The real devastation of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, as history buffs never tire of noting, didn't come from the quake itself. Instead, ensuing fires engulfed and destroyed 80% of the city, with an estimated 90% of the damage resulting from the conflagration.
When they were called upon in this time of need, many of the city’s fire hydrants ran dry, leaving locals and firefighters scrambling for water sources. Fortunately, there was one little hydrant that could.
You may have noticed it at the intersection of 20th and Church (the highest corner of Dolores Park) where it’s since been painted an honorary gold. The hydrant, whose location was always fortunate, boasts a particularly enviable post, with panoramas of skyscrapers and proximity to "gay beach."
The “little giant” as it’s sometimes called is credited with sparing the Mission during a seven-hour fight against the blaze. John Rafferty, a local blacksmith at the time, had seen it in operation in the hours before the quake and knew to give it a try.
It now bears the following plaque:
“Though the water mains were broken and dry on April 18, 1906 yet from this Greenberg hydrant on the following night there came a stream of water allowing the firemen to save the Mission District.
Dedicated to chief Dennis Sullivan and the men who fought the Great Fire and to the spirit of the people of San Francisco who regardless of their losses brought our city from its ruins to be host of the world with their 1925 Pan Pacific Exposition and the building of our Civic Center.
May their love and devotion for this city be an inspiration for all to follow and their motto 'The city that knows how' a light to lead all future generations.”
Our “little giant” gets a fresh gold coat every April 18th, though you wouldn’t be blamed for missing the 5:12 a.m. ceremony that commemorates the moment the quake began. Honorary painting duties go to the current Fire Chief.
Once, in 2012, the hydrant was mistakenly painted silver, but in our hearts it’s always been gold.
[H/t: Sparkletack, Atlas Obscura, 7x7; photo via Flickr user Ryan Gessner]
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