The Spirit of 1906

The Spirit of 1906, written by George W. Brooks in the early 1920s, is a historical account of the devastating San Francisco earthquake and fires that occurred on April 18, 1906. As a key member of the California Insurance Company, Brooks recounts the immediate chaos, the company's efforts to honor policyholder claims, and the resilience of the community in the face of monumental loss. This work highlights themes of courage, collaboration, and the determination to rebuild amidst disaster, providing a unique perspective on the impact of the earthquake from an insurance industry viewpoint.