Famous San Francisco twin Vivian Brown dies
Source: Seattlepi
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — San Francisco residents are mourning the passing of Vivian Brown, who along with her twin sister, became a local celebrity by walking through the city's streets in matching high-end outfits, identical hairdos and cheerful smiles.
The 85-year-old Brown died in her sleep on Wednesday at an assisted care facility in the city, Barbara Farber, director of development for Jewish Family and Children's Services, told the San Francisco Chronicle (http://bit.ly/WOxyf3 ).
For 40 years, the Brown twins could be seen walking along San Francisco's streets, greeting tourists and locals alike. Standing 5-foot-1 and about 100 pounds apiece, the twins were also seen in commercials, made cameo appearances in films, appeared on talk shows and frequented civic events.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee issued a statement saying Brown was a "truly remarkable woman who represented the best of our city."
Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Famous-San-Francisco-twin-Vivian-Brown-dies-4189144.php
I remember these twins! You'd see them downtown during the day usually, all dressed up to the tee and everyone was always gawking at them. They seemed very odd to me, very obscure and obsolete. I always thought they were Natives but it seems they were from Kalamazoo, Michigan!
In any event, I hope that Ms. Vivian Brown rests in peace and I hope that her twin is not horribly lonely, although I know she must be as they were always together, shopping downtown and hanging out around Union Square.
Ah those were the days in the City by the Bay. I rather think I left my heart in San Francisco!
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they were absolutely adorable!
They could frequently be seen at the entrance to my favorite store of all time, and that is Macy's in San Francisco on Union Square! 
... dear CountAllVotes. What darlings they were for so many years. Something tells me it won't be long until her sister follows. That's usually what happens when one of two close siblings, husband/wife, friends pass on at this age. I'm sure they will never be forgotten in San Francisco.
Rest in peace, Vivian Brown, a great little American. I salute you. 
>>San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen was another fan of "the oft-photographed-by-tourists Brown twins," whom he described as "petite and demure." In a mid-'90s three-dotter, Caen wrote, "The Brown Twins, Vivian and Marian, celebrated their 70th last wk. at Planet Hollywood, where they were waited on by identical 22-yr-old twins, Valen and Tyree West. Much merriment ensued. Take my word for it ..."
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Vivian-A-Brown-distinguished-twin-dies-4188316.php#ixzz2Ho4bSaHU
Miss you too Mr. "DON'T CALL IT FRISCO " Herb Caen!!! 
and I thought it would never end and then came ...
WE'D BE BETTER OFF WITH BONZO 
eh?
sadly. 
Eight floors high if I remember right. I'd start there and work my way over to the Emporium, from there back to Liberty House then off to Joseph Magnin's for the final blow to the pocket book that did not exist! lol ...
It was a different time indeed. I loved every second of it.
He'd take my brother and I over to "The City" for the day and give each of us $1.00 to spend. We'd spend the day strolling the streets of Chinatown going to all of the little shops and stores and looking at all of the interesting things they had.
Dad would magically appear later (probably was at some pub somewhere knowing him 
) and we roamed all over Chinatown and North Beach as young kids, I'm talking like 7 and 8 years old.
There were no murders going on and people were not afraid of being shot in broad daylight in those days. You'd get on the cable car and the conductor would say, "Ladies watch your handbags please!".
Dad would then take us home w/fresh sponge cakes in hand knowing that my Mother would be waiting for us as she loved those sponge cakes from Chinatown and Dad knew it. As for that pub he'd been at earlier in the day as we roamed around town as what I'd consider to be fairly young children, well, what pub?
Those were the days alright and no, we'll never see the likes of that very special time in our lives again.
I was working temp at JFK's First Class ticket counter in the mid-90s when the twins stepped up to check in. They were both identically dressed in immaculate red suits and pillbox hats. I greeted them with "I used to love seeing you every week at Sunday concerts at Stern Grove (San Francisco)." They both clasped my hands and called me Sweetie and Dear.
They were on their way back from the UK where they'd filmed a commercial for Virgin Airways' new service to San Francisco.
The last time I saw them was probably close to 10 years ago, walking up Powell Street in matching fur coats (and, of course, hats). My friend and I said "Good evening, ladies!" and they responded cheerfully in kind.
San Francisco legends, never to be replaced. And very nice, kind women.
