The San Francisco call., 1896-12-20
Fireworks, Decorations, a Pa.
rade and Banquet on the
Programme.
PICTURESQUE AND BRILLIANT
SPECTACLE.
Montgomery Avenue, Stockton. Kearny
and P1st Streets All
Illuminated.

he rays OF llR0L were cast DOWN upon 3
scene the like of which for picturesque
ness and enthusiasm had not been wit
messed in the north end since the bon ton
of San Francisco used to promenade on
Stockton street a generation ago when
Stockton street was the uItra-fashionable
thoroughfare.
Then, too, the business part of the street
had prospects equal to those of Market
street to-day, and men of foresight be-
lieved that the commercial part of future
San Francisco was destined to be centered
there. But for many year the street was
lost save only TO local trade. 1t had its
awakening last night. Between Pacific
ana Union streets it has of late taken on
new HE.
The old buildings have mostly passed
away, and in their stead are modern busi-
ness blocks, handsome stores in large va
riety with pretensions worthy of a down
down dealer, and many enterprising busi-
ness men.
The shafts of electric-light crossed each
other at an acute angle, and therefore it
might be said that North Beach fell under
the potent influence OF the X ray.
Mont oInery avenue shared the honors
.
arc lamps having been suspended from
Filbert street clear along the avenue to its
end at Montgomery street. Stockton
street was a mix ure of fantastic Japanese
lanterns, colored decorations and excite
ment, all OF which the avenue had, though
in less degree.
Every boy, it seemed, everybody from
the district. included under the generic
title of North Beach, from Russian Hill to
the bay, was out. And every body made a
night of it-on Stockton street. So the
crowd was too dense in that area to be
confined to the sidewalks. The peopl-
covered the street and hobbled over cob
bles, all for the sake of participating in
the celebration which bespoke so m much of
confidence and civic pride.
The night was turned into day almost
by the newly lighted arc lamps hung over
head as permanent illuminators, the
stores were at their best with lights of all
d scriptions, and Oriental paper lanterns,
with candles burning, were strung along
the sidewalks like beads of transparent
color, and in many places formed can
opies of light. One house We'd with an
other in decorations, so that every store
was draped beautifully with light
bunting, iestoons of evergreen or flags,
while banners huttereG over all in two
rows at either side, and also across the
street.
The effect was, to say the least, very
striking. During the night colored fire
was burnt at different places and brass
band moving about played serenades. By
way of variety hot-air paper balloons were
set at liberty, and thrOngs of wildly ex-
cited, yelling boys and the fireworks kept
the district in an uproar Each store dis
played prominently large card bearing
the announcement, I'VE are members of
the Stockton-street Improvement Club. l"
Some had suitable notices in the interest
OF the north end of town.
Late at night banquet was enjoyed by
the club in the Piedmont restaurant, 1916
Stockton street. The invited guests were
the present and incoming Boards of Su-
pervisors Mayor Sutro and Mayor-eleet
Phelan. A hundred covers were laid and
a bounteous menu was spread. Mr.. Bear
presided, but the toasts were improm ptu
compliments TO the North End and the
club.
Montgomery avenue was decorated at
different places with lanterns, flags and
bunting, and appeared like a new street
under the cleaning white beads that dlf-
fused light where before was darkness.
The northerly end of army street as far
as Pacific was likewise Illuminated for the
first time.
The introduction of electric light on
such a comprehensive scale in North
Beach was commemorated with a formal
celebration. A bout 30 P. NJ. a parade
along Stockton street took place. 1t was
preceded by brass band in large wagon
drawn by four horses.
Directly after the bandwagon followed
the club mascot, large goat OF the billy"
variety, decked in fanciiul and gaudy
paraphernalia. and wheeling in disgust al
the subordinate position he was forced to
occupy.
Billy evidently thought his proper place
as connoisseuT on tin cans and boot
leather should be at the head of the pro-
cession, and the fact that two mem bel
were delegated as an escort did not tend
greatly TO mollify his indignation.
Next in order was vehicle drawn by
one powerful animal, with Mephisto in
the bed of the wagon feeling the red ire,
which cast its glarlng light over the scene
and produced a most picturesque effect.
The mem bers of the club followed two
by two. and in turn were followed by
many representative citizens. The om-
nipresent small boy was out in force.
TIE parade started from Apollo Hall
and proceeded along Stockton to Union
street, The band played merry tunes on
the line of march, the streets were lighted
M with the glare of redlights, tirecrackers
were shot off in great punches and the
populace kept up a constant cheering.
Even the ladies waxed enthusiastic and
waved their handkerchiefs. This excited
the mascot's anger and he vented his ire
IN series OF SneeIt6, az I'AO SoiHS NiAiO
tugging frantically at the straps which
compelled him to be escorted.
When the parade reached the END OF the
line of march J. Priester, the grand mar
shal, delivered an impromptu address TO
an immense crowd. II appreciate the
great honor" said he, ''to have been Sc
fected for the grand marshalshiP OF the
Stockton street Improvement CLUB, as
am only a beginner in the North End.
And | assure you l am deeply thank
ful to the club and to all the friends OF the
movement for an improved ana new
North Beach.
II have few favors to ask OF theNorth
Beach folk on behalf of the club. we
have handsome stores right here in tn
Nortn End, with everything that you re-
auire. then why not stay here and patron ,loI9
ize the merchants who live among your
The money will all come back to you.
There is now every inducement Tor resi-
dents of this end of town TO do their shop,,
ing here, the main business streets OF
North Beach are brightly lighted, ana we
hope you will help the enterprise"
The Stockton-street improvement CLUB
distrthnted freely am ng the crowds an