Before the 1906 earthquake, Market Street buzzed with activity. Streetcars, automobiles, bicyclists and pedestrians jockeyed for positions in the popular street. The Emporium advertised itself as �California�s Largest, America�s Grandest Store.� Open from 1896 to 1996, the popular department store featured a Christmas festival on its rooftop each year, replete with a train ride for kids, a merry-go-round and, of course, Santa Claus.
