Ever wonder what businesses existed on Divisadero well before our time? Thanks to a 1908 edition of the former city newspaper the San Francisco Call, as well as photos courtesy of the SFMTA Photo Archive, we have a little insight into what Divisadero looked like in the days of yore.
On March 28th, 1908, a series of businesses and their slogans were listed in the Call under the title "The Enterprising Merchants of Devisadero." As a reminder, Divisadero was once called "Devisadero," until the city changed it in 1909. One year prior to the change, businesses were still using the old spelling, as evidenced below.
Here's a sampling of just a few of the businesses that ran along our corridor, and the services they offered:
The White Cow Creamerie
Located at 254 Divisadero Street (somehow mysteriously between KK Cafe and Bus Stop Pizza). "We have fresh Eggs, Butter, Cream, Milk. A trial order will convince. Give us a call."
Baldwin Drug Co.
"Drugs and prescriptions at cut rates" are advertised at this pharmacy at 333 Devisadero, the current home of Gamescape. If the coupon was presented, Lyons Tooth Powder was offered for the low, low price of 15 cents.
L.H. Kohn Hardware and Paints
This hardware store lived in what's now Hybrid Training, at 350 Devisadero Street. They advertised "Window Glass, Cutlery, Household and Kitchen Utensils, Glazing."
The Berlin Ladies' Tailors
At 1204 Divisadero Street (across the street from present-day Pearl Market), this tailor shop advertised cutting-edge styles. "Will make for THIS MONTH latest styles of TAILOR MADE SUITS for $15.00. First class work and fitting our guarantee."
(Intersection of McAllister and Divisadero streets, May 21, 1908 Photo: SFMTA)
Carpenter and Cabinet Maker
"Save time and money having U.N. Winton do your work. Jobbing and repairing a specialty," advertised this carpenter shop. This shop was located at 1268 Grove Street, which is now a residential block.
Coal and Gas Ranges
Owned by Thomas Scoble Co., this business was having a sale. "At reduced price for one month. We disconnect and move stoves and attend to plumbing repairs promptly." The storefront was located at 1301 Devisadero Street, the former site of Divisadero 76 gas station. The corner spot is now occupied by housing.
Groceries
Fred W. Meyer, Proprieter. "The best products of the farm, orchard and manufacturer are carried in this stock of pure foods." This market was at 1453 Devisadero Street on the corner of Divisadero and Geary streets, which is now the site of a busy bus stop and several Kaiser buildings.
As for what the enterprising merchants of Devisadero, 1908 might think of the Divisadero retail and restaurant landscape of today, we couldn't hazard a guess.
