Points of Interest

POINTS OF INTEREST ON THIS NOE VALLEY HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR 

Noe Valley has emerged as one of San Francisco’s most desirable neighborhoods, being dubbed as comfortable and family-friendly, and at the same time a center of creative intelligence within the Bay Area’s high-tech ethos. As the Victorian Alliance volunteers reached out to Noe Valley residents for its third tour in Noe Valley, they found welcoming residents who were excited to share why they live here. That’s why we’ve added eight “Points of Interest” to the tour. In addition to seeing inside historic homes and a historic spiritual center building, Noe Valley residents wanted tour goers to stop and see places and notice tidbits of history in the community that makes it so closely knit together. History is part of what makes a community, and it will be clear to all on the tour that Noe Valley is steeped in it.

A. 39 Chattanooga Street. Oldest House in Noe Valley.

OLDEST HOUSE IN NOE VALLEY

Back in 2006, the Noe Valley community rallied to save this historic home. Purchased for over $600K, the new owner planned to demolish the building and put up a new building. Neighbors joined together, and the building was saved from destruction. Here is a quote from the Noe Valley Voice: “Neglect and time have taken a toll on the 986-square-foot, two-bedroom home, which may be one of the oldest houses in Noe Valley–and perhaps in San Francisco. City records indicate the two-story structure was built sometime between the late 1850s and early 1860s, when Noe Valley was a sparsely populated countryside.” Take a look at this home today and remember when it was built and how things have changed. Had not the Noe Valley community come together to save local history, it would have been lost.
Reference: July-August, 2006. Noe Valley Voice

B. 3838 24th Street The Dubliner.

THE DUBLINER, A LEGACY BUSINESS

The Dubliner is a Noe Valley neighborhood gathering place similar to the pubs in Ireland.
Established by Irishman Vince Hogan in 1987 and owned by Kenneth Yeung for the last decade, it’s a local favorite officially recognized as a San Francisco Legacy Business. Anyone who walks through the doors is greeted with a comfortable ambiance with classic wood décor and soft warm lighting. A friendly bartender is always ready to serve a cold refreshing drink from the many beer taps or fully stocked liquor bar. Surrounded by large screen TVs, there is a game for just about anyone. The Dubliner is a place to entertain friends in an intimate setting or a pleasant place to just pass time.

Reference: https://www.dublinerbarsf.com/about-us
https://www.irishstar.com/culture/food-drink/dubliner-san-francisco-legacy-pub-32036863

C. 4181A 24th Street Pioneer Auto Garage.

HOME OF THE PIONEER, THE FIRST AUTOMOBILE BUILT ON THE WEST COAST IN 1896

The Pioneer was the first automobile to be built on the West Coast of the United States. It was built in 1896, right here in Noe Valley, at 4181 24th Street, by J.A. Meyer, a German machinist and engineer for the J.L. Hicks Gas Engine Company.

The Pioneer is now part of the Oakland Museum collection, but it is no longer on public display. The Meyer family owns and still resides in the building where the Pioneer was built. It is their dream to one day bring the Pioneer back “home” to display it here in Noe Valley.

The Meyer family, who have lived here for five generations, wants to welcome you in for prosecco and small bites, upstairs in their home. They will give the first 50 tour goers who visit them a copy of the The Pioneer booklet describing the history of the car. They are truly a part of their community. Please stop by.

Reference: information provided by Noe Valley resident and author Bill Yenne

D. 1316 Castro Street near Jersey Street. – The Peaks Bar Noe Valley.

THE PEAKS BAR – NOE VALLEY
This neighborhood bar, which has been there since the 1930’s, is a friendly and happy place. It’s filled with locals, both new and “vintage”, who enjoy telling stories about the neighborhood. Owner Kelli Leal said “I’m a third-generation San Francisco native myself.” Her daughter, Shauna Leal-Markham, is fourth-generation and proud of it.
The two women run The Peaks together and are celebrating their 10th year in business this year. Keli got into the hospitality business as a young woman: “I got married, got divorced, was a single mother and needed a job with flexible hours,” Keli said. “I didn’t like restaurants or typing in some office.”

Customers love the place, as summed up by a patron, “The Peaks offers everything you’d expect from a classic dive bar – a well-stocked bar, friendly bartenders, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind with friends or strike up a conversation.”

Reference: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/nativeson/article/don-t-get-hate-san-francisco-unless-love-19550527.php

E. 3985 – 24th Street. Small Frys Children’s Store

SMALL FRYS CHILDRENS STORE, LEGACY BUSINESS
Carol Yenne and Azia Yenne are the owners of Small Frys Children’s Store, which was established in 1984 and purchased by the family in 1991. Small Frys quickly became the neighborhood’s favorite children’s store and a place where local Noe Valleyans could stop by just to say “Hi” or use the changing table.              

Carol and her husband, Bill, have lived in San Francisco ‘s Noe Valley neighborhood since 1974. Prior to purchasing Small Frys, Carol worked for Levi Strauss & Co. for twenty years gaining experience within their merchandising, operations, consumer affairs, Olympics and legal departments.  

More than fifteen years ago, daughter Azia stepped into the store. With children of her own, she enjoys helping to buy for the store and making sure that the store keeps up with the ever-changing needs of both parents and gift-givers. Today, the two of them can be found in the store most weekdays, busy as they say “helping the best customers in the city!”
Noe Valley historian and author Bill Yenne will be offering his two books for sale at Small Frys: Images of America: San Francisco’s Noe Valley and Noe Valley Past and Present
Come on in!!
Reference: https://www.smallfrys.com/about-us/

F. 3861 24th Street. Noe Valley Town Square

NOE VALLEY’S TOWN SQUARE

This public park managed by The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, has a storied history. Once a gas station, then a parking lot, its first life as a community space was a weekly farmer’s market that supplied fresh produce to the community. A long-time organic produce store had closed and been vacant for years. The parking lot was an ideal space to be used for something other than cars. The community always envisioned activating this space every day, not just on farmers market days. Over time the parking lot evolved into The Noe Valley Town Square with a children’s playground, community message board, benches, lighting, and a large flexible central open space. Oh, yes, and the public toilet is a story in itself: Originally priced out at over $750K, it made national headlines. With sewage and water hookups already in place, the community collaborated with city and supplier partners to install that toilet at a more reasonable price. The result was the new park you see today that serves everyone in the community. What’s next?

G. 451 Jersey Street. Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch Library.

HISTORIC NOE VALLEY/SALLY BRUNN PUBLIC LIBRARY AND HISTORIC LANDMARK

According to San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) history, this beloved library “…was the seventh branch established in the San Francisco Public Library system. The first Noe Valley Branch building was located at 1308 Castro Street. Using a grant provided by Andrew Carnegie, SFPL built a two-story building with a Spanish-style facade of brick and terra cotta. It was completed September 17, 1916 at a cost of $45,499, including furnishings. The architect was John Reid, Jr. In 2007/08 the branch was renovated. The branch was recognized for the renovation with the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award. The renovated Noe Valley Branch has also been hailed for its green features – lighting, low-water plants, and the use of recycled plastic materials. Over the years, the Noe Valley community has contributed to the improvement and well-being of the library. During the 1970s, Noe Valley residents built a deck and a community garden adjacent to the library. During the 1990s, members of the neighborhood groups renovated the community room. Currently, the Noe Valley Garden Club is working on a project to redesign and refurbish the garden behind the branch.”

Reference: https://sfpl.org/locations/noe-valley/noe-valley-library-history. retrieved Aug 1, 2024

H. 1190 Noe Street Axford House front garden.

ENJOY THE FRONT GARDEN AT THIS HISTORIC HOUSE, COURTESY OF THE HOME OWNERS

You’re being treated to a visit to the historic front garden at 1190 Noe St. by owners Emily and Sam Glick. As you rest and enjoy the garden, observe the building next to the garden. It was a stable and was deeded over to another property long ago. Mr. Axford, founder of Mission Iron Works in Noe Valley, also had family members living nearby. His son William J. Axford and his young family were the first owners of 3965 25th Street, a house that is open for this tour. Relax, and enjoy the scene for a moment.