(San Francisco) San Francisco 1906 Earthquake Collection, group of 8 items comprising (Apr. 21) San Francisco cds on stampless cover to Stockton Cal. with original letter saying "Your people are all Ok and so are we…The St. Andre's was burnt but they got out all right…" (Apr. 21) San Francisco duplex on folded adversity letter made from postmaster's carrier report form to Stockton with short message "We are all safe and the fire is no were near us…" (Apr. 21) indistinct San Francisco cds on blue cover to Stockton with original letter reading "All burned out, not a thing left, we have left for the park", slip of paper with San Francisco (Apr. 23) duplex to Stockton and Stockton (4.26) machine arrival with message "Place is all … entirely burned out we are safe and out to Park…"; also includes letter from same correspondence with Crocker Quality letterhead relaying news; San Francisco (4.22) machine cancel on cover to 126 Grattan St. S.F. return address to Stockton Cal., reverse with Stockton (4.22) arrival, original letter reading "No doubt you will be surprised to hear from one of the suffers so soon but…Hoping you will not think too unkindly of this recking, fiery and wicked city…", partial San Francisco (4.22) cds on slip of lined paper to Stockton Cal. with (4.22) arrival backstamp, letter reads "Will & I are both alive, but think I would have a different story if it hadn't been we were in doors last eve…", and final item is buff slip of paper to Stockton Cal. with note reading "San Francisco 4/23/06, J.W.W. All burned out. lost every thing will come soon, Mc J." but apparently not posted till later as with Stockton (May 5) duplex and purple "Due 1 Cents" purple straightline and manuscript cancelled 1¢ postage due affixed, F.-V.F., An important group of quake letters. Estimate  $1,000 - 1,500. On April 18, 1906, a major earthquake devastated San Francisco. Almost 30,000 buildings were destroyed, 700 persons died and 30,000 were made homeless. The fire that followed the earthquake destroyed the post office's supply of stamps. The Post Office Department permitted residents to send letters free of postage for a time after the disaster. $0 (Image)