There was a Coin Washer, known as a Silver Burnishing machine, that washed the silver coins. Coin washing or “Money Laundering” as the staff of the St. Francis liked to joke, began in 1938 and used until 2019, when the then manager, noticed that the coins, which were then made of mostly sterling silver, would dirty women’s white gloves. Read the plaque below for more details.
You can see this actual machine and other hotel artifacts in the lower level of the hotel, at the “The Paris of the West” museum.
Located in the hotel’s original main entrance is the cocktail bar and some dining tables for the high-profile, elegant, and recently renovated restaurant, named Bourbon Steak. The restaurant is co-owned by celebrity chef Michael Mina and NBA star Stephen Curry and opened less than a year ago in October 2025.
In April 1906, during the Great Earthquake and Fire,” a Fox Terrier, which belonged to the hotel’s wine steward, was found hiding in the basement among exploded bottles of wine and champagne several days after the earthquake. The dog was renamed “Francis” and became the symbol of THE HOTEL because he was the symbol of the miraculous survival. The hotel honored the dog by printing his image on the hotel postcards.
The Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906 honors the survivors and their families each year on April 18th by the Westin St. Francis. Below is a photo taken in 2004.
The hotel had its share of dignitaries stay there but there was also some scandal as well! …
The highest paid Hollywood actor of the time, Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle had a scandalous night of partying with friends including Virginia Rappe, who died during the night in the now infamous (and most requested) Suite 1221 at the St. Francis.
Arbuckle was later acquitted of any wrong-doing, but his life and career were ruined forever from the affair.
Dignitaries and politicians frequented the St. Francis including Republican candidate Wendell Wilkie campaigning against President Franklin D. Roosevelt for US presidency in 1940. FDR was reelected to his third term.
Actor Jack Haley (the “Tin Man” in the Wizard of Oz) was seen with famed “Pinup Girl” Betty Grable walking the halls of the St. Francis in September 1939.
~ These are just a few of the hundreds of fascinating historical facts surrounding the Westin St. Francis Hotel.
~ More tidbits to follow in next issue…
I hope this whets your appetite to stay in the heart of downtown San Francisco and reside in the historic St. Francis Hotel while you get to enjoy seeing your friends and family at FJMC International’s Convention 2027 and all the sights around town!
…Start packing your bags!!
See you sooner than you think!
In Brotherhood and Friendship,
Jay Steinmetz
2027 Convention Chair
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