Manufacturer: Maddock Pottery
Name of user: Louvre Restaurant, San Francisco, California
Date of example: 1904-1906

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Notes: The Louvre was in business as early as 1887 and located on the northwest corner of Powell and Eddy streets in San Francisco. In 1892, William Bogen and Jacob Amandus Wilkins were the proprietors, and they were one of the few restaurants that served women. It was described as a saloon and eating place, in the basement of the St. Ann's Building.

In 1898, the Louvre underwent a major renovation that cost over $20,000. In 1903, Bogen sold the Louvre to Jesse M. Meyerfeld. In the spring of 1904, the Louvre underwent another renovation, which was designed to create a Moorish effect.

Newspaper ads from 1905 feature "The Louvre" in script lettering.

The April 18, 1906, earthquake and fire must have destroyed the building that housed the Louvre, because on December 17, 1906, it advertised its new ground floor location at the southeast corner of Fillmore and Eddy streets.

The June 21, 1909, San Francisco Examiner ran an advertisement for an auction of all the furnishings and equipment of the Louvre, including the Greenwood China. In November 1910, the Louvre and the Portola Cafe consolidated and operated as Portola-Louvre Restaurant, at Market and Powell Streets. By 1912, Herbert Meyerfeld, Jesse's son, was general manager of the Portola- Louvre.

Maddock pottery made china that is crested with "The Louvre" in outlined script lettering, with a swash on the "L." Green and black lines are at the border.

Because the 1909 auction of Louvre equipment lists Greenwood China, This Maddock pattern was probably only in use from around 1904 until the earthquake in 1906.

Sources:
The San Francisco Call Bulletin – Sept. 15, 1892, ad
San Francisco Examiner – March 20, 1905, menu ad
The Bulletin – Oct. 29, 1906, opening ad
San Francisco Examiner – June 21, 1909, Jun 21, auction sale ad
San Francisco Call Bulletin – Nov. 22, 1910, notice of consolidation

Contributor:
Larry Paul: author