Heber Cady Tilden Memorial San Francisco 4 Editorial Photo

Times of disasters can bring out the worst in some people while bringing out the best in other people. Following the disaster of the San Francisco Earthquake and fire of 1906, one of the first local citizens to volunteer his services to the Red Cross was businessman Heber Cady Tilden. Using his personal car and flying the Red Cross flag, he transported people to shelters and hospitals day and night. There was also a 'Citizens Patrol' assisting the police to prevent looting. Despite the Red Cross flag ,one group of the 'Citizens Patrol', when ordering Tilden to 'Halt' he kept driving, expecting them to see the flag, shot and killed him at this intersection of 22nd and Guerrero Streets. To commemorate this tragedy, the Freemasons dedicated this intersection and building to the memory of Haber. As seen 30 August 2023.