If you’ve ever visited San
Francisco, CA, you may have visited the historic Mission District. Did you pass
a golden fire hydrant and wonder why it was painted gold? Well this fire
hydrant is special, and it is known as the ‘little giant’.
On April 18th, 1906
a powerful earthquake struck San Francisco and destroyed most of (if not all
of) the cities fire hydrant. The little giant saved the day, as it was the only
functioning fire hydrant to be found. This little guy is responsible for saving
the Mission District, as well as the fire department and help from citizens.
Now the little giant is given a
fresh coat of gold paint each year on April 18th in honor of the
valiant efforts of the community. Funnily enough, the fire hydrant was
accidentally painted silver in 2012. The city quickly realized this mistake and
repainted it gold.
The memorial plaque for the
little giant goes as follows:
“Though the water mains were broken and dry
on April 18th, 1906 yet from this Greenberg hydrant on the following
night there came a stream of water allowing the firemen to save the Mission
District.
Dedicated to Chief Dennis Sullivan and the men who fought
the Great Fire and to the spirit of the people of San Francisco who regardless
of their losses brought our city from its ruins to be host to the world with
their 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition and the building of our Civic Center.
May their love and devotion for this city be an inspiration
for all to follow and their motto ‘The
city that knows how’ a light to lead all future generations.
Presented to San Francisco by the Upper Noe Valley
Neighborhood Council April 18th, 1966”
Hopefully this story of
bravery, dedication, and valiance motivates you. Without the ‘Little Giant’s
help, the city would have burned to the ground. Let this story show you why it
is important to have functioning fire safety equipment at all times. Don’t let
your property be destroyed by a fire, protect it by hiring a fire safety
services company. A to Z Fire is a Tampa-based fire safety
services company that will make sure
your family and home are safe from fires. Call us today at (877)-938-3473.
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