When "Our Gang" landed at San Francisco for a week's stay at the Orpheum, the first thing Joe Cobb, the fat boy who has delighted so many hundreds of thousands of fans throughout the world, suggested was to go on a shopping trip.
Studebaker Big Six touring cars were placed at their disposal and they called at the showrooms of the Scotch Woolen Mills in the Phelan Building. The boys were in their element here, and displayed no small knowledge of fabric, fit and design.
Then Joe decided it was lunch time and "Where do we eat?" was his question. The Il Trovatore Roof Garden was chosen, and how that gang did eat! Clyde Cooper's orchestra was almost wrecked when the youngsters commandeered the instruments but ice cream cones proved a greater lure and the orchestra was saved.
Jean Darling, vamp, interrupted at this time to declare for the natural feminine prerogative of visiting a beauty parlor. Her demand was upheld by the vivacious and extremely brunette "Mango," and despite the jeers of the male contingent the party set out for the Belmont Beauty Parlor at 733 Sutter street. Here was where the diminutive lady stars shone brightly.
The boys got next choice of a store to visit, and the troupe was off to Weinstein's Men's Store at 1037 Market street, and here Harry Spear speared a cowboy suit for himself, while the others raided the haberdashery section.
Joe Cobb got hungry again about this time, and suggested a soda fountain. The respective mothers of the young troupers were with them, and this time it was they who made the decision as to the form of refreshment, and Thompson's Chocolate Malted Milk was served up to the crew in foaming beakers.
After the matinee, light suppers were in order at the Roof Garden, and again wise mothers were guides in choosing the menu. Zed Biscuit and Kellogg's Pep were among the pieces de resistance.
Another performance and a long day made the youngsters sleep like the proverbial tops in the comfortable rooms of the New Governor Hotel at Turk and Jones streets, where the gang is staying for its week in San Francisco.
Sunday morning (the 3rd) was more or less devoted to play, although a visit was made to Hartsook's Studio at 149 Powell street, where several pictures were taken for the rascals.
The remainder of the morning was spent in sheer enjoyment on the several amusement devices at the Chutes-At-The-Beach.
Sidenote: It appears that the photo shown accompanying the "Chicken Feed" entry in Maltin & Bann's book is one of those taken at the Hartsook Studio in San Francisco. It's very similar to the one included with this newspaper article, though only some of the kids wear the same clothes, suggesting that either the studio provided alternative outfits for the photos, or perhaps their mothers brought additional clothes to the session.