If you find yourself walking around the Russian Hill/Nob Hill neighborhood on Jackson Street, take a couple of moments to walk by the Hanlon House at 1659 Jackson Street. It was built in 1881 and moved to its current location after the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire.
It is fascinating to reflect on all the life and conversations that have occurred in this residence. The 130 year old home began its life during the Victorian Age, when women and men dressed elaborately and kept their parlors over decorated. It was an age of showy excess, and this house looks like it belonged to that era. Families continued to live in the house during the times of World War 1 & 2, McCarthyism, poodle skirts, first moon walk, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Summer of Love, and the AIDS pandemic. Most recently, this house witnessed the advent of accessible technology flood it's rooms. It was built around the time that the phone was invented, and now cell phones, computers, laptops, and televisions are used on the premises.
From the looks of this residence, it is not going anywhere anytime soon. Maybe in the future it will be cars, and not just planes, that the grand old lady will see flying above it's rooftop and chimneys.
Cheers!
Mike
