Hidden in plain sight, the Excelsior district whispers tales of San Francisco’s vibrant past. The Excelsior, a name meaning “ever upward,” reflects the neighborhood’s hilly terrain and its journey through time. Let’s embark on a journey through this captivating neighborhood, right here where we stand. The Excelsior is a neighborhood steeped in history, evolving from its humble beginnings as farmland to the bustling community it is today. The Excelsior Homestead was officially recorded in 1869, marking the area’s transition into a neighborhood. Originally part of Rancho Rincon de las Salinas y Potrero Viejo, the area transformed, giving rise to distinct neighborhoods like Bernal Heights, Ingleside, and of course, the Excelsior.
The Excelsior District holds a rich tapestry of cultures. From its early days with a predominantly Italian, Irish, and Swiss population, the neighborhood welcomed waves of immigrants, particularly Latinos during the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Today, the Excelsior boasts a diverse community with a strong Latino heritage, evident in its restaurants, shops, and vibrant murals. The neighborhood offers a global culinary experience, from pupusas to pancit, reflecting its multicultural identity. The Excelsior also embraces its artistic side, showcasing stunning murals that depict its diversity, history, and vibrant spirit.
Did you know that the Excelsior is home to John McLaren Park, the second largest park in San Francisco? This urban oasis offers breathtaking views of the city, along with trails for hiking and picnicking, making it the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. And for those seeking a taste of local history, the Excelsior Playground provides a fun-filled day for children, echoing the days when children played freely on the streets, as captured in photos from OpenSFHistory. The neighborhood also hosts the annual Jerry Day, a celebration of the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia, a famous Excelsior resident. This vibrant event, held at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park, draws crowds of music lovers each August. Another popular event is Sunday Streets, where car-free streets allow residents and visitors to enjoy the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere.
The Excelsior’s streets themselves tell stories. Many are named after world capitals, a tribute to the vision of Emanuel Lewis and his daughter Jeannette, who named the streets after building 200 houses in the area after the 1906 earthquake. However, not all original street names survived. Some, like India, China, and Japan Streets, were renamed Peru, Avalon, and Excelsior, respectively, reflecting the changing social and political climate of the times.
The Excelsior is a neighborhood of resilience and transformation. The Granada Theater, once a neighborhood landmark, now houses a Goodwill store and a Walgreens, a reminder of the changing landscape of the area. But the spirit of the Excelsior remains strong. Efforts are underway to install a new vertical sign reading “The Excelsior” to reaffirm the neighborhood’s identity. As we conclude our journey through the Excelsior, remember this neighborhood as a testament to San Francisco’s evolving history, a place where cultures blend, traditions thrive, and the spirit of community endures. It’s a neighborhood where the past whispers stories, the present vibrates with life, and the future promises continued growth, always “ever upward.”