Stanyan at Haight May 31, 1909. OpenSFHistory / wnp27.1189
​
730 Stanyan is located at the intersection of Haight Street and Stanyan Street in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco (also known as "the Haight"). In modern memory this area is probably best known as the center of the counterculture movement of the late sixties, and decades after still retains some of that eclectic vibe and optimistic creativity. A brief dive into history also reveals complex layers, as a home to diverse populations, as a cultural center with progressive ideas, and, in the case of the Haight and Stanyan intersection, as literally the center of the action. Scroll down and learn more about the area.
golden gate park
The park has been a sanctuary for San Francisco residents, literally and figuratively. It's also the site of the first public playground in the country.
Image: Golden Gate Park, 1906. Earthquake and Fire, Refugee Camp No. 7, in the vicinity of Sharon Meadow. OpenSFHistory / wnp37.01538
Cable cars
Transportation lines then and now delivered park-goers right to its doorstep, and also dropped guests to hotels on nearby corners.
Image: Haight & Stanyan circa 1890. Park Entrance Scene at Haight Terminus. OpenSFHistory / wnp37.03316
Harlem of the west
​
The bustling Fillmore district, also known as "Harlem of the West," featured numerous successful Black-owned businesses and nightclubs. Later this area was designated for "urban renewal" by the city, and the Haight became a refuge for residents of Western Addition pushed out by redevelopment.
​
​
Image: Photo by Steven Jackson Jr., kindly donated by Pam Jackson.
summer of love
The summer of 1967, also known as the “Summer of Love” attracted over 100,000 bohemians and flower children from all over the country along with the Berkeley radicals.
Click here to learn more.
Image: Haight near Ashbury circa 1967. OpenSFHistory / wnp27.5955
creative culture
Along with the Grateful Dead, rock and roll turned into acid rock with San Francisco-based bands like Jefferson Airplane, and Big Brother and the Holding Company with strong female vocal leads.
Image: Grace Slick, September 28, 1975. Jefferson Starship, Golden Gate Park, Lindley Meadow. Copyright © Greg Gaar, All Rights Reserved. OpenSFHistory - Greg Gaar / wnp73.0922i.jpg
Haight Ashbury free clinic
Dr. David Smith opened the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic on June 7, 1967, which was the first free clinic of its kind in the United States.
Image: Dr. Smith at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic. Courtesy of HealthRIGHT 360. healthRIGHT360.org
