Castro Camera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castro Camera |
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Castro Camera storefront, as recreated for the 2008 film Milk
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| General information | |
| Address | 575 Castro Street |
| Town or city | Castro District, San Francisco, California |
| Country | United States of America |
| Construction started | 1972 |
Castro Camera was a camera shop in the Castro District of San Francisco, California. It was owned by Harvey Milk from 1972 until his death in 1978. During the 1970s, the store became a very important place for the neighborhood's growing community of people who were looking for a safe and welcoming place. It also served as the main office for Milk's political campaigns.
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History of Castro Camera
Harvey Milk loved taking pictures. He decided to open Castro Camera in 1972 with his partner, Scott Smith. They used their last $1,000 to start the business. Soon, the store became a popular spot for many young people moving to the Castro neighborhood. They came from all over the United States because they found a supportive community there.
A Special Place for the Community
Castro Camera was more than just a place to buy cameras and film. Harvey Milk made it a friendly meeting spot and a safe haven for new people arriving in the city. He even made it an official place where people could vote in San Francisco elections. Because he was so involved in helping local businesses and supporting the community, Milk became known as the "Mayor of Castro Street."
Many important people met Harvey Milk at his store. Daniel Nicoletta, a famous photographer who took many pictures of Milk, first visited as a customer. Later, he worked at the store helping out and working on Milk's campaigns. Anne Kronenberg, who later became Milk's campaign manager, also met him there. She first thought he was very energetic and lively. Other close friends and helpers, like Cleve Jones and Milk's speechwriter Frank Robinson, also met and worked with Milk at Castro Camera.
What Happened After the Store Closed?
The building at 575 Castro Street is now a Human Rights Campaign Store. The original store was carefully rebuilt as a movie set for the 2008 film Milk. This movie tells the story of Harvey Milk's life. The movie set looked just like the real store, with an old red couch and a barber's chair. Many local people who remembered the original store were interested in seeing the recreated set. Some people who worked on the film even said they felt a ghost in the store, which they thought might be Harvey Milk.
Remembering Harvey Milk
There is a metal plaque on the sidewalk outside the old store. It helps people remember Harvey Milk and his work. This spot is also the starting point for an annual march held on the day he passed away.
Important Items from the Store
Some items from Castro Camera are kept safe at the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco. This is a museum and research center. These items include Milk's barber chair, a collection of old cameras that were displayed in the store, and the front sign with the shop's name. In 2003, the society showed the camera collection in an exhibit about Milk. The art director for the movie Milk even looked at these items to make sure the movie set looked just right.
See also
In Spanish: Castro Camera para niños
