Bernal Heights History Project

Shotwell looking back towards St. Anthony's on Army Street Bernal Heights.

We were sorry to hear of the recent passing of Elaine Mayers (1938-2019). She was a lifelong resident of Bradford Street, where her family, the Aarebergs and the Mayers, lived for a century. She kindly shared her history and photos with us for our 2007 book.

This image is one of our favorites. It shows Elaine's father, Edmond Mayers, and her uncle, Lawrence Aareberg, trying an unusual way to milk a cow on Bernal hill at the top of Bradford! Yes, there were still cows on the hill well into the 1920s.

If you have an interesting neighbor like Elaine you think we should talk to, let us know.

https://www.duggans-serra.com/obituary/Elaine-Audrey-Mayers/San-Francisco-California/1862277

Hooray! One of our favorite local bars is saved.

St. Mary’s Pub owner buys building, launches signature Bloody Mary mix After securing the future of St. Mary's Pub, business owner Maria Davis is launching a new product, Three Sisters Bloody Mary Mix.

There won't be a Bernal History Project meeting at the San Francisco Public Library Bernal Heights Branch this month. We'll see you all in November with some more Bernal history! In the meantime, if you have stories and photos to share, please email [email protected].

Remembering baseball legend Charlie Silvera, who grew up at 105 Wool Street.

Charlie Silvera, San Francisco native and longtime Yankees backup catcher, dies at 94 Charlie Silvera, a San Francisco native best known as Yogi Berra’s little-used backup catcher with the Yankees during their postwar dynasty, has died.

https://sf.eater.com/2019/5/10/18566178/avedanos-meats-butcher-closing-bernal-heights-san-francisco

Without a New Plan, Bernal Butcher Shop Avedano’s Will Close in June

Without a New Plan, Bernal Butcher Shop Avedano’s Will Close in June Owner Angela Wilson is hoping for a buyer or investor, or she’ll have to shutter the shop on June 30

It's October 20, 1940, and the San Francisco Public Library Bernal Heights Branch at 500 Cortland Avenue, a WPA project, is having its opening dedication ceremony. Do you recognize anyone in these photos? We want to know more!

Photos generously shared by Gray Brechin from the Living New Deal.