Historic Landmarks of San Francisco

William Davis Merry Howard and Henry Mellus were two of the City's leading early citizens and merchants. Howard, a Bostonian born in 1818, shipped to California as a cabinboy and arrived in San Francisco in 1838 or 1839. He soon became a highly successful businessman. In 1851 he was worth $375,000, and was the third richest man in San Francisco. He built cottages in the Happy Valley district of the City, an area bounded by First, Second, Market, and Mission Streets. Howard purchased Rancho San Mateo in 1848, paying $25,000. He was elected a San Francisco city councilman in 1847 and helped to organize the Protestant Orphan Asylum, the Volunteer Fire Department, the City's first free school and first Vigilance Committee. Howard Street and Howard Presbyterian Church are named in his honor. He died in 1856.

Henry Mellus is somewhat eclipsed by his illustrious partner. He was, nonetheless, San Francisco's fourth richest man in 1851, being worth $325,000.

The warehouse in question was built by the firm of Mellus and Howard in 1848 and stood on the southwest corner of Montgomery and Clay Streets. It is significant in being the birthplace of the Society of California Pioneers, which was founded August 31, 1850. The first president was, of course, William D.M. Howard. The Society's headquarters are now in Pioneer Hall at The Presidio, 101 Montgomery Street.

The warehouse site is now occupied by the East West Bank, 555 Montgomery Street. A marker, dedicated May 1950, by the California Centennial Commission and the Society of California Pioneers, is mounted at the corner of the building, facing Montgomery Street.