Notorious SF: Frisco

609 Hayes Street.
Here's a notorious argument that's as old as the hills. Mister SF never, ever calls it Frisco, but he doesn't particularly care whether you do or not. Some San Franciscans from history weigh in:

"Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abdominal word 'Frisco,' which has no linguistic or other warrant, shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor." - Emperor Norton

"The real San Franciscans from Charles Cora to Fog Horn Murphy never called it anything but Frisco." - Sally Stanford

"Don't call it Frisco." - Herb Caen

"Hello, Frisco!" (Music by Louis A. Hirsch; lyrics by Gene Buck.) The number one song of 1915 was inspired by the first transcontinental telephone call on January 25, 1915. 

Detail: Frisco brand crate label.


Copyright 2002-2004 Hank Donat
mistersf.com home