Mooser, Hattie, 1878-1970

Administrative History

Hattie and Minnie Mooser were sisters and hostesses who were a part of the bohemian and theatrical life of San Francisco. They (along with their brothers George and Leon) were born in Nevada to Samuel and Rose Mooser, raised in Sacramento, and, in 1900, moved to San Francisco. Hattie was involved in social service, and worked for the juvenile court, giving benefits on its behalf with guest stars from local theaters. In 1918, Hattie founded the first municipal children's theater in San Francisco, which later expanded into a children's art center and a tearoom. In 1921, Minnie helped Hattie open San Francisco's first supper club, in Chinatown, called the Aladdin Studio Tiffin Room. In 1925, they opened the Aladdin Nite Club; because of its refusal to sell liquor and thereby compete with other clubs which did sell liquor, it was forced to close in 1929. In 1933, the two sisters managed the Beach Chalet in Golden Gate Park. During World War II, they volunteered as cooks and hostesses at the Stage Door Canteen, a club for those serving in the military.