Trina got some terrific stories on tape from native San Franciscans with childhood memories of playing in the graveyards. One of the most compelling and charming characters in her documentary is Emmitt Watson, caretaker and unofficial historian of the SF Columbarium, now owned and operated by the Neptune Society.
Here is a "Finding My Religion" interview with Watson by David Ian Miller on sfgate from 2006, definitely worth a read. My favorite question/answer:
"Where do you want to go as your final resting place?
In a paint bucket inside the house. I got the idea from some of these families here. They put objects in their apartments, whatever their loved ones treasured. I want to be in a paint bucket because I'm a painter. That's what I do. Besides, my loved ones need the money. I don't need no $5,000 casket."
Here are a few links with information about the Columbarium, which is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM – Saturday and Sunday from 10:00AM to 3:00PM:
San Francisco Reader essay
Broke-ass Stuart on the Columbarium
SF Oddities: The Roman Columbarium: House of the Living Dead
San Francisco Reader essay
Broke-ass Stuart on the Columbarium
SF Oddities: The Roman Columbarium: House of the Living Dead
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