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1938 ad

The North Pole Club was a restaurant and music club in West Oakland. It was founded in 1915 4 by Josephine and Francesco Bargiacchi (parents of Dewey Bargiacchi, who opened Francesco's in 1968). 1,2

During Prohibition, it continued to discretely serve alcohol. It was run by Josephine Bargiacchi until at least 1942. 5 In 1937, Charles Leidig was also an operator (and also indicted in a northern California liquor ring along with Josephine.) 6

Brothers Jose (Joe) and Amaro (Pete) Pitta applied for the cabaret license in March, 1944. 8 In October, 1944, it was listed for sale. 7 Their involvement with the club may have been short; a 1946 article about a narcotics trial refers to Joe as "former Oakland resident and tavern operator". 9 (NB: Although it was an Italian restaurant, the Pitta family was from the island of Madeira, Portugal.) Jazz singer Ivie Anderson often performed there. 3

1942 ad 5

Links and References

1939 ad

  1. Oakland: Francesco's Restaurant says 'arrivederci' Humboldt Beacon March 16, 2016
  2. Francesco's Restaurant website
  3. The Shadow Ball Express - Oakland Giants
  4. What's Cooking at Francesco's ad Oakland Tribune June 7, 1975
  5. New Year's ad Oakland Tribune December 30, 1942
  6. Hearings Set in Liquor Ring Oakland Tribune June 25, 1937
  7. classified ad Oakland Tribune October 31, 1944
  8. Legal Notice Oakland Tribune March 3, 1944
  9. Los Angeles Trial Affects Docket Here Oakland Tribune February 19, 1946
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