Meet "The Fire Hydrant That Saved The Mission District " -- 3899 20th Street at the southwest corner of Dolores Park. In the days after the massive 1906 earthquake, fire destroyed 80% of San Francisco. Most hydrants were bone dry because of earthquake- shattered water pipes. But this sole working hydrant allowed thousands of volunteers to battle for days fighting off the flames, saving Mission High School, (which tragically would burn down later in 1922), Mission Dolores and the church next door and, the houses beyond 20th Street.
The vintage photo below was taken from Dolores Park the day after the earthquake and looks northeast. All of the residential buildings on the right were consumed by fire at day's end. The battle line was 20th Street.
In undying gratitude, each April 18th on the anniversary of the Great Earthquake & Fire, a fresh coat of gold paint is applied to the cast-iron hero of yesteryear. I also believe it's a Class A Felony if your dog urinates on this hydrant.
( Photos are from a couple days after the 2019 ceremony.)
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