The Moss Beach Distillery

The Moss Beach Distillery (HM17L9)

Location: Moss Beach, CA 94038 San Mateo County
Buy California State flags at Flagstore.com!
Country: United States of America
Buy United States of America flags at Flagstore.com!

N 37° 31.059', W 122° 30.766'

  • 0 likes
  • 0 check ins
  • 0 favorites
  • 800 views
Inscription

Historical Landmark - California Point of Historical Interest

During Prohibition, the San Mateo Coast was an ideal spot for rum running, bootleggers and "speakeasies," establishments which sold illegal booze to thirsty clients.

One of the most successful speakeasies of the era was "Frank's Place" on the cliffs at Moss Beach. Built by Frank Torres in 1927, "Frank's" became a popular nightspot for silent film stars and politicians from the City. Mystery writer Dashiell Hammett frequented the place and used it as a setting for one of his detective stories.

The restaurant, located on the cliff, above a secluded beach was a perfect location to benefit from the clandestine activities of Canadian rum-runners. Under cover of darkness and fog, illegal whiskey was landed on the beach, dragged up a steep cliff and loaded into waiting vehicles for transport to San Francisco. Some of the booze always found its way into the garage beneath "Frank's Place." Frank Torres used his excellent political and social connections to operate a highly successful, if illegal, business. Unlike many of the other speakeasies along the coast, "Frank's Place" was never raided.

With the repeal of the prohibition in 1933 Frank Torres remained in the food service business as one of the most successful restaurateurs along the San Mateo County coastside. "Frank's Place" now called The Moss Beach Distillery still retains its spectacular view and secluded location above the ocean coves.

The Distillery also retains one of "Frank's" former customers, as well. Its resident ghost, "The Blue Lady" still haunts the premises, trying to recapture the romance and excitement of "Frank's" speakeasy years. The story of The Blue Lady was documented by the TV program "Unsolved Mysteries", and has been seen by millions of people around the world. Perhaps you will see her today!
Details
HM NumberHM17L9
Tags
Marker ConditionNo reports yet
Date Added Wednesday, October 8th, 2014 at 6:48pm PDT -07:00
Pictures
Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.
Locationbig map
UTM (WGS84 Datum)10S E 543056 N 4152410
Decimal Degrees37.51765000, -122.51276667
Degrees and Decimal MinutesN 37° 31.059', W 122° 30.766'
Degrees, Minutes and Seconds37° 31' 3.54" N, 122° 30' 45.96" W
Driving DirectionsGoogle Maps
Area Code(s)650
Closest Postal AddressAt or near 101-103 Beach Way, Moss Beach CA 94038, US
Alternative Maps Google Maps, MapQuest, Bing Maps, Yahoo Maps, MSR Maps, OpenCycleMap, MyTopo Maps, OpenStreetMap

Is this marker missing? Are the coordinates wrong? Do you have additional information that you would like to share with us? If so, check in.

Check Ins  check in   |    all

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.

Comments 0 comments

Maintenance Issues
  1. Is this marker part of a series?
  2. What historical period does the marker represent?
  3. What historical place does the marker represent?
  4. What type of marker is it?
  5. What class is the marker?
  6. What style is the marker?
  7. Does the marker have a number?
  8. What year was the marker erected?
  9. Who or what organization placed the marker?
  10. This marker needs at least one picture.
  11. Can this marker be seen from the road?
  12. Is the marker in the median?