#3

While sitting inside the crowed Ghiradelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, many people eagerly gobble down their ice cream sundaes with fudge dripping off their chins and peanuts stuck in their teeth; however, many of these happy and satisfied visitors are unaware of the story behind those delicious sundaes. The actual facts behind Ghiradelli Square are what make up a quintessential American success story. Domenico Domingo Ghiradelli first learned about chocolate making in his home town of Rapallo, Italy when he apprenticed as a young boy. While living in Peru, Domingo caught wind of the California Gold Rush and, leaving his family behind, he ventured off like many men in the hopes of discovering gold. Upon arriving in California, Domingo first attempted prospected but eventually ended up opening a general store in Stockton followed by a hotel in San Francisco. However, it was The Great San Francisco Fire of 1851 that destroyed Domingo's Europa Hotel as well as everything else he owned in San Francisco. Unfortunately, a second fire a few days later burnt down his Stockton business. A clever business man, Domingo put his remaining assets to good use and decided to open up another store once more in San Francisco. With an established business, Domingo sent for his family who were still living in Peru. After several location changes, Ghiradelli finally found home on Jackson St. circa 1856. Upon becoming one of the largest chocolate factories in western North America, Ghiradelli's sons, who now owned the company, expanded and created the famous Ghiradelli Square during the late 1890s and early 1900s.
In the 1960s, The Golden Grain Macaroni Co. bought Ghiradelli Chocolate and relocated the factory across the bay. However, two San Franciscans, William Roth and his mother, feared the destruction of history and purchased the entire Ghiradelli block. The Roth's managed to complete one of the first successful adaptive reuse projects in America by salvaging the old Ghiradelli buildings as well as incorporating modern stores and restaurants which make up the Ghiradelli Square visited today.
It is important to understand the history, not only of Ghiradelli Square, but of all landmarks. They are landmarks for a reason! Domingo is a perfect example of an immigrant creating a better life for himself and his family. After two fires that destroyed nearly all that he owned, Domingo chose not to be defeated. I bet he never even dreamed of people more than a hundred years later to still be greedily munching down on his divine chocolate. Obviously the Roths felt that Ghiradelli Square was important to San Francisco. Domingo chose to start his business in the city of San Francisco and that's where it should stay after all these years. I can't think of a time in my childhood when my family and i would travel to San Francisco and not stop by Ghiradelli Square to eat a piece of chocolate. Visitors to Ghiradelli Square should not only enjoy the wonderful deserts offered, but should also keep in mind that this San Francisco landmark serves a reminder that America is a country built by immigrants and their dreams.



Question: After watching "Alcatraz Is Not An Island" in class I started thinking about the history between Native Americans and the city of San Francisco. Maybe I missed it, but I feel like Brechin didn't really discuss this issue. I guess my question is, why do you think that is?