To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
One hundred years ago today San Francisco was hit with a devastating earthquake and fire. At 5:12 a.m. the earth began two minutes of violent shaking that tore almost three hundred miles of the San Andreas fault. Subsequent to the shaking, several fires broke out that eventually consumed the majority of the city.
This anniversary brings to mind a story or urban legend that has been circulating for years. I share it here to commemorate the event and our ability to make humor from the worst disasters. San Francisco in 1906 was booming. New construction was everywhere. One fine home was built high on a hill overlooking the bay. The owner, young and heir to a shipping fortune, had all the latest and most modern conveniences available right down to the Western Union turn key box and indoor plumbing. The home was envy of all around.
On the fateful morning of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake an all night party was just winding down. The quake struck with tremendous force, knocking the house off the foundation and partially collapsing the upper stories. The owner of the house helped his somewhat inebriated guests to safety and took a head count.
One guest was missing. Bravely, the owner dashed back into the creaking wreckage. He searched the rooms one by one stepping over gapping holes and around fallen beams. About to give up, a noise from the water closet caught his ear. He opened the door to find the missing guest sprawled on the floor and soaking wet.
The guest looked up at his host, wide eyed, bewildered and scared and said, "I swear to God, all I did was pull the chain."
Time to sleep Mrs. Whack.
This anniversary brings to mind a story or urban legend that has been circulating for years. I share it here to commemorate the event and our ability to make humor from the worst disasters. San Francisco in 1906 was booming. New construction was everywhere. One fine home was built high on a hill overlooking the bay. The owner, young and heir to a shipping fortune, had all the latest and most modern conveniences available right down to the Western Union turn key box and indoor plumbing. The home was envy of all around.
On the fateful morning of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake an all night party was just winding down. The quake struck with tremendous force, knocking the house off the foundation and partially collapsing the upper stories. The owner of the house helped his somewhat inebriated guests to safety and took a head count.
One guest was missing. Bravely, the owner dashed back into the creaking wreckage. He searched the rooms one by one stepping over gapping holes and around fallen beams. About to give up, a noise from the water closet caught his ear. He opened the door to find the missing guest sprawled on the floor and soaking wet.
The guest looked up at his host, wide eyed, bewildered and scared and said, "I swear to God, all I did was pull the chain."
Time to sleep Mrs. Whack.