Sometimes, it can be easy to forget all the history in our streets and cities. Kelly Steinhardt finds magic in her city walks by tapping into this history.
Recently, I found a map of major retail closures in downtown San Francisco. On it were dots, representing stores that have left or soon will be leaving — peppered around Market Street and the Financial District. I have fond memories of walking through those areas on my way home from work in my mid-twenties.
I’d hike from the Embarcadero over to Nob Hill and further, detouring through Union Square, especially during the holidays. I took it upon myself to learn more about the history of downtown, which made my 45 minute walk so much more meaningful. For instance, near the corner of Bush and Market Street, you can see where the shoreline used to reach in 1848. If you look up in Union Square, you’ll see Nike, the goddess of victory, towering confidently over the city.
My favorite landmark is easy to miss, if you’re in a hurry. On Market Street, be sure to stop at Lotta’s Fountain. Try to imagine what it was like to be there on Christmas Eve in 1910. According to The Chronicle, the night was soft and clear. Thousands gathered there to see Luisa Tetrazzini, a famous opera singer. Story goes, she ended her show with the song “Auld Lang Syne” — and everyone joined in. “Should old acquaintance be forgot. And never brought to mind.” Think all of those strangers singing in unison, just four years after an earthquake and fire decimated the city.
There are many reasons for us to visit San Francisco’s downtown and experience its rich history. I wonder what it might take for us to come together and breathe more life into the area, once again.