Camp Welcome, Sixth St., between Market and Mission
1906 Earthquake Centennial Feature from America Hurrah
A Financial Review of Relief Work in San Francisco
Municipal Reports, 1907-1908, pages
1312-1321 (edited)
The extent of the fire and the damage done was such that,
for the first ten days, anything like a complete and coherent plan of relief was
absolutely out of the question. Panic was prevented by the splendid co-operation
of the military and civil authorities, aided by unselfish citizens, who
sacrificed their own property for the general good.
All means of telegraphic communication ceased at about eight
o'clock on the morning of April 18th, and, for the first few days, the energies
of the entire city was devoted to fighting the fire. The thousands that were
rendered homeless made their way to the western part of the city, to nearby
points across the bay, and to the south, but a vast population was unable to
leave the city, and food, shelter, and clothing had to be procured for the these
people. Under orders of the civil authorities, the Committee of Fifty and its
sub-committees were authorized to purchase, seize or confiscate food and
clothing, and under the direction of the National Guard of the State of
California and the United States Army stationed in various part of the city,
similar action was taken.
Camp Welcome, Sixth St., between Market and Mission
The Committee of Fifty and its sub-committees were authorized to
purchase, seize or confiscate food and clothing, and under the direction of the
National Guard of the State of California and the United States Army stationed
in various part of the city, similar action was taken.
During the ten days immediately subsequent to April 18th it
was impossible for any one to purchase supplies. Most of the warehouses
containing food supplies were lost in the fire. The warehouses that were saved
were seized by the authorities to feed the population. The financial district
was a mass of ruins. There was no money, and rich and pool alike were compelled
to stand in the bread lines.
The problem of food was the most important, but not the only
one. Many people were compelled to leave their homes with scanty clothing, and a
period of several days' inclement weather added much to the suffering of all.
In the burnt district, which faced the water front and
extended nearly two miles, the streets were impassible, and one of the most
important duties was the clearing of the streets to facilitate transportation.