Oldest San Francisco

Oldest San Francisco draws a picture of a city that exploded during the Gold Rush and has since drawn generations of dreamers to it. From Alcatraz to the Presidio to the Ferry Building, from the Tadich Grill to the Mechanics' Institute to Gump's Department Store, it tells the stories of the longtime-institutions that have made San Francisco distinctive. Learn about Ghirardelli, a family firm that helped make San Francisco a chocolate mecca. Discover the Tadich Grill that has served downtown diners since the Gold Rush and introduced mesquite grilling to America too. Uncover the oldest Chinatown in North America and the city's first public square, Portland, where the first baseball games in this baseball-mad city were played. There's also a potted history of the San Francisco Giants, the oldest pro sports franchise in San Francisco. Oldest San Francisco touches on many of the tales you'd expect but also recounts some less-told stories. Discover Sicilian immigrant Babe Alioto's garage, the oldest in town, which has gone from fixing Packards to Teslas and Books Inc., the oldest bookstore, founded by a man who peddled books to the miners. In Oldest San Francisco, join award-winning author Alec Scott on a journey to learn more about the tales you may be familiar with and discover those you may not.