Back in the late 18- and early 1900s, however, one woman in San Francisco stood as a shining example of just how successful and beloved a female tavern owner could be. Mother Thompson was the proprietor of Mrs. Thompson's, a saloon on the Embarcadero that sat between Howard and Folsom. The bar was rough and ready and more often than not, full to the gills with sailors - many of them British on account of Thompson's penchant for serving English ale in pewter mugs, just as they did in the UK at the time.

<p>Back in the late 18- and early 1900s, however, one woman in San Francisco stood as a shining example of just how successful and beloved a female tavern owner could be. Mother Thompson was the proprietor of Mrs. Thompson's, a saloon on the Embarcadero that sat between Howard and Folsom. The bar was rough and ready and more often than not, full to the gills with sailors - many of them British on account of Thompson's penchant for serving English ale in pewter mugs, just as they did in the UK at the time.</p>

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.

<p>KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.</p>