RON HENGGELER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Joe Pecora

Last year, Joe published a book titled THE STORIED HOUSES OF ALAMO SQUARE. (Many of the color photos in the book are mine.)

Joe Pecora, former ASNA board member and neighborhood historian, has filled the pages of this ode to Alamo Square with the house histories that once graced the pages of the neighborhood newsletter. Joe was also the former editor of the Alamo Square Neighborhood Newsletter.

Brimming with details about who lived where, this book is a must-have for any Alamo Square aficionado.

Available for purchase:

Browser Books, Fillmore St. off Sacramento St.
Green Arcade, Market St. near Gough St.
Books Inc., Laurel Village, Opera Plaza, Castro (Market St.), and the Marina

Order copies online: www.alamosquare.net

It is believed that some San Franciscans who died in the 1906 earthquake and fire are buried in Alamo Square. A temporary camp was almost set up in the square for those who were left homeless by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The terrace of restored three-story wooden homes on the east side of Steiner Street between Hayes and Fulton Streets across from Alamo Square was built by Irish-born property developer Matthew Kavanaugh in the 1890’s. They were originally sold for $3,500. Kavanaugh, who lived at 722 Steiner from 1892 through 1900, couldn’t have envisioned that a century later his houses would be among the most photographed vantage points in San Francisco, known as “postcard row.” The colorfully painted, elaborate Victorians contrast sharply with the skyscrapers of the Financial District looming in the background. The houses have been the ‘homes’ of characters in the motion pictures Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), The Woman in Red (1984), and Maxie (1985), and the television programs Too Close for Comfort (1980-1986) and Full House (1987-1995). Respectfully taken from SAN FRANCISCO SECRETS by John Snyder, Chronicle Books 1999

(Alamo Square is a half block away and just around the corner from where I live. If I climb out the window and stand on the roof that overlooks my backyard garden, I can see the backside of these houses on Steiner Street). A family of raccoons (five members) pay nocturnal visits to my backyard on a regular basis. They sleep in the big old trees at Alamo Square during the day and come out foraging late at night when the neighborhood is quiet.)

Merry Christmas

Joe Pecora