Merrie Way Concession Stands

Oyster Sorting

Lab Manager Erica Gibson sorting oyster shells at the Stands Site

Beer Bottles

Excavated beer bottles with marks from San Francisco beer bottling works

Cascade Beer Sign

Excavated Cascade Beer advertising sign (left); Cascade Beer newspaper ad from San Francisco Call, 14 September 1907 (right)

Glass Vessels

Glass serving vessels found at the Stands Site

Oyster Sorting
Beer Bottles
Cascade Beer Sign
Glass Vessels

Merrie Way Concession Stands

Date
: 
January, 2008
Period
: 
Historic
Type
: 
excavation
Context
: 
Section 106
City
: 
San Francisco
County
: 
San Francisco
State
: 
California
Full Report
: 
Focused Analytical and Interpretive Studies - Merrie Way Stands Site

The Merrie Way Stands Site is associated with a row of concession stands that sold food, beverages, and (presumably) souvenirs that served the Sutro Pleasure Grounds amusement park as well as visitors headed for nearby Sutro Baths and the Cliff House. The Stands were probably built in about 1896 when Merrie Way opened, and were removed or demolished by 1923. ASC’s 2008 archaeological excavations recovered large quantities of marine shell, faunal remains, ceramic tableware, glass bottles, and other artifacts associated with the Stands site. This excerpt from the 2012 Final Technical Report contains interpretive studies on topics including sanitation, trade networks, and dining.