Old San Francisco 1906 Earthquake and Fire About JB Monaco
North Beach Photo Gallery Earthquake and Fire Photo Gallery Contact
Russian Hill Photo Gallery Monaco History

After an emotionally exhausting yet bittersweet several days, JB Monaco fared better than many of his fellow San Franciscans. Although his business was burned to the ground, his home on Russian Hill was saved. Monaco lamented the fact that Federal troops had prevented his effort to save early Nevada and San Francisco photographic history by denying him access to the studio at 205 Montgomery Avenue. Despite his protests all he could do was stand by and watch the building go up in flames. Saving the house on Leavenworth Street was a different matter however. Monaco and his neighbors formed a bucket brigade from a natural well around the corner on Francisco Street. After an eighteen hour heroic effort at the corner of Leavenworth and Chestnut streets, the wind changed direction and the block was saved. While all of this personal turmoil was going on, JB still found time to record the Earthquake and fire activity that is the basis of this collection.

 
 
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