Thursday, September 17, 2009

Anniversary of Emperor Norton's Reign on SF



I just learned today about Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, who on this day in 1859 declared his reign. A little off, Emperor Norton wore a stately uniform given to him by the Army stationed at the Presidio and would bristle at police officers that did not salute him as he went by. Penniless, he ate at the finest restaurants in San Francisco for free, whose proprietors would put up bronze plaques establishing his reign. (this guy is giving me ideas...)
This, I feel was his most important decree:

"Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abominable word "Frisco", which has no linguistic or other warrant, shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor, and shall pay into the Imperial Treasury as penalty the sum of twenty-five dollars."
I couldn't agree more!

Read the wiki on him for the full story. It's hilarious!

Let us celebrate the anniversary of Emperor Norton's reign and the absolute San Francisco-ness support of the preposterous.

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