Prestigious St. Francis Hotel on Union Square!
If you're looking for a place to meet a friend or business associate downtown, why not under the clock?
Since it was first erected in the lobby of the San Francisco Hotel - the famed Magneta Grandfather clock has been the meeting place for an eclectic mix - celebrated artists, sons, dignitaries, friends, lovers, jet-set travelers, and the like.
The timepiece is an enduring symbol which was installed in 1907.
Unknown to most, the Hotel's Powell Street master clock controls all the others in the turn-of-the-century landmark, and is housed just inside the lobby off the entrance at Union Square in downtown San Francisco.
As I strolled through the luxurious lobby the other day, a Hotel Manager noted that in spite of the fact the St. Francis is relatively young (100 years), it is rich and abundant in history.
The Charles Crocker family first announced plans to build the Westin St. Francis in the early nineteen hundreds. Their grand vision was to transform the city of San Francisco into the "Paris of the West" and The Union Square Hotel was intended to be its towering flagship.
The luxury Hotel was designed by the architectural firm of Bliss & Faville and was originally built with two of its present wings.
After spending a whopping 2.5 million on the project, the Hotel doors opened on March 21 (1904). So many San Franciscans were anxious to gain entrance the first night that by seven o'clock that evening a line of carriages and automobiles stretched three blocks down the street in a snarl of traffic.
In fact - the hotel became so popular in such a short span of time - that within six months the owners announced plans to add a third wing, two floors of apartments, and a ballroom to accommodate the demand.
Unfortunately, in 1906 the hotel was gutted in a fire that took place after the earthquake of April 18. Shortly thereafter, the owners built a temporary replacement which became known as the "Little St. Francis" in Union Square.
But, by the end of 1907, the hotel had been reconstructed and was open to guests once again.
In 1972 a thirty-two story tower was built behind the Hotel on Union Square.
From the time of its initial construction, the St. Francis Hotel has been one of the most prestigious hotels in the West. Undoubtedly, that is the reason the upscale hostelry became a favorite with a handful of Hollywood actors and other celebrities inclined towards luxury trappings.
With that distinction, some notoriety arrived on the doorstep, as well.
In 1921, well-known actor - Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle - checked into a suite on the twelfth floor; shortly thereafter - the tragic death of a woman at a party he hosted - caused such a scandal that ended his career.
There is an account of the incident housed in a glass case in the lobby that is labeled - "A Historical Review of People vs. Arbuckle" - complete with a candid "mug shot".
The Hotel's posh banquet rooms and ritzy restaurants often hosted the chicest soiress in the enticing "city by the bay" which were often attended by the town's social elite.
Many U.S. Presidents, an Emperor of Japan, the Shah of Iran, the King of Malaysia, Douglas MacArthur, and celebrated novelists such as Ernest Hemingway have been among the notables who have checked into the lavish St. Francis Hotel over the years.
In 1935, the mural room opened featuring celebrated motifs of Persia and the Orient by well-known artist Albert Herter.
The restaurant inside was presided over by the legendary - but fussy - Chef Victor Hirtzler. And, for decades, tony guests lunched on exquisite cuisine once they had passed muster and were seated in hierarchical precedence by Swiss Maitre d' Ernest Gloor.
During the War - Suite 294 - was the headquarters for the USO. In that comfortable bank of rooms, nurses relaxed among friends and associates, penned letters, and exchanged memories.
In the forties, a contingent of world leaders and dignitaries descended on the Hotel in a bold-faced effort to form an organization with the aim of achieving peace around the Globe. Of course, those were the humble beginnings of the United Nations.
To this day, a masterful collection of Ansel Adams prints (commissioned by original owner Crocker) hang on view for delighted art enthusiasts to enjoy.
Carefully preserved artifacts are also on display in the main lobby for the curious to inspect at whim.
In one display case, for instance, there is an old beer coaster with an inscription bearing the quaint message - "Ask for your change in War stamps" - for instance.
In another, a route map drafted up for quick exits in the event of a "Black Out", hints at the perils of a bygone era.
At the same location, a framed flier which boasts quality rooms for the remarkable sum of $3.50, is a delight to take a gander at, too.
The St. Francis Hotel has been known for its beautiful suites; today, you'd pay considerably more than that, I expect.
Since its notable entrance on the world circuit, St. Francis has become the center of San Francisco's social, literary, and artistic life. And, of course, first choice for the elite who alight now and then in romantic San Francisco.
As I headed out the door, I spied a faded photograph of Al Jolson in a corner bookshelf, under an old news clip.
As I slipped my glasses on my snoz and read the tiny blurb beneath, I was startled to learn that the "Mammy" singer spent his last breath of life in the famed Hotel.
Ah, but what a way to go!
