Christopher, George

Dates:

Active 1950

Active 2000

Biographical notes:

Christopher (1907-2000) was San Francisco's 34th mayor, serving two terms beginning January 1956 and ending January 1964.

Christopher was San Francisco's 34th mayor, serving two terms beginning Jan. 1956 and ending Jan. 1964.

From the description of George Christopher papers, 1950-2000 (bulk 1956-1963). (San Francisco Public Library). WorldCat record id: 48891204

Biographical/Historical note

George Christopher was born on December 8, 1907 to James and Mary Christopheles in Arcadia, Greece. Mary and her son joined James in San Francisco when George was a young boy. His father had a small market located south of Market Street. Christopher's father became ill when George was a teenager, so he worked during the day while earning his high school diploma and an accounting degree by night. He established an accounting office and married the former Tula Sarantitis. In the mid-1930s, he founded what would eventually become Christopher Dairy Farms and later became a millionaire. Christopher's involvement in the Greek community began with his membership in the American Hellenic Education and Progress Association. His business and civic participation with fellow Greeks would lead to their solid political support.

At one point a registered Democrat, Christopher was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1945 and later re-registered as a Republican. He served ten years as a supervisor, becoming President of the Board in 1950. In his first mayoral bid in 1951, he lost to Elmer Robinson. He then spearheaded the Charter amendment (passed in 1952) creating a two-term mayoral limit. In the next election, Christopher won in a landslide victory over Democrat George Reilly in 1955, serving two four-year terms (1956-1964). He made an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate in 1958. Christopher attempted but failed in statewide campaigns, for Assembly, for Lieutenant Governor alongside Richard Nixon in 1962, and for the Republican gubernatorial candidacy (losing in a landslide to Ronald Reagan) in 1966. During that campaign, much was made of a misdemeanor milk price-fixing violation.

Under Christopher, the city was transformed from its working-class, waterfront days with projects including the Golden Gateway, Japan Center, Candlestick Park, and the Embarcadero Freeway. He was proud of building the city, and focused on government efficiency. Fortune magazine designated San Francisco as "one of the Best Administered Cities in the United States." As mayor, Christopher signed the Fair Employment Labor Ordinance outlawing discrimination by employers and labor unions. He hosted Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and French President Charles de Gaulle. Christopher is remembered for moving the Giants baseball team from New York to San Francisco. Those who were children at the time remember the Christopher Dairies milk cartons with free coupons to 49er football games.

Following his mayoral duties, Christopher remained active in charity work, business, and civic functions. He was a U.S. alternate delegate to the United Nations (in 1981), and served as a Department of Commerce advisor. He died on September 14, 2000. His wife, Tula, preceded him in death. They had no children.

From the guide to the George Christopher Papers, 1950-2000, 1956-1963, (San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library)