F I R S TP R E V870NEXTLAST

The Real Fisherman's Wharf
One of the common complaints among San Franciscans is to bemoan the change of Fisherman's Wharf into a tourist destination. But in fact the location has always been a destination for weekend visitors. Back in the 1800s the area was dominated by Meigg's Wharf, a 1,600 old lumber wharf. It was here that men and women would stroll on Sunday afternoons finding all sorts of amusements. These early San Franciscans might eat at Abe Warner's Cobweb Palace or have a drink at Six-Fingered Paddy Gleason's saloon.

They might stop in at Cockney White's museum to see the displays or try their luck in a card game against the 'Educated Pig.' If they were feeling athletic they could head over to Mason's Lot where, by attempting to climb a greased pole, they could win a ham or even a $5 gold piece. Greasy from the pole, they could clean themselves up with a steaming sea water bath at Driscoll's Salt Water Tub Bathing Emporium, afterwards being sure to get a rubdown from Bathhouse Jack.

Once clean they might look for bargains at Charlie the Dumper's junk yard or take in a cockfight at Martin's Pipe Works. A little further down they might even test their skills in Riley's Shooting Gallery. After that a snack might be in order. Locals could choose to buy peanuts from Zachariah Colby's goober stand or stop in at Charlie Schwartz's where beer was five cents a glass and included all the crab legs you could eat.

So the next time your out-of-town visitors drag you down to Fisherman's Wharf relax, you're just carrying on a proud 150-year old San Francisco tradition.
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