Michela Alioto-Pier dedicates plaque commemorating HOWL 50th Anniversary

October 7, 2005

Supervisor Alioto-Pier, San Francisco Public Library representatives, and local merchants today will dedicate a bronze plaque commemorating the first public reading of Allen Ginsberg's Howl at the former Six Gallery at Union and Fillmore in the Marina District.

On October 7, 1955, six young unknown poets gathered at the Six Gallery At Union and Fillmore. Packed into a back room, each poet presented one Work to an attentive audience. Second to last, Allen Ginsberg read a poem he had completed only a few days prior to the event unaware of the national Impact it would have. Ginsberg completed his first public full-length reading of HOWL in a chant that hypnotized and roused the audience.

"Howl, Ginsberg, and the Beat Poets helped define the character and personality of twentieth century San Francisco and through the power of their words, helped change the nation and the world," said Alioto-Pier.

Alioto-Pier will unveil a bronze plaque that will be laid in front of The Live Furniture store, the former home of the Six Gallery.

WHO: Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier
WHAT: Plaque dedication memorializing the first public reading of Howl
WHEN: October 7, 2005, 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: 3115-3117 Fillmore Street, San Francisco

For more information, contact Rob Black at (415) 554-7752.