TO HONOR THE LIFE + ADVANCE THE LEGACY OF JOSHUA ABRAHAM NORTON
RESEARCH • EDUCATION • ADVOCACY
Undocumented myths, legends, and apocryphal tales about Emperor Norton are not part of the Emperor’s biography.
But, if used responsibly, these extra-biographical resources can play a role in broader cultural portrayals of the Emperor.
Read MoreThe short answer is: It seems not.
But, the question invites a deep dive into the history of Christmas trees and Christmas decorations, more broadly, in San Francisco’s Union Square.
Pull up a chair for the long answer. It’s a fascinating and occasionally surprising story that includes some wonderful rarely seen archival photographs of Christmas in Union Square over the last century.
Bonus: Research for this article produced dates (years) for three photographs of Christmas trees in Union Square that previously either were incorrectly or imprecisely dated or were undated.
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The Christmas tree in Union Square, San Francisco, 1910. Original black-and-white source photograph: Collection of the Oakland Public Library history room. Hand-tinted version © Bennett Hall 2015.
The Emperor's Bridge Campaign invites one and all to join us in this third enactment of a new holiday tradition. From the Christmas tree in Union Square, San Francisco, we process to The House of Shields saloon, where we raise a glass to Emperor Norton in celebration of the legend that the tree was the Emperor's idea. Please join us!
Read MoreA recap of The Emperor's Bridge Campaign's 2nd Annual Tannenbaum Toast, held on Sunday 14 December 2014 at Union Square and The House of Shields, San Francisco.
Read MoreThe First Annual Tannenbaum Toast was a smashing success!
Read MoreThe Emperor's Bridge Campaign invites you to join us for a holiday drinks party on Sunday 8 December at The House of Shields. Read on, for details.
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