by Michael Helquist
Copyright 2007 All rights reserved, Michael Helquist
In 1889 San Francisco had more than 320 bakeries; today there are only some 175 privately owned bakeries, although several of these have more than one outlet. John Zoller, born in 1829 and a naturalized citizen from Wurtenbemberg (Germany), first settled in the new West Coast city and worked as a butcher. His descendents, however, made their mark as bakers and confectioners. Another John Zoller, probably the son of John the butcher, worked for twelve years at Engleberg Bakery while residing at several a ddresses in the city. After another five years at a bakery on O'Farrell, John joined his brother Karl and operated the Stoller Brothers bakery at 314 Devisadero, as the boulevard was spelled in the early years, from 1892-1896. During this period, John and his wife, Catherine, purchased property on Grove Street which was closer to their bakery. By April 14, 1896, the Zollers had built their home at 1548-1550 Grove and applied for water service for their two story building.
John would continue working with his brother on Divisadero for a few more years before striking out on his own. Although a confirmed baker and confectioner by trade, he tried his hand at retail liquor sales in 1899 a half block from his home at the northeast corner of Baker and Grove, now the site of one of the neighborhood's laundromats. The new business was evidently not successful and John returned to baking until 1907 when records of his business and residence come to an abrupt end. His younger brother, Charles, who also lived at 1550 Grove, continued the family tradition for a few more years, although he re-located in 1908 to the large apartment building a few blocks away at 822 Central.
When Charles Zoller was living on Central Avenue, he surely met Charles L. and Hannah Quast, also of German descent, who rented at the same address. Interestingly, the Quasts would later move, in 1919, to 1548 Grove, the same building that had housed the Zollers. The Quast family would become the residents who lived longest at 1548-1550 Grove, remaining there for a period of 54 years. Charles L. Quast was a bridge-tender and registered Republican. He remained at Grove Street until the likely time of his death in 1943, followed by his wife's death in 1950. Their son, Charles Milton, worked as a bookkeeper, and remained in the family house for another 23 years, until he moved to the Tenderloin where he remained until his death in 1988 at age 89.
A series of tenants resided at the Grove Street building for several years until the building was purchased in 1980 by local investor Mel Murphy.
Kathy O'Brien, who submitted the winning entry in NOPNA's Historic House drawing, and Mike Arraj, first resided at 1550 Grove as renters, moving there in 1986. Three years later Kathy and Mike joined with Vavi Toran to purchase the building as tenants-in-common from owner Mel Murphy. Prior to their purchase, the building provided four residences: the two primary flats, as well as a lower, street level apartment and an upper attic unit, each with its own separate street or ground level entrace. In 1989 Ms. Toran, in the upper 1548, and Kathy and Mike, in the lower flat, opened up the respective extra units and integrated them into their individual living quarters. At this time the garage was also installed.
Upon entry into 1550 a typical long and narrow hallway extends the length of the flat. Immediately to the left is the front parlor, now a bedroom, that receives the benefits of the bay windows and working fireplace. This room is a favorite for Mike and Kathy's young cats, Astor and Kiwi, who, Kathy reported, are much more respectful of the original woodwork than their previous pet rabbits. The original pocket doors lead into a former parlor, now also being used as a bedroom. With bath and water closet to the right, the hallway then takes a slight turn and leads to the current living room. Here another fireplace with its original wood mantel and inset oval mirror is opposite an ornate and built-in cabinet. Next is the kitchen and large dining room with original wainscotting, Victorian hinges and doorknobs, coved ceilings, and picture railings.
Murphy, the previous owner, was a contractor from Ireland; he upgraded the plumbing and remodeled the kitchen in 1550 yielding open shelving, an island work space, and exposed brick from the rear of the living room fireplace. Large side windows above the lightwell and back yard flood the kitchen with natural light emphasizing an open and welcome atmosphere. A large enclosed pantry with many windows complements the kitchen and leads to the back yard where one can enjoy, or worry about in Kathy's case, the two large pine trees at the rear of the property.
Everyone can especially appreciate this block of Grove Street when the eight Japanese plum street trees are in full blossom. Mike, Kathy, and their neighbors planted the trees more than ten years ago. Mike has a long history of involvement with NOPNA, guiding its Crime Prevention and Safety Committee in the early years of the association. San Francisco General Hospital now largely claims his time: he is a registered nurse working in the psychiatric department. Kathy, a licensed clinical social worker, also works at the hospital as Program Coordinator of the Dept. of Psychiatry's Case Management.