1906 Quake Anniversary
When the earthquake hit on April 18, 1906, it did so in the wee hours at 5:12 am. The cast iron Lotta’s Fountain on Market Street became a crucial meeting point and is now known as SF’s oldest surviving monument.
Every year since, city officials (and in past years, survivors too) gather around the fountain for a reunion at 5:12 am to mark the exact time of the Great Quake.
1906 Quake Ceremony & Remembrance
Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 4:45 am
Lottas Fountain, Market/Geary/Kearny, SF
FREEThis year’s ceremonial fire helmet as Honorary Survivor goes to Donna Ewald-Huggins (aka Lillie Hitchcock Coit) for her many years of service to the San Francisco history community. Also being honored this year is outgoing Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White
2019 Schedule of Events:
- 4:45 a.m.: Master of Ceremonies Welcome Remarks
- 5:00 a.m.: Mayor, Fire Chief, Police Chief introduced. Mayor hangs wreath on Lotta’s Fountain
- 5:11 a.m.: Moment of silence and announce countdown (start countdown just before 5:12)
- 5:12 a.m.: Sirens
- 5:14 a.m.: Sing “San Francisco”
- 5:15 a.m.: Announcement/invitation to paint the Golden Hydrant at 20th and Church streets, which saved the Mission
- 5:30-6:30 a.m.: Help respray the Golden Hydrant at 20th and Church (event sponsored by the San Francisco History Association)
Public Domain via Wikipedia
San Francisco Earthquake and Fire from Red Channels on Vimeo.
