CLIFF HOUSE
San Francisco, CA Early 1900s - Ladies wade at the beach with their long skirts tucked only knee high by the old Cliff House. This eight-story version of the Cliff House opened in 1896 and was destroyed by fire in 1909. (Edward “Doc” Rogers / Oakland Tribune)
1906 EARTHQUAKE & FIRE
Aftermath
Make shift “tent cities” were soon erected in city parks. A child and a grandmother are among the displaced sitting in the grass in the first photo.
In the second photo, residents cook on the sidewalk of Fillmore Street. Indoor cooking was forbidden for those left with a house and all cooking was done on the city sidewalks to prevent further fire.
Long breadlines which could extend for many city blocks were guarded by troops fed several times daily. A close up of the faces waiting for soup in the third photo.
(All photos Edward “Doc” Rogers)
1906 EARTHQUAKE & FIRE
At 5:12 a.m., San Francisco was awoken by violent shaking leading to one of the deadliest natural disasters to ever hit California.
The earthquake ruptured gas lines and water mains causing the city to burn for three days.
In the first photo, the fires sweep into the city from the waterfront as residents make a mass exodus in the foreground.
In the second photo, firemen attempt to control the blazes.
The third photo shows a fire in progress.
The fourth photo, one of Doc’s most famous images of the earthquake, policemen patrol Market Street near The Call building.
(Photos attributed to Edward “Doc” Rogers)
Tomorrow will include photos from the aftermath.
LOCAL HERO
San Francisco, CA April 13, 1959 - Bill Rigney, wearing an orange lei, waves to happy fans. The SF Giants opened their 1959 season with a parade of 100,000 fans in the Financial District.
Bill Rigney was a native of Alameda, California. He played with the PCL Oakland Oaks and New York Giants; managed the Giants, Angels and Twins; and was broadcaster for the Athletics.
(Buck Joseph / Oakland Tribune)
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Women’s Army Corps
San Francisco, CA November 9, 1953 - Members of the Sixth Army Women’s Army Corps drill team. Front row from left: WAC Corporal June Meacher, WAC Private first class Nancy Huellmantel, Marine Pfc. Beverley Hoiby and Marine Cpl. Pat Thorley. Row row from left: WAC Cpl. Iva Sherrard, WAC Pfc. Pat Cox, Marine staff sergeant Barbara Lee and Marine Sergeant Margaret Maul.
(Photo by Albert “Kayo” Harris / Oakland Tribune Staff Archives)
For the general history of the WAAC and WAC please visit, http://www.armywomen.org/wacHistory.shtml
ALCATRAZ CLOSES
50 years ago on March 21, 1963, famed Alcatraz Prison was ordered closed by Attorney General Robert Kennedy.
In the first photo, guard Gordon Gronzo leaves his station at the dock tower for the last time. (Photo by Keith Dennison / Oakland Tribune Staff Archives)
Photo 2: April 1957 aerial (Photo by Russ Reed Plane flown by Warren Boggess / Oakland Tribune Staff Archives)
Photo 3: January 17, 1968 - Inmate graffiti inside Alcatraz (Russ Reed / Oakland Tribune Staff Archives)
Photo 4: March 16, 1956 - A guard on the main cell block during the first press open house. (Oakland Tribune Staff Archives)
Slideshow of the prison then and now: http://photos.mercurynews.com/2013/03/20/tourists-flock-to-alcatraz-island-50-years-after-prison-closes/
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Baseball Giants
San Francisco, CA May 2, 1970 - Willie McCovey, right, receives the Most Valuable Player National League Award. Standing with him are, from left, Willie Mays, a two-time MVP winner, and the National League President Chub Feeney.
(Photo by Prentice Brooks / Oakland Tribune Staff Archives)
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
San Francisco, CA May 30, 1964 - Dr. Martin Luther King speaks at the “Religious Witness for Human Dignity” rally at the San Francisco Cow Palace.
(Photo by Don Mohr / Oakland Tribune Staff Archives)
This month’s “Trip in Time” recounts presidential visits to the Bay Area from William McKinley to William Clinton. “Trip in Time” runs every first Sunday in the Oakland Tribune and online at http://photos.mercurynews.com/2013/02/01/trip-in-time-presidential-visits/
Oakland, CA January 19, 1935 - Former President Herbert and Mrs. Lou Hoover with Amelia Earhart Putnam photographed upon the noted woman flier’s arrival at the Athens Athletic Club to attend the national testimonial banquet. (Oakland Tribune Staff Archives)
FIRST HORSE
November 13, 1936 - Sundown, owned by champion horseman and California Highway patrolman Mark Freitas of Napa, California, claimed the title of “First Horse to Cross the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.” Sundown crossed for free but the car and trailer paid the toll of 65 cents. Once across the bridge, horse and owner took part in the parade celebrating the Bay Bridge’s opening.
It is unknown if a horse has ever been ridden across the bridge.
(Oakland Tribune Staff Archives)
