
A Thompson, Connecticut, clock company has shipped a curious clock to San Francisco, to be placed in the tower of the greatest hotel on the continent, where it will furnish the time for 500 dials, which are to be operated by compressed air carried in pipes all over the building. The building has 500 rooms and there is to be a dial in every room.
The Galveston Daily News
Galveston, Texas
February 24, 1874
1876 - June 4 - An express train called the Transcontinental Express arrives in San Francisco, California, via the First Transcontinental Railroad only 83 hours and 39 minutes after having left New York City.
historyorb.com
June 4, 1876
historyorb.com
June 4, 1876
1887 - San Francisco experienced its greatest snowstorm of record. Nearly four inches was reported in downtown San Francisco, and the western hills of the city received seven inches. Excited crowds went on a snowball throwing rampage
WeatherForYou.com
WeatherForYou.com
1889 - November 23 - Debut of 1st jukebox (Palais Royale Saloon, San Francisco)
historyorb.com
November 23, 1889
historyorb.com
November 23, 1889
1893 - August 10 - The first Chinaman was deported from San Francisco for non-registration.
The World Almanac and Book of Facts, Volume 1894 Press Publishing Company. 1894
The World Almanac and Book of Facts, Volume 1894 Press Publishing Company. 1894
1897 - Dead Fish Don't Grow
ROD AND CREEL.
Anglers Who Are Returning From Their Vacations.
Anglers are returning from their summer vacations with reports of excellent fishing enjoyed at some of the mountain resorts. Fish Commissioner Vogelsang, who had a very pleasant outing in the big meadow country, states that the rainbows take a large fly of rough pattern, and when hooked they make a game struggle for freedom. A majority of the anglers who visit the meadows catch their trout by either whipping or trolling a spoon.
Henry Skinner, a popular salesman of E. T. Allen & Co., is enjoying first-class trout-fishing on the Truckee near Boca. Mr. Skinner is a master of the rod, and there are few among the fraternity who can cast a fly as stylishly as Colonel Skinner and with such precision. It is no wonder, then, that his many friends in this City have been recipients of some nice boxes of Truckee River trout.
Anglers must not lose sight of the fact that thee best fishing on Truckee River is invariably to... Read MORE...
ROD AND CREEL.
Anglers Who Are Returning From Their Vacations.
Anglers are returning from their summer vacations with reports of excellent fishing enjoyed at some of the mountain resorts. Fish Commissioner Vogelsang, who had a very pleasant outing in the big meadow country, states that the rainbows take a large fly of rough pattern, and when hooked they make a game struggle for freedom. A majority of the anglers who visit the meadows catch their trout by either whipping or trolling a spoon.
Henry Skinner, a popular salesman of E. T. Allen & Co., is enjoying first-class trout-fishing on the Truckee near Boca. Mr. Skinner is a master of the rod, and there are few among the fraternity who can cast a fly as stylishly as Colonel Skinner and with such precision. It is no wonder, then, that his many friends in this City have been recipients of some nice boxes of Truckee River trout.
Anglers must not lose sight of the fact that thee best fishing on Truckee River is invariably to... Read MORE...
1900 - FELL ON MOLTEN GLASS. Scores Killed and Injured by the Collapse of a Roof. SEVERAL ROASTED TO DEATH.
Disaster Occurred at a Football Game in San Francisco - Victims Were Hurled on a Red Hot Furnace - Bodies Drawn From the Retorts With Pokers - The Dead and Injured.
San Francisco (Special). - By the collapse of the roof of the Pacific Glass Works while it was crowded with men and boys who were watching a football game between the Stanford and University of California teams, fifteen persons were killed. More than 100 persons fell into the furnace of the factory upon ovens and retorts containing molten glass when the roof collapsed. The injured number eighty-three, and of these several cannot survive.
The dead are:
EDGAR FAIRHAVEN, eleven years old.
W. H. ECKFELDT, twelve years old.
WILLIAM VANELCIA, eighteen years old.
THOMAS J. RIPPON, twenty-four years old.
JAMES A. MULRONEY, forty years old.
MARQUIS VAN DURN, forty-five years old.
VIRGIL NEUBY, fifteen years old.
CHARLES MONSHAN, thirty-four years old.
TALLEYRAND BARNWELL, sixteen years old.
LUNON GIRARD, sixteen... Read MORE...
Disaster Occurred at a Football Game in San Francisco - Victims Were Hurled on a Red Hot Furnace - Bodies Drawn From the Retorts With Pokers - The Dead and Injured.
San Francisco (Special). - By the collapse of the roof of the Pacific Glass Works while it was crowded with men and boys who were watching a football game between the Stanford and University of California teams, fifteen persons were killed. More than 100 persons fell into the furnace of the factory upon ovens and retorts containing molten glass when the roof collapsed. The injured number eighty-three, and of these several cannot survive.
The dead are:
EDGAR FAIRHAVEN, eleven years old.
W. H. ECKFELDT, twelve years old.
WILLIAM VANELCIA, eighteen years old.
THOMAS J. RIPPON, twenty-four years old.
JAMES A. MULRONEY, forty years old.
MARQUIS VAN DURN, forty-five years old.
VIRGIL NEUBY, fifteen years old.
CHARLES MONSHAN, thirty-four years old.
TALLEYRAND BARNWELL, sixteen years old.
LUNON GIRARD, sixteen... Read MORE...
1901 - San Francisco - By the West Gate of the World by Edwin Markham
If Xenophon had journeyed westward from Athens, pressing beyond the amber caverns of the Baltic, beyond the tin mines of Thule, out past the Gates of Hercules, exactly west, across an ocean and a continent, the next Ihalalta of his men would have saluted the Pacific at the Golden Gate from the low, shifting sand hills of the unrisen San Francisco. For the violet veiled city of Athene and the gray draped city of St. Francis are in one line of latitude.
San Francisco crowns the extremity of a long, rugged peninsula, a little north of the centre of California,
"The land that has the tiger's length,
The tawny tiger's length of arm,"
the land that stretches from pine to palm,
"Haunch in the cloud rack, paw in the purring sea."
The one break in the mountain wall of the California Coast Range is the Golden Gate, the watery pass that leads from San Francisco to the Pacific. Spurs and peaks and cross ridges of this mountain chain would at long range seem to encompass the city... Read MORE...
If Xenophon had journeyed westward from Athens, pressing beyond the amber caverns of the Baltic, beyond the tin mines of Thule, out past the Gates of Hercules, exactly west, across an ocean and a continent, the next Ihalalta of his men would have saluted the Pacific at the Golden Gate from the low, shifting sand hills of the unrisen San Francisco. For the violet veiled city of Athene and the gray draped city of St. Francis are in one line of latitude.
San Francisco crowns the extremity of a long, rugged peninsula, a little north of the centre of California,
"The land that has the tiger's length,
The tawny tiger's length of arm,"
the land that stretches from pine to palm,
"Haunch in the cloud rack, paw in the purring sea."
The one break in the mountain wall of the California Coast Range is the Golden Gate, the watery pass that leads from San Francisco to the Pacific. Spurs and peaks and cross ridges of this mountain chain would at long range seem to encompass the city... Read MORE...
1901 - February 22 - The Pacific Mail Steamship Company's SS City of Rio de Janeiro sinks entering San Francisco Bay, killing 128.
wikipedia.org
February 22, 1901
wikipedia.org
February 22, 1901
1905 - San Francisco - The popsicle was invented by 11-years-old Frank Epperson in 1905. Epperson (1894-?) lived in San Francisco, California.
Epperson had left a fruit drink out overnight (with a stirrer in it), and it froze, making a new treat. His frozen treat was originally called the Epsicle. Epperson got a patent on his "frozen ice on a stick" many years later, in 1923. The Epsicle was later renamed the popsicle. Epperson also invented the twin popsicle (with two sticks so it could be shared by two children), Fudgsicle, Creamsicle and Dreamsicle.
www.enchantedlearning.com/ inventors/ us.shtml
Epperson had left a fruit drink out overnight (with a stirrer in it), and it froze, making a new treat. His frozen treat was originally called the Epsicle. Epperson got a patent on his "frozen ice on a stick" many years later, in 1923. The Epsicle was later renamed the popsicle. Epperson also invented the twin popsicle (with two sticks so it could be shared by two children), Fudgsicle, Creamsicle and Dreamsicle.
www.enchantedlearning.com/ inventors/ us.shtml
1906 - Earthquake
April 18, 1906 - An earthquake in San Francisco is followed by four days of a devastating fire. An estimated 3,000 lives are lost and damage is estimated at $500 million in 1906 dollars.
Timeline: U.S. Storm Disasters, American Experience
www.pbs.org
April 18, 1906
April 18, 1906 - An earthquake in San Francisco is followed by four days of a devastating fire. An estimated 3,000 lives are lost and damage is estimated at $500 million in 1906 dollars.
Timeline: U.S. Storm Disasters, American Experience
www.pbs.org
April 18, 1906
1906 - October 11 – A United States diplomatic crisis with Japan arises when the San Francisco public school board orders Japanese students to be taught in racially segregated schools.
wikipedia.org
October 11, 1906
wikipedia.org
October 11, 1906
There have been five cases of bubonic plague in San Francisco, four of them resulting fatally.
The Clinton Mirror
Clinton, Iowa
August 24, 1907
The Clinton Mirror
Clinton, Iowa
August 24, 1907
1915 - February 20 – In San Francisco the Panama-Pacific International Exposition is opened.
wikipedia.org
February 20, 1915
wikipedia.org
February 20, 1915
1916 - July 22 – In San Francisco, California, a bomb explodes on Market Street during a Preparedness Day parade, killing 10 injuring 40
wikipedia.org
July 22, 1916
wikipedia.org
July 22, 1916
1917 - January 25 – An anti-prostitution drive in San Francisco occurs and police close about 200 prostitution houses.
wikipedia.org
January 25, 1917
wikipedia.org
January 25, 1917
1929 - March 2 – The longest bridge in the world at this time, the San Francisco Bay Toll-Bridge, opens.
wikipedia.org
March 2, 1929
wikipedia.org
March 2, 1929
1933 - January 5 - Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge begins in San Francisco Bay.
Before the project began, many people thought building the bridge was impossible. And when the construction started, most thought that dozens would die in the process. The rule of thumb at the time was that for every million dollars spent on a project, one person would die — and the Golden Gate Bridge was going to cost $37 million.
At first, those fears seemed to be proved unfounded. On Jan. 5, 1933, construction began — and it continued without a single fatality for four years. (www.npr.org)
Construction of the bridge began in 1932, during the Great Depression, when jobs were scarce. The men working on the Golden Gate Bridge (a four-and-a-half-year project) were greatly envied, even though they worked in very dangerous conditions, balancing high above the freezing ocean waters.
To combat the dangerous working conditions, bridge designer Joseph Strauss introduced the hard hat and a safety net that stretched end to end under the bridge. Nineteen workers fell. Saved by that... Read MORE...
Before the project began, many people thought building the bridge was impossible. And when the construction started, most thought that dozens would die in the process. The rule of thumb at the time was that for every million dollars spent on a project, one person would die — and the Golden Gate Bridge was going to cost $37 million.
At first, those fears seemed to be proved unfounded. On Jan. 5, 1933, construction began — and it continued without a single fatality for four years. (www.npr.org)
Construction of the bridge began in 1932, during the Great Depression, when jobs were scarce. The men working on the Golden Gate Bridge (a four-and-a-half-year project) were greatly envied, even though they worked in very dangerous conditions, balancing high above the freezing ocean waters.
To combat the dangerous working conditions, bridge designer Joseph Strauss introduced the hard hat and a safety net that stretched end to end under the bridge. Nineteen workers fell. Saved by that... Read MORE...
1937 - May 27 – In California, the Golden Gate Bridge opens to pedestrian traffic.
The next day, with a push of a telegraph button, President Franklin Roosevelt opened the bridge to cars, too.
The area known as the Golden Gate is the channel formed where the mouth of the San Francisco Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. People used the name Golden Gate as early as 1846, even before the gold rush and long before the bridge. Explorer John C. Frémont was possibly the first to call the rocky straits the "Golden Gate."
wikipedia.org
May 27, 1937
The next day, with a push of a telegraph button, President Franklin Roosevelt opened the bridge to cars, too.
The area known as the Golden Gate is the channel formed where the mouth of the San Francisco Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. People used the name Golden Gate as early as 1846, even before the gold rush and long before the bridge. Explorer John C. Frémont was possibly the first to call the rocky straits the "Golden Gate."
wikipedia.org
May 27, 1937
1939 - February 18 – The Golden Gate International Exposition opens in San Francisco, California.
wikipedia.org
February 18, 1939
wikipedia.org
February 18, 1939
June 26, 1945: United Nations charter signed, San Francisco, CA
The Old Farmer's Almanac www.almanac.com
June 26, 1945
The Old Farmer's Almanac www.almanac.com
June 26, 1945
1949 - CHINATOWN FIRE DAMAGE $20,000.
San Francisco, Sept. 9. (AP) - A three alarm fire his Chinatown early Thursday.
The blaze broke out in the basement of a vacant three story building on California street just above Grant. It was controlled in a half hour. Fire Chief EDWARD P. WALSH estimated damage at $20,000.
Seventy five persons in an adjoining lodging house were evacuated. WALSH said the fire may have been started by an itinerate sleeping in the vacant building, formerly a hotel. Three firemen were hurt fighting the blaze.
Reno Evening Gazette
Reno, Nevada
September 9, 1949
San Francisco, Sept. 9. (AP) - A three alarm fire his Chinatown early Thursday.
The blaze broke out in the basement of a vacant three story building on California street just above Grant. It was controlled in a half hour. Fire Chief EDWARD P. WALSH estimated damage at $20,000.
Seventy five persons in an adjoining lodging house were evacuated. WALSH said the fire may have been started by an itinerate sleeping in the vacant building, formerly a hotel. Three firemen were hurt fighting the blaze.
Reno Evening Gazette
Reno, Nevada
September 9, 1949
1956 - January 9 - First "Dear Abby" column appears in San Francisco Chronicle
How Dear Abby column started at The Chronicle
TODAY'S EXTRA: Her column of sage advice started at The Chronicle
By Peter Hartlaub Published 4:00 am, Saturday, January 24, 2009
Pauline Phillips walked into the Chronicle building 53 years ago this month with almost no chance of getting the advice column job she was seeking. The newspaper already had the position filled, and Phillips had recently been rejected by the San Mateo Times, a much smaller paper.
But editor Stanleigh Arnold believed in a meritocracy, offering Phillips the chance to rewrite the answers given by his current advice columnist to see whether Phillips could do a better job. Phillips walked a few blocks away to her husband's office, kicked his secretary out of her chair and pounded out the answers in a couple of hours.
"By the time she got back to Hillsborough, that's where she was living at the time, they had already called three times," remembers Jeanne Phillips, Pauline's daughter and the current Dear... Read MORE...
How Dear Abby column started at The Chronicle
TODAY'S EXTRA: Her column of sage advice started at The Chronicle
By Peter Hartlaub Published 4:00 am, Saturday, January 24, 2009
Pauline Phillips walked into the Chronicle building 53 years ago this month with almost no chance of getting the advice column job she was seeking. The newspaper already had the position filled, and Phillips had recently been rejected by the San Mateo Times, a much smaller paper.
But editor Stanleigh Arnold believed in a meritocracy, offering Phillips the chance to rewrite the answers given by his current advice columnist to see whether Phillips could do a better job. Phillips walked a few blocks away to her husband's office, kicked his secretary out of her chair and pounded out the answers in a couple of hours.
"By the time she got back to Hillsborough, that's where she was living at the time, they had already called three times," remembers Jeanne Phillips, Pauline's daughter and the current Dear... Read MORE...
1989 - October 17 - An earthquake in San Francisco (6.9 on the Richter scale) kills 67 people and leads to the cancellation of game 3 of the World Series.
http://www.independentsentinel.com/
http://www.independentsentinel.com/
1989 - October 17 - An earthquake in San Francisco (6.9 on the Richter scale) kills 67 people and leads to the cancellation of game 3 of the World Series.
http://www.independentsentinel.com/
http://www.independentsentinel.com/
2023 - San Francisco is a fantastic city with a ton of things to see and do. Here's a list that covers a variety of interests:
Golden Gate Bridge: Iconic and a must-visit. You can walk or bike across for breathtaking views of the bay and the city.
Alcatraz Island: Take a ferry to this historic prison and learn about its notorious inmates like Al Capone. The night tours are particularly popular.
Fisherman's Wharf: A bustling waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Aquarium of the Bay. Don't miss the sea lions lounging at Pier 39.
Cable Cars: Ride the historic cable cars for a classic San Francisco experience. They're a fun and efficient way to get around.
Chinatown: One of the oldest and largest in North America. Explore the vibrant streets, visit markets, and try some delicious dim sum.
Golden Gate Park: A massive urban oasis with gardens, museums, and lakes. Rent a paddleboat, visit the de Young Museum, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll.
The Painted Ladies: These colorful Victorian houses are a postcard-perfect sight, especially with the backdrop of the city... Read MORE...
Golden Gate Bridge: Iconic and a must-visit. You can walk or bike across for breathtaking views of the bay and the city.
Alcatraz Island: Take a ferry to this historic prison and learn about its notorious inmates like Al Capone. The night tours are particularly popular.
Fisherman's Wharf: A bustling waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Aquarium of the Bay. Don't miss the sea lions lounging at Pier 39.
Cable Cars: Ride the historic cable cars for a classic San Francisco experience. They're a fun and efficient way to get around.
Chinatown: One of the oldest and largest in North America. Explore the vibrant streets, visit markets, and try some delicious dim sum.
Golden Gate Park: A massive urban oasis with gardens, museums, and lakes. Rent a paddleboat, visit the de Young Museum, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll.
The Painted Ladies: These colorful Victorian houses are a postcard-perfect sight, especially with the backdrop of the city... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: San Francisco Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in San Francisco, California, USA
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Genealogy Resources for San Francisco
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Showcasing a witty caption that reads, "I'm from California! That explains a lot about my love for surfing at sunrise and wine tasting at sunset," this mug is designed to bring a smile to your face with every sip.
Lake Tahoe Shower Curtain - Crystal Clear Waters with Mark Twain Quote - Nature-Inspired Bathroom Décor
Transform your bathroom into a serene escape with this Lake Tahoe Shower Curtain, featuring the breathtaking crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and an inspiring quote from Mark Twain. Whether you want to relive your favorite Tahoe memories, bring the beauty of the lake inside your home, or add a stunning touch to your Lake Tahoe vacation rental, this shower curtain is the perfect addition to any nature lover’s space. Designed to complement a Lake Tahoe home, it enhances the ambiance with a refreshing, tranquil vibe that captures the lake’s timeless allure.
Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
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NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 10/10/2023 4:35:54 PM