Lotta’s Fountain

In the dark years, pre-​household internet, circa 1995, an old lady named «Odice» told me about an old fountain named «Lotta’s.» I was just in my twenties and not really interested too much in a distant city’s distant past, but more in my own future.
But I really liked this Odice and I loved the stories she had and when she spoke of the «Great Earthquake of 1906,» it hit home because Odice herself had been born in 1905. So, here I was talking to someone who was alive at the time and telling me a story about her parents and this fountain. It did register, «that’s really cool» and I must’ve made some mental bookmark back then to visit the fountain. On my many trips to SF over the years, I just never had. until this last one when I felt a light chill sweep over me while reading the words «Lotta’s Fountain» on my «nearby» Unilocal screen.
Well, of course, it’s 20 years since I’d known Odice, and though I remember exactly what she looked like and her sly little smile, I can’t recall the exact details of her whole story. But I remember her and the fact that she’d never married. Just like Lotta. Odice was born on the east coast and had been brought west at a young age. Just like Lotta. I don’t know if silver-​haired little Odice ever had «red hair, dark eyes and the most beautiful ankle in the world» or if she’d ever danced on a stage in California’s gold rush days, but Lotta did and that’s how the gold began coming her way. Lotta reportedly died with a fortune valued at about four million in 1924 dollars. Along the way, in 1875, she’d bought the city a cast iron drinking fountain, rising 24 feet and adorned with lion’s heads and spouting water for all to drink. (It no longer gives water though.) Lotta gave it as a gift of thanks to the city that helped her get her start. This fountain is the place where, on the scary morning of April 18, 1906, survivors of the quake naturally gathered amid the rubble to learn «who made it,» «who didn’t» and «what’s next?» Since then, there’ve been annual gatherings to honor this moment in the city’s history.
I remember Odice and somehow, because of her, I feel a little like I knew Lotta. Odice, born in 1905 and Lotta, born in 1847… that’s going back a ways. And, being as I finally figured out my own «relationship» with the «City of San Francisco,» (that city that always surprises me… shakes up my world, so I gotta love that metaphor), I decided that I’d have my own day of «meeting at the fountain,» not on April 18 to honor the anniversary of the great quake, but close… this past March 29^th. I’m learning that historical landmarks are interesting and amazing in and of themselves, but I find that It’s a trip when an historical landmark comes to be imbued with your own personal significance.
Who knew? Surely not that twenty-​something me who only was looking to her future. But, there she was the other day, standing in «her future,» present day San Francisco and smiling at the past. It’s nice to remember. And to remember how people who were survivors had come here. And then, to get the chance to walk away and wonder, ‘What’s next?”

We visited this touching landmark during our tour with Emperor Norton. The only downside is that a ton of road work is going on around the fountain, so we couldn’t walk around it completely. Still, it is a lovely landmark with a notable history that should be included in your visit of San Francisco.

Lotta Crabtree was one of the most important entertainers in American history. She was the first American millionaire actress. She left over half her money to charities, and to build beautiful drinking fountains for people and animals all around the country. Unfortunately only a couple of these actually ever got built. Just San Fran and one in Boston as far as I know. This fountain is one of the most important monuments in San Fran and has a lot of important history associated with it. San Fran is fortunate to have it. Check it out next time you are in the area!
Don’t forget, November 6^th is Lotta Crabtree day in San Francisco!

It is always quite emotional to attend the commemoration ceremonies for the 1906 earthquake and fires at Lotta’s Fountain at 5:00AM on April 18. There used to be a few ‘survivors’ — actually, babies who were born around 1906 that have no more memories than the rest of us – but even those numbers have slimmed down this year (2012). Two were in attendance and two others were contacted via phone or Skype (Skyping at 106!), but the two in person (adorable Winnie Hook and George Quillci) were chauffeured up in the antique convertible of the SFPD with much pomp and circumstance. However, the real moment is the blaring of the sirens followed by the singing of ‘San Francisco Open Your Golden Gate.’ You can’t help but feel the joy it is to live in San Francisco; we are a special breed, nothing can keep us down! Bob Sarlatte was the master of ceremonies this year and Chief Hayes-​White, Chief Suhr, Mayor Lee, Director Kronenberg, acting-​Sheriff Hennessey and lots of NERTs were in the crowd. Many moved on the the ‘golden hydrant’ over on Church, or joined the festivities at Lefty O’Doul’s. It’s 6:35AM and I’ve already had a full day!

Funny how people like me walk by Lotta’s Fountain day by day and do not appreciate the its significance. Now, I know and stress that everyone take a few minutes to stop and pay homage for it represents the resilience of SF.

LAZY — that’s me! I know where Lotta’s Fountain is and I lived 6 blocks away for 2 earthquake anniversaries and NEVER made it down here to participate in the memorial of the 1906 earthquake.
That said, this non-​functional cast iron fountain is very pretty and it’s worth your attention — thousands of people walk past it every day, don’t be one of them! Take a moment, appreciate the beauty of this fin de siecle work of art and ponder the important role it played in the 1906 earthquake.
Btw, do you have an earthquake readiness plan? Something to think about!

Another beautiful historical landmark that reminds me why I love this city and how much I love being a part of it!
It was donated by Lotta Crabtree, one of the most famous and well known entertainers of her time in the late 1800’s.

I had a great time at the 104^th Anniversary.
I liked the folks in period costume.
I was wondering where would a guy get a get up like that from?!
Parking was a bit tricky since I am not very familar with the area, but i was able to find a garage close enough.
If you are a bay area native you should go at least once :)

Every time I pass Lotta’s Fountain I think of what has made San Francisco great. People who can rebuild, from the ground up. I’m glad it’s there to remind us all of another time, another era, and what has happened since. Never stop the progress, SF, but keep the memories.

Lotta’s Fountain April 18, 2010…
It’s the 104^th Anniversary of the 1906 SF Earthquake & Sis & I headed downtown to commemorate the event & spend the morning w/​Bill Del Monte… who at 104 years old is the last living survivor
He was 3 months old when the earthquake occurred but he still remembers stories as told to him by his friends & shares them with us all
Lotta’s Fountain is the oldest surviving monument in San Francisco & was donated by singer/​dancer Charlotte Mignon Lotta Crabtree in 1875. After the earthquake in 1906, the fountain was one of the few remaining structures on Market St & became a central meeting place for San Franciscans
This morning at 5 AM, we had a precession of old-​timey Firetrucks arrive w/​Mr Del Monte sitting in the Fire Chief’s old-​timey car, wearing his best fireman’s hat
At 5:11 AM, we shared a moment of silence & then the Wreath Laying Ceremony took place
VERY touching to be there & to see Lotta’s Fountain & reflect on how important it was to the SF I know & love today!
There are so, so many pieces of great history tucked away, throughout our wonderful city & events like these remind me it’s important to stop & appreciate what’s right in front of me every day… like Lotta’s Fountain

Lotta’s Fountain was donated to the city by Lotta Crabtree in 1875 and serves as a meeting place for survivors of the 1906 quake and fire every year at 5:12am every April 18^th.
Considering that by May 1906 almost nothing around it remained, I think it’s the bee’s knees.