Lilly and our resident flaneur at the unveiling of the plaque at Lotta's Fountain, February 10th, 2024
By Carl Nolte, Columnist April 12, 2025 - San Francisco Chronicle
The faithful guardians of San Francisco’s yesterdays will gather before dawn Friday to celebrate a disaster that almost killed the city. The gathering at Geary, Kearny and Market streets at 5:13 a.m. every April 18 has become an annual tradition in its own right.
Firefighters, police officers and ordinary citizens, some in costume — gather around Lotta’s Fountain to honor San Franciscans who died — and those who survived — the 1906 quake and fire. There are stories, a countdown to the moment of the quake and singing. It’s a memorial and a celebration.
One key figure in the annual event has been the spirit of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a legendary figure who was the patron saint of San Francisco’s firefighters. For the past 50 years, Lillie Coit has been portrayed by Donna Ewald Huggins, a tireless promoter of the city.
She’s been there every year decked out as the belle of old San Francisco, wearing a fireman’s helmet and golden boots. She has channeled Lillie with enthusiasm and a dash of eccentricity. In years past, Huggins escorted the dwindling band of quake survivors at the annual event, listening to their stories and celebrating their lives.
The last survivor, a charming gent named William Del Monte, passed away in 2016. The annual event continued on the theory that San Francisco itself is a survivor.
Nothing, even memory, is forever. This year’s event will be the last for Huggins as Lillie. “I’ve been doing this for 50 years,” she said. “It’s time to pass on the speaking trumpet.”
The end of an era as San Francisco commemorates the 1906 quake
Greg