Novato's Dynamic Duo Help Move Iconic SF Watering Hole to Fisherman's Wharf

Last month, the Gold Dust Lounge moved from Powell Street near Union Square, where it had been an "old-school" San Francisco establishment since the 1930's, to its newly remodeled version of itself at a new location in Fisherman's Wharf. 

A Novato business, Indian Valley Carriage, was hired to help publicize the move and make it a party. February 1st was the moving date and that date coincidentally marked the 85th birthday of San Francisco born cowboy actor, Stuart Whitman, who was the honored guest catching a ride from one part of town to the other. 

Whitman is arguably best known for playing Marshal Jim Crown in the western television series Cimarron Strip in the late 1960s. He also starred with John Wayne in The Comancheros as well as the World Way II epic, The Longest Day. Whitman received top billing as the romantic lead in the aerial epic Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines. He also starred in the. In 1958, Whitman had the distinction of planting the first interracial kiss on Dorothy Dandridge's face in the film The Decks Ran Red.

Indian Valley Carriage brought Whitman, still a tall, strapping, handsome man in a brown leather jacket, from the old location of The Gold Dust Lounge to the new venue. Festive banners hanging on the side of the wagon announced Stuart's presence and the location of the new Gold Dust Lounge.

Playing from the back of the wagon a full-on Dixieland Jazz Band played great live music as a soundtrack for the trip which occurred on during a busy Friday afternoon.

A motorized cable car carrying Stuart's family and some local dignitaries followed the horse-drawn carriage.

The elegant two-horse team of dove-gray half Percheron, half Thoroughbreds, Bo & Honey, long-time Novato residents themselves, enjoyed the trip to the city, the band and the crowds. According to Indian Valley Carriage owner, Gary Sello, a few hundred people welcomed Stuart Whitman, The Gold Dust Lounge, and Bo & Honey at their destination of Pier 39.

"Stuart spoke humbly about being in the heyday of Hollywood, and the old cowboys, and spoke graciously of his wife, his children, grandchildren and extended family, many of whom were there to celebrate with him," says Sello. "It was an honor and a pleasure to be a part of the celebration."

The complete video produced by Dissave Pictures is available via the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ-T9tGTavs

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