One of the Best views of the Bay area is in the lounge above the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Appropriately named ‘The Top of the Mark’ it’s also home to the ‘Squadron Bottle’ a tradition that dates back to World War Two. At that time San Francisco was the largest port on the West Coast and naturally the Naval Shipyard at Mare Island along with the abundance of other military bases made it a departure point for members of the armed forces deployed to the Pacific. Friends and loved ones saying goodbye to those departing began flocking to the Top of Mark to get one last look at the transports leaving ‘The Gate’.
The story goes that one member of the military, about to leave for war, bought a bottle of Whiskey from the bartender and asked him to supply a drink to any members of his squadron who stopped by. From there the practice grew.
Decades later a local Naval officer named Mike Hall, recently home from service, knew the story of the squadron bottle but was informed the practice had lost its popularity and in those early 2000’s – none remained. Undeterred, he bought a bottle and left a ‘logbook’. The next time he stopped by he was surprised to find dozens of bottles filling a large glass case; around each was a note from the person who gifted it with a brief dedication. Of course there was also a nearly filled log book.
Here’s how the free drink works. Any active-duty member or veteran of the armed services can request a drink from a squadron bottle and the manager of the Top of the Mark is more than happy to pour one. Too good to be true? The only stipulation is the person consuming the last dram must purchase a replacement bottle. The Top of the Mark makes that a bit easy as well, you don’t have to purchase the bottle from the hotel, you can bring one in, the only condition is that it cannot be opened before it’s donated. Of course, a person can also supply a bottle without taking a drink.
Next time you’re in San Francisco stop by the Mark Hopkins and take part in military tradition, lift a free one to all those who did the same for decades, and if you really want a place in tradition, bring a bottle.
Pictured, bottle donated by author and his brother.
© Gregg Smith
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