From Our Test Kitchen: Californian Sabor

This month's Test Kitchen took its inspiration from the current exhibit "American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music" and the San Francisco History Center's related exhibit "Locating Latino San Francisco." While there are plenty of cookbooks that feature Latin American dishes in the San Francisco History Center's stacks, we decided to choose one that focused on the culinary roots of some of our favorite dishes - such as the beloved Mission burrito.

Image from Early California Hospitality by Ana Bégué de Packman.
 Courtesy San Francisco Public Library.

Early California Hospitality: The Cookery Customs of Spanish California, with Authentic Recipes and Menus of the Period was originally published in 1938 by Ana Bégué de Packman, a descendant of one of the soldados who accompanied Padre Junipero Serra. "California foods of today," she writes, "are actually the native food of the western Indian, tastefully improved to satisfy the palate of the Spanish colonists" (p. 13).

The ever-so-delicious burrito was one of such foods. "In California de antes, the popular cry 'Burritos!' " she insists,  "attracted the masses as does 'Hot dogs' today" (p. 38). Sounds familiar. She also claims that burritos sparked a "delirious happiness" in those who ate them and even transcribes a song that was once sung in their honor:

Que vivan - que vivan
Los burritos para las bonitas!

Long live - long live
The little donkeys for the little beauties! (p. 38)

Photo: J. Thomas

It seemed fitting that this month's Test Kitchen pay homage to these savory delights. From Early California Hospitality we chose a couple of basic recipes: "Frijoles (Pink Beans Fried)" (p. 48) and "Arroz de California de Antes (Fried Rice - Old California Style)" (p. 54). In addition, we brought a plethora of add-ons: salsa fresca, cheese, guacamole, fresh heirloom tomatoes, and sour cream. Our little donkeys were a delight indeed. ¡Que vivan!

The exhibit American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music is on view in the Skylight Gallery on the 6th Floor of the Main Library now through November 13.

Locating Latino San Francisco is on view outside the San Francisco History Center on the 6th Floor of the Main Library now through December 2.

Orquestra La Moderna Tradición will be performing at the Mission Branch Library on October 1 at 2pm. Don't miss it!

It Came From the (Photo) Morgue: I've got a rocket in my pocket

In honor of the 2011 One City, One Book selection Packing For Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach, we have found a few fun photos from the San Francisco News-Call Bulletin photo morgue for you to enjoy. Watch for them through November 2011!

Image and caption from the San Francisco News-Call Bulletin Photo Morgue courtesy of the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection, San Francisco Public Library.

Pittsburgh, PA, Nov. 18 [1948] -- HIS ROCKET EXPLODED -- Larry Rose, 13, who wanted to be a chemist, ruefully surveys his pants after his home made rocket exploded today. The blast blew off celar[sic] door and shattered windows Larry suffered slight burns. (A.P. Wirephoto)
[P606 ROSE, L-Q]

While we encourage you to read this year's One City, One Book selection, Packing For Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach, we suggest you do not try what you read at home

For something a little easier on the eardrums, stop by the Park Branch Library next Tuesday (9/27) at 7pm for Out of This World: Explore Outer Space in Classical Music with Salon97 - a fun evening of classical music, friends and refreshments!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The San Francisco Public Library owns the photo morgue of the San Francisco News-Call Bulletin, a daily newspaper that covered the time period from the 1920s to 1965. Much of the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection comes from the News-Call Bulletin morgue. However, the morgue also includes national and international subjects that have not been digitized or cataloged.

Looking for a historical photograph of San Francisco? Try our online database first. Not there? Come visit us at the Photo Desk of the San Francisco History Center, located on the sixth floor at the Main Library. The Photo Desk hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Highlights from the Harrison Collection of Calligraphy & Lettering



John Stevens, Alphabet, 1984
Courtesy Harrison Collection of Calligraphy & Lettering, SFPL

JOHN STEVENS, CALLIGRAPHER, began his career in the 1980s. He is acclaimed as one of the most gifted and original lettering artists of the current generation, renowned for his skill with both pen and brush. As calligrapher, designer of logotypes and illustrator of expressive letterforms, Stevens has worked for well known clients in book and magazine publishing, television and film, corporations and educational institutions. In addition to the graphics application of his work, Stevens practices calligraphy as an art form, producing one-of-a-kind commissioned works which are included in many private and public collections throughout the world. His work is well represented in books and other publications and has been shown in group and solo exhibitions, notably his first one-person exhibition, in 1987, at the San Francisco Public Library. Stevens's work is one of the highlights of the Harrison Collection of Calligraphy & Lettering in the Book Arts & Special Collections Center, San Francisco Public Library.

For a wonderful introduction to the lettering artists and calligraphers to be found here, read John Prestianni's essay "A Scribe's Treasure: Calligraphy in the San Francisco Public Library." The Harrison Collection is open to everyone without appointment. Come visit!

And no matter what level you're at--novice or advanced--hands-on calligraphy courses and workshops are offered year round by the Friends of Calligraphy at Ft. Mason Center.

It Came From the (Photo) Morgue: Flying Saucer!

In honor of the 2011 One City, One Book selection Packing For Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach, we have found a few fun photos from the San Francisco News-Call Bulletin photo morgue for you to enjoy. Watch for them through November 2011!

Image and caption from the San Francisco News-Call Bulletin Photo Morgue courtesy of the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection, San Francisco Public Library.

'FLYING SAUCER' FOR INNER SPACE
"Flying saucers" appeared on the verge of a break-through today with the release of the first photo of a saucer-shaped flying disc by the Defense Department [in] Washington. The vehicle, produced by [illegible] Aircraft, Ltd., of Canada, is being tested by the Air Force and Army. It is designed to take off and land vertically, using the air cushion principle, and to fly like a winged plane once it is airborne. The saucer would permit troops and supplies to be rushed to any battle area, regardless of terrain, as it skims close to the ground thus confounding enemy radar. Ground tests began last November, and the saucer is reported to have made a successful flight within a hangar. It has made no regular flights.
[August 2, 1960]
[PS 27 FLYING SAUCERS]

Sadly, it doesn't look like we're going to have flying saucers zooming through our skies any time soon. However, you can make your own plushie space gear with SpaceCraft at the Visitacion Valley Branch, Mon., Sept. 12 at 4pm and at the Ingleside Branch, Sun, Sept. 18 at 2pm. Call the branch to reserve a spot in either workshop

On Monday, September 12, sip Tang-tinis as author Mary Roach discusses the One City, One Book selection Packing For Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void at Books, Inc. - Opera Plaza at 7pm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The San Francisco Public Library owns the photo morgue of the San Francisco News-Call Bulletin, a daily newspaper that covered the time period from the 1920s to 1965. Much of the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection comes from the News-Call Bulletin morgue. However, the morgue also includes national and international subjects that have not been digitized or cataloged.

Looking for a historical photograph of San Francisco? Try our online database first. Not there? Come visit us at the Photo Desk of the San Francisco History Center, located on the sixth floor at the Main Library. The Photo Desk hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

New Books

Here's a shortlist of new titles on the San Francisco History Center's shelves. Come up for a look; or for most of them, you can place a hold on copies to borrow from other library departments or branches. This month's selection shows that the scope of our collections range outside of the city proper, into the Bay Area and the state.

Filipinos in San Francisco by the Filipino American National Historical Society, Manilatown Heritage Foundation, and Pin@y Educational Partnerships. Historical photographs documenting community, sports, education, and politics.


The Chicken Chronicles: Sitting with the Angels Who Have Returned with my Memories: Glorious, Rufus, Gertrude Stein, Splendor, Hortensia, Agnes of God, The Gladyses, & Babe: a Memoir by Alice Walker. Short pieces on Walker's flock.


The Union of Their Dreams: Power, Hope, and Struggle in Cesar Chavez's Farm Worker Movement by Miriam Pawel. Pair this with Randy Shaw's Beyond the Fields: Cesar Chavez, the UFW, and the Struggle for Justice in the 21st Century.


The Death and Life of Monterey Bay: A Story of Revival by Stephen R. Palumbi and Carolyn Sotka. A gripping narrative of the exploitation and recovery of a unique California ecosystem.

On the Ground in the Thirties by Paul Taylor. Reports and articles on migrant laborers in California and the West. With photos by his wife, Dorothea Lange.

Fire Monks: Zen Mind Meets Wildfire at the Gates of Tassajara by Colleen Morton Busch. In 2008, wildfire struck the Zen Buddhist monastery east of Big Sur. After
everyone was evacuated, five monks turned back to save it.


Bay Area Graffiti: 80s-90s: Early Bombing by Sfaustina and Jocelyn Superstar. Photographs of old-school graffiti and interviews with the artists.

More San Francisco History Center Microfilm Digitized by Internet Archive

Microfilm enters the twenty-first century, as the San Francisco History Center continues to digitize its microfilmed versions of newspapers, journals, magazines, and other resources. In July, we featured building trades and real estate publications; this month, we highlight ethnic and cultural publications from 19th and early 20th century San Francisco. Below is a list of most-recently-digitized titles. The catalog records link to the full text on the Internet Archive. Thanks to the Internet Archive for continuing to partner with us!

1.       California Chronik

2.       The Elevator

3.       La Voce del Popolo 

4.       The Jewish Times and Observer

5.       The Fireman's Journal and Military Gazette

6.       Daily Evening Picayune

7.       The Occident

8.       The Midwinter Appeal and Journal of Forty-Nine

9.       Weekly Gleaner

10.   The Pacific Appeal

11.   Public Opinion

12.   San Francisco Tageblatt

The Elevator, A Weekly Journal of Progress, May 12, 1865

 

If you're feeling old-school, please come visit the San Francisco History Center to view the microfilm on the microfilm reader.

It Came From the (Photo) Morgue: A not so distant universe.

In honor of the 2011 One City, One Book selection Packing For Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach, we have found a few fun photos from the San Francisco News-Call Bulletin photo morgue for you to enjoy!

Photo and caption from the San Francisco News-Call Bulletin Photo Morgue courtesy of the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection, San Francisco Public Library.

September 15, 1960
"DAVID PORZZO, staff artist, Morrison Planetarium, California Academy of Sciences. Age 19. Photo taken in July, 1960."
- S.F. News-Call Bulletin photo by Eddie Murphy
[p556 PORA-PORQ]

On a more contemporary note - this Tuesday, September 6th, the California Academy of Sciences' Morrison Planetarium will be featured in a One City, One Book related event - The Making of Life: A Cosmic Story. Ryan Wyatt, Director of Morrison Planetarium and Science Visualization, and Jeroen Lapre, Senior Technical Director, Morrison Planetarium - Visualization Studio will be on hand to discuss the making of the latest planetarium show. (Koret Auditorium, Main Library Sept. 6th, 6 p.m.)

This is a free event held at the San Francisco Public Library - Main, located at 100 Larkin Street. Seating is limited. To reserve a place today, go online or call 800-794-7576.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The San Francisco Public Library owns the photo morgue of the San Francisco News-Call Bulletin, a daily newspaper that covered the time period from the 1920’s to 1965. Much of the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection comes from the News-Call Bulletin morgue. However, the morgue also includes national and international subjects that have not been digitized or cataloged.

Looking for a historical photograph of San Francisco? Try our online database first. Not there? Come visit us at the Photo Desk of the San Francisco History Center, located on the sixth floor at the Main Library. The Photo Desk hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.