Lotta’s Fountain, located in the heart of downtown, was given to the city of San Francisco in 1875 by Lotta Crabtree, one of the city’s most popular entertainers. She became the darling of all California, and eventually New York, Philadelphia, Boston and London. But it was San Francisco that absolutely adored her bawdy humor, laden with double entendre. Never married, smoking large black cigars, obeying no societal laws, Lotta loved the city and the city loved her. She repaid this unquestioning adoration by donating the large fountain to San Francisco.
In the aftermath of the ‘06 Quake, Lotta’s Fountain became a gathering point for survivors. Names of the dead, the missing, and the found were posted. And every year since, on April 18, at 5:13 AM, the living survivors of the earthquake have gathered in remembrance. Although the number of this unique group diminishes each year, the early morning tribute continues to draw crowds to pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of San Francisco.
