The modern day Lower Haight may not always seem like the safest place to live. But, as we've come to learn, that's nothing new.
For your holiday reading pleasure, here's a 136-year-old account of an eventful Thanksgiving night in the Lower Haight.
From page three of the Chronicle, December 1st, 1877:
So, a couple of things to be grateful for: 136 years later, we have decent street lighting, and cops who work in the morning. Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
From page three of the Chronicle, December 1st, 1877:
HOODLUM OUTRAGES
Western Addition and Tar Flat Ruffians
Thanksgiving night, between 9 and 10 o'clock, a gang of ruffians, some twelve or fifteen in number, entered the grocery store of John Frank, corner of Haight and Fillmore streets, and, after getting what they called for, proceeded to abuse the parties in the store, and left without paying, taking with them a number of whisky and beer glasses.
They then proceeded toward Market street, and when near the Protestant Orphan Asylum met Jerry Moore, who is employed in the Haight-street Sale Stables, fell upon him and beat him unmercifully about the head and face. Mr. Moore, although badly cut and bruised, is not dangerously hurt.
The incursions of these rowdies are now being made frequently. Only the other night a gentleman residing on Kate street [Now Hermann --Ed.], which is a short distance from Haight, was followed up that street by two men, who were in the act of attacking him, and he only saved himself by his agility in picking up some rocks and showing a bold front. The locality is dangerous after night, there being no gas-lamps or protection on that thoroughfare.
About thirty Tar Flat hoodlums attacked a Chinese vegetable vender who was proceeding leisurely on his way, yesterday morning, on First street, near Market. He first attempted resistance, and then cried loudly for help, but to no avail, and the blows from clubs, stones, etc., came thick and fast. He was severely punished, and were it not for a citizen named James Ryan, the poor heathen might have been clubbed to death.
He received two wounds, one on the head and the other on his right cheek, beside numerous bruises about the body. No policeman could be found, of course, as in the morning there are no policemen on duty.
So, a couple of things to be grateful for: 136 years later, we have decent street lighting, and cops who work in the morning. Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
