Re: Growing up in the City

12/09/16 - posted by W.M.

Skipper,

My first girlfriend (after turning 18 that is) worked for BofA in that Market & Van Ness building, as did another life-long friend of mine who worked security. Another girlfriend (later) dated Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead before we started dating...speaking of bass players. And speaking of Fillmore West, it was like a "home away from home" for me in the late 60's. I did see Rod Stewart with The Small Faces there.

But in regards to the St. Francis Woods "mansions" and the Jr 5's you painted, do you recall any details or special stories about any (or all) of them? Were any of the mansions owned by anyone "famous" or someone we might otherwise know of (such as an elected city government official, or a musician - I know Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Cassidy (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) lived in St. Francis Woods for a while, but I don't know if they owned or rented. Do you remember any specific addresses or streetnames where you painted the most houses? Did most people choose a "common" color scheme, or were there any unusual colors chosen. I seem to remember a few Jr 5's around the Sunset that were painted in different uncommon colors like purple, bright red (as example), but it was only a few.

Also, what is your timeline for working as a painter? Did you ever make any mistakes (like use the wrong color) or accidentally do something to cause the owner(s) to be angry (like spill paint onto their car)? Any details you may recall would be great to know.