This coming Tuesday, April 18th, is the 100 year celebration of the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. The earthquake leveled large parts of the city, and what it didn't destroy subsequently burned in the many fires that erupted. Though it was a great tragedy, the city came out of it stronger and better.
I am looking forward to the many events the city has planned to commemorate this important historical event.
There are two particular events that stand out in my mind.
One is a gathering around 5am near Lotta's Fountain, at Market & 3rd: a place where people first gathered in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.
The other is a gathering at 7am near the Little Giant at 20th and Church: one of the few (first?) hydrants found to be working immediately after the earthquake and provided water to quench the fires. Every year, children, survivors, firefighters, and others join in painting this hydrant in gold paint, as a strange but moving way to say thanks.
I feel very happy to be part of this important event in the life of this city. Although it commemorates a great disaster, I feel that it also highlights the incredible history and life that followed.
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