The Little Shamrock facts for kids
The Little Shamrock is a very old and special building in the Inner Sunset area of San Francisco, California. It first opened its doors in 1893. This makes it one of the oldest places of its kind in the city. Only The Saloon in North Beach, which started in 1861, is older.
Contents
A Glimpse into San Francisco's Past
The Little Shamrock is more than just an old building; it's a piece of San Francisco's history. It shows us what life was like over a hundred years ago.
How The Little Shamrock Began
The story of The Little Shamrock started in 1893. It was founded by an Irish businesswoman named Julia Herzo Quigley and her first husband, Antone Herzo. They chose its spot on H Street, which is now 807 Lincoln Way. This location was perfect because it was near Golden Gate Park.
Built for a Big Event
The founders wanted to serve people visiting and working on the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. This was a huge fair held in Golden Gate Park. Imagine a world's fair, but in San Francisco! The Little Shamrock was there to welcome everyone involved.
Surviving Through the Years
The building has seen many changes in San Francisco. It even stayed open during a time called Prohibition. This was a period in history when certain types of businesses were not allowed to operate as usual.
Adapting During Prohibition
During Prohibition, The Little Shamrock changed its business. It became a "soft-drink parlor." This meant it sold drinks without alcohol. This clever idea helped it stay open when many other places had to close. In 1924, the building was also made bigger. It got a special wall on the roof called a parapet in a style known as Mission Revival.
A San Francisco Landmark
Today, The Little Shamrock is recognized as an important part of San Francisco's heritage. It is one of about 100 special places listed by a group called San Francisco Architectural Heritage.
Why It's So Special
This group calls these places "iconic establishments." This means they are famous and important. They help make San Francisco unique and add to its culture and stories. The Little Shamrock is a great example of a place that has kept its original charm.
Featured in Books
The Little Shamrock is also famous in books! It appears in the Dismas Hardy novel series by author John Lescroart. In these stories, a character named Moses McGuire owns and works at the fictional version of The Little Shamrock. This shows how much the building means to the city's character.
