Coit Tower 75th Anniversary Celebration - October 25, 2008

On a picture postcard blue sky day, San Francisco celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Coit Tower.

The program began with the SFFD Historical Society presenting the American flag from the raised 65 foot ladder apex.  Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, opened the ceremony honoring Lillie Coit.  Mayor Gavin Newsom spoke of Lillie's exploits in the 1860's and Chief of Department Joanne Hayes White recounted stories about Lillie's love for the fire department, especially for Knickerbocker Engine Co. No.5, of which Lillie was an honorary member.

The honored guests for this festive anniversary were Lillie's descendants.  The Police Department drove the Mayor and Chief White to the ceremony in their 1930's police chief's car with their officers in 1929 uniforms.  The SFFD historical Society presented a static display of apparatus from the Museum and the mounted unit of the National Park Service was also present.

Coit Tower was built in 1929 with a $225,000 bequest to the City by Lillie Hitchcock Coit "to beautify the City." 

Event Photos:

Coit Tower, San Francisco

Raised Ladder

Society Director Donna Ewald Huggins and her husband, Chuck with Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi

Ladder Team

Ladder Team at Work

Ladder Team in Front of Truck

Society Director Donna Under Arrest

Society Directors in Red Shirts

1930 Police Chief's Car