By Khalida Sarwari
As the 104th anniversary of San Francisco’s 1906 earthquake and fire approaches next month, event organizers are seeking survivors to participate in the commemoration.
William Del Monte, who recently turned 104, is thus far the lone survivor lined up to mark the anniversary on April 18, event spokesman Lee Houskeeper said.
Del Monte now lives in a retirement home in the North Bay, but has deep roots in San Francisco. In 1886, his father, Angelo Del Monte, built Fior d’Italia, which today deems itself “America’s oldest Italian restaurant.” Angelo Del Monte owned property throughout the city’s North Beach neighborhood, Houskeeper said.
William Del Monte is one of 10 or 11 living survivors of the quake, Houskeeper said. Rose Cliver, who is 107 and attended last year’s event, has not yet confirmed her attendance this year, he said. Organizers are offering a free round-trip flight and lodgings at the Westin St. Francis to any survivor who wishes to participate.
Activities commemorating the quake are planned at several locations in the city on April 18.
The day will begin with a moment of silence at 5:13 a.m. at Lotta’s Fountain on Market Street. Attendees will sing Jeanette MacDonald’s “San Francisco” and lay down a wreath. The first 500 people to arrive will receive “backstage” laminates and will be deemed event organizers, Houskeeper said.
The commemoration will be followed by a stop at Dolores Park at Church and 20th streets to paint in gold the fire hydrant that saved the Mission District churches in 1906.
Attendees will then proceed to Lefty O’Doul’s on Geary Street for the annual “Bloody Mary” breakfast at 6:45 a.m.
The final activity will be a documentary film screening at 10:30 a.m. at the Westin St. Francis about a survivor who passed away two years ago. The screening is free and open to the public.
A “Survivor Dinner” will be held at 4 p.m. on April 17 at John’s Grill, located at 63 Ellis St. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (415) 986-0069.