Neil Davis, long time owner of Sausalito’s no name bar and popular guest raconteur for the Historical Society, died last September at 92.
According to his recently-published obituary:
“From 1959-1974, Neil was the owner of the ‘no name bar’ in Sausalito, in partnership with his father and mother–in-law. With his artistic and community spirit, the bar with no name (as he liked to call it in his customary lower case style) became renowned as an important gathering place for local residents and notable individuals alike, including artists, poets, writers, thinkers, actors, musicians, journalists, political figures, and more. Colorful sailors like Spike Africa, writers such as Evan Connell, and actors such as Sterling Hayden were just a few of the treasured patrons. Once fondly referred to as ‘Sausalito's living room,’ the no name was also a hub of political action, press conferences, and fundraisers for charities, children's hospitals, and orphans.” The proprietor was sometimes called “no name neil.”
Davis was also involved in local politics, working to preserve the beauty of our town, and helping lead the fight to save the Marin Headlands from the Marincello development. In 1962 he even took on madam-turned-restaurateur Sally Stanford, who was running for Mayor. Neil charged Sally’s election to the city council would make as much sense as “appointing Elizabeth Taylor our ambassador to the Vatican.”
Retorted Sally: “From what I read in the papers I doubt Liz would qualify for the job, whereas I know my way around City Hall.” Ten years later, on her third try, Sally finally did become mayor.
Neil spoke twice at SHS gatherings, the first time in City Hall in May 2011. Announcing his appearance, SHS board member Steefenie Weeks noted: “Neil Davis has invited bar patrons Greg Baker, Margo St. James, George McDonald, Steve McNamara, Michael Stepanian, Ian Swift and Dana Upton to share stories.”
Neil welcomed Ms. St. James, a former sex worker and founder of COYOTE, sometimes described as a union for prostitutes, with his usual gallantry: “Margo, I didn’t recognize you with your clothes on!”
His talk was followed by a reception for the grand opening of an SHS exhibit entitled: ‘No Name Bar: The Wonder Years: 1959-1975.’ Neil refused to appear at the no name once they installed a tv in the bar.
Because Neil’s talk proved so popular, and because he promised he had only scratched the surface of salacious stories from the bar’s heyday, the SHS invited him back for an encore performance later that year. A capacity crowd packed the Seahorse for Neil’s one-man show.
After moving on from the no name, Neil settled down on a farm in Sebastopol where he became a pillar of the community for the next 50years. But in the hearts of old-time no name regulars, he’ll always be remembered as San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen once proclaimed: "Without Neil Davis, there would be no Sausalito."
By Larry Clinton
Sausalito Historical Society