Patrick and Co., owned by Rotarian and Club Member James "Jim" Patrick III, celebrated its first 150 years in business on Friday, June 23, 2023. The number of years celebrated indicates the kind of optimism we find in Jim. Asked about the demise of San Francisco, he points out that foot traffic in his store is up, more people are on the streets, and the restaurants are doing a good business. And historically, the City has gone through numerous cycles of boom and bust. He puzzled over why at this time our City has captured the attention of the national press with such an angry and negative portrait. The journalists should hang out with Jim just to catch some of his optimism.
More than 20 Rotarians were among the 200 guests who came to the Anniversary Celebration. We were treated to delicious food from three different food trucks. A pleasant cocktail hour high atop the Patrick and Co. building on Mission Street brought us beautiful views of San Francisco.
Then across the street, at 111 Minna Gallery, we had Gold Rush-inspired folk music, drinks, and speeches. Among the honored guests was Aaron Peskin, President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, who proclaimed June 23 to be Patrick and Co. Day.
President of the SF Board of Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Jim Patrick III
I asked Jim about the unusual introduction of stationery products during the Gold Rush era. It turns out that it wasn’t stationery at all that was the in-demand product, but instead, rubber stamps. One could say that such a product stamped out a company bound for success.
Three generations of Patricks have led the Company, and now a fourth is poised to take the reins. It was an honor to be at such a festive and historical event. Thanks, Jim, and wishing you many more years to come.
Editor's Addenda: The Patrick family has an equally long history with the Rotary Club of San Francisco. James Patrick I was one of the founding members of our Club in 1908. His son, J. Howard Patrick, was President of our Club in 1959-1960. His grandson and our friend, James Patrick III, was President of our Club in 1984-1985 and remains active to this day, serving as our Rotary Foundation Chair. Their business, Patrick and Co., has survived earthquakes, pandemics, and recessions. See here for full history.