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HORACE W. OREAR
One of the largest and most modern candy stores in San Francisco is that conducted by the firm of Foster &
Orear at 216 Stockton street. Horace W. Orear, president, has been in the candy business for many years and has
developed his present organization from very meager beginnings. He was born in Downieville, Sierra county, California,
and is a son of John W. and Cecelia (Dutton) Orear. John W. Orear was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, and in 1853
came overland to California. He first engaged in mining in Sierra county, and later built the Western Union telegraph
lines across the mountains. For many years he was agent for the Wells Fargo Express Company and the Western Union
in Downieville. His wife was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In the acquirement of an education Horace W. Orear attended the public schools of Downieville and Goodyears Bar
and McClure's Military Academy of Oakland, from which institution he was graduated in 1878. He then returned to
Downieville, where he was associated with his father in the express business. In 1885 he went to Sierra City, where
he was identified with the Wells Fargo Company for three years. On the expiration of that period in 1888, he came
to San Francisco and entered the employ of the Spring Valley Water Company. In 1892, in partnership with Charles
Foster, he established news, fruit and confectionery stands in the Ferry building on the bay, and at the same time
took charge of the parcel check concession in this building In 1907 the partners started in the candy business,
with a small factory at 442 Merchant street, and later, as their business increased, moved their factory to 440
Natomi street. Their first retail store was situated at 137 Grant avenue, at which address they remained for fifteen
years. On February 12, 1931, they established their store at 216 Stockton street, and here their business occupies
the entire building, this being considered one of the finest appointed and modern candy stores in the bay district.
Over one hundred people are employed in the making and selling of candy.
Mr. Orear was married to Miss Martha W. Chapman, who was born in Downieville, California, and they are now the
parents of three children, namely: Hazel, who is the wife of Major Stewart Stanley, of the United States Army;
and Horace and Harold, who are associated with their father in the candy business.
Mr. Orear is a member of Stanford Parlor, No. 76, Native Sons of the Golden West, and Masonic bodies and various
clubs. He has always been an ardent sportsman, hunting and fishing being his favorite diversions. He has acted
in a public spirited manner in civic affairs, and in the management of his business has rigidly followed a straightforward
policy, always supplying the public with the finest quality of product. His extensive patronage is ample evidence
of this fact.
From:
The History of San Francisco, California
Lewis Francis Byington, Supervising Editor
Oscar Lewis, Associate Editor
The S. J. Clark Publishing Company
Chicago-San Francisco 1931
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