H72.160.1

Fire hydrant. Description: street furniture, "California ball type" fire hydrant, cast bronze painted white, with horse hitch knob on top. Manufacturers name "M. Greenberg's Sons. S.F." cast on side in raised letters. This hydrant type was developed by Greenberg's Sons according to recommendations set by the S.F. Fire Chief and was manufactured from the 1880's until 1936. It was superceded by the "improved California" hydrant which is still in use today. Many California Ball type hydrants are still on S.F. city streets as well as other Bay Area locations. History: the M. Greenberg's Sons Bronze Works was founded in 1854 by Frenchman M. Greenberg as the Eagle Brass Foundry. Five location changes in San Francisco are documented over 100 years by photographs of these buildings (our photo files). The company was the principle supplier of fire hydrants for many years in S.F. Bay area as well as other California cities, and other states. It manufactured hydrants, nozzles, and monitors for fire boats, bronze plaques, bronze gates, etc. During WWII production was entirely turned over to wartime production of navy and marine products. The company disbanded in 1968 after 114 years. Further history details are in donor file.

Used: San Francisco Fire Department