From Wikipedia:
‘Firebelle Lil’ Coit was considered eccentric, smoking cigars and wearing trousers long before it was socially acceptable for women to do so. She was an avid gambler and often dressed like a man in order to gamble in the male-only establishments that dotted North Beach.[2]
As a young woman, she traveled to Europe with her mother. After her return, she married Howard Coit, the “caller” of the San Francisco Stock Exchange during an economic boom.[1] They separated in 1880, and he died in 1885 at age 47.[2]
At age 15, in 1858, she reportedly witnessed the Knickerbocker Engine Co. No. 5 respond to a fire call on Telegraph Hill when they were shorthanded, and helped them get up the hill ahead of other competing engine companies. Sources differ on whether this happened while she was coming home from school or coming from a rehearsal for a wedding.[1] She was thereafter treated as a “mascot” of the firefighters, and after her return from travel in Europe, in October 1863, she was made an honorary member of the engine company.
There’s a party this Thursday, celebrating her 175th birthday:
Come to Chief Sullivan’s Irish pub for the Celebration! 4 pm to 7 pm – 21+ please
Your $25 ticket gets you into the party, along with a raffle ticket and delicious appetizers! All proceeds benefit Guardians of the City SF, the non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the City’s First Responders.
Raffle for great prizes! Silent Auction for unique items! Costume contest: Dress like Lillie and win a prize! Socialize with current and former SF First Responders! And don’t forget to try the signature cocktail of the night, the Firebelle!
Get tickets here.
PSA Press‘s commemorative pin (pictured above) will be for sale at the party or on their website on the 23rd.
