The Fifth Annual Tannenbaum Toast
View from the mezzanine as guests arrive for the First Annual Tannenbaum Toast at The House of Shields, San Francisco, in December 2013.
A great tree has stood sentinel in Union Square, San Francisco, every holiday season since 1880.
Word is that this was the first public Yuletide tree of its kind in the United States and that it was Emperor Norton (c.1818-1880) who originally called for it — possibly thinking that such a tree would bring particular delight to children.
It's a legend that has the ring of truth.
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In 2013, on the second Sunday afternoon of December, The Emperor's Bridge Campaign celebrated this legend with a holiday party at The House of Shields — the beautifully restored 1913 bar that is just a short walk from Union Square.
We called it The First Annual Tannenbaum Toast.
From the beginning, we felt that the Tannenbaum Toast had the makings of a new tradition. The first gathering was such a festive success that we vowed to make it so.
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So, kick off the holidays in regal style! Join The Emperor's Bridge Campaign, on the second Sunday afternoon in December, for...
THE FIFTH ANNUAL TANNENBAUM TOAST
Sunday 10 December 2017
Gather in Union Square at 3:30 p.m.
Weather permitting, bring your jingle bells (and other
lo-fi noisemakers) to the foot of the tree and join us for
a Procession — led by Emperor Norton, played
by our friend Joseph Amster — to. . .
Party from 4 to 6 p.m. at. . .
The House of Shields (mezzanine)
39 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco (map)
Toast at 5 p.m.
Cash bar
Admission is free
Of course. . .
Donations will be gratefully accepted!
Raise a glass to the Emperor for his kindness in calling for a great Christmas tree for all to enjoy during the holidays.
And learn more about the Campaign's efforts to honor the life and advance the legacy of Emperor Norton — and to become the leading public resource on the Emperor.
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The drink for the Toast is The House of Shields's version of the classic Boothby cocktail — created in 1908 by legendary San Francisco bartender William T. "Cocktail" Boothby, during his tenure at the Palace Hotel, just across the street.
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Procession from Union Square (weather permitting)
Those who would like an imperial escort to the Toast can join us under the Union Square Christmas tree at 3:30 p.m.
We'll be joined by the Emperor — as played by our good friend Joseph Amster — and will "process" over to The House of Shields at about 3:45.
If you're meeting us at the saloon...
We'll see you in the upstairs mezzanine!
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