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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
1906 San Francisco Fire Plaque
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

1906 San Francisco Fire Plaque

Artifact ID1981.04301.01
Object Type Plaque, Decorative
Gifter
Maker (Engraver, United States Mint; English medalist, 1845-1925, active in the United States)
Maker (United States Government Mint, Department of the Treasury, founded 1792)
Date 1981
Medium Wood, Metal (silver)
Dimensions9 x 12 x 3 in. (22.9 x 30.5 x 7.6 cm)
Physical DescriptionA wooden plaque with a three-dimensional silver horse on the left side and an engraved black metal plaque on the right. The metal plaque has an inlaid 1879 Morgan silver dollar with an inscription stating, "Ronald and Nancy Reagan 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire Silver Dollar presented by William Bon Barton Surviver."
Historical NoteBill Bon Barton survived the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The 7.8 earthquake began at 5:12 am April 18, 1906. Fires broke out all over the city as a result of ruptured gas mains, and destroyed over 25,000 buildings. The earthquake was felt from southern Oregon to south of Los Angeles and inland as far as central Nevada. Deaths have been estimated at anywhere from 700 to 3000. Bon Barton lost his family in the quake. He was thrown out of his window, and had a broken jaw, a broken arm, two broken legs, and multiple lacerations.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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