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The Square: The Story of a Saloon
Relates the day-to-day goings-on at a well-known San Francisco bar, with its wildly diverse mixture of customers
174 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 1989
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November 27, 2015
"The Square" or, yes, "the Washbag" was so large in my life in the early-mid 1980s, and even bigger in the life of San Francisco in general. Back when local color meant journalists, jazz musicians, lawyers, ad executives, politicians, bon vivants, and neighborhood characters. They, along with everyday locals looking for a convivial spot for a drink, jazz piano, and outstanding bar tenders, found a good place at The Square.
Fimrite paints an engaging and lively portrait of the place (written during its lifetime, not in retrospect) with loads of behind-the-scenes information. Too much, in fact, for me. While it's interesting to read the dirt, I'd have preferred that the book continue in the vein of the warm, lively, and descriptive tone of its opening chapters, where it describes the regulars and their character, professions, and contributions to the atmosphere. What started as a lively portrait of a classic saloon became embroiled in internal politics and labor strife, with virtually no coverage of the fascinating public that made it the place to be and to be seen. A disappointment there, but still a worthwhile (and quick and easy) read for anyone interested in San Francisco history, North Beach, or a time when interesting locals were more than 25 year old millionaires, utterly disengaged from their city.
Fimrite paints an engaging and lively portrait of the place (written during its lifetime, not in retrospect) with loads of behind-the-scenes information. Too much, in fact, for me. While it's interesting to read the dirt, I'd have preferred that the book continue in the vein of the warm, lively, and descriptive tone of its opening chapters, where it describes the regulars and their character, professions, and contributions to the atmosphere. What started as a lively portrait of a classic saloon became embroiled in internal politics and labor strife, with virtually no coverage of the fascinating public that made it the place to be and to be seen. A disappointment there, but still a worthwhile (and quick and easy) read for anyone interested in San Francisco history, North Beach, or a time when interesting locals were more than 25 year old millionaires, utterly disengaged from their city.
Displaying 1 of 1 review