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High Gear: 1926
... the company expired in 1930. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. No Tread On Me The question is whether this ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/30/2014 - 2:15pm -

OVER CALIFORNIA ST. IN HIGH GEAR FROM KEARNEY ST. UP "EASILY" FROM 60 TO 75 MILES PER HOUR -- ALL DAY LONG 75 MILES PER HOUR AS SMOOTH AS 30 MILES ONLY CAR THAT WILL DO IT -- REGARDLESS OF PRICE "KISSEL STRAIGHT EIGHT" HORACE HILLS -- 1910 VAN NESS San Francisco, 1926. "Kissel Straight Eight on California Street." Around 150 Kissels are said to survive, out of the 35,000 manufactured before the company expired in 1930. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. No Tread On MeThe question is whether this car is safe to drive at 70 MPH on those tires. Or whether those tires will make it back down the hill. Kissel automobiles were top end and very reliable cars by most accounts. The well regarded Wisconsin Auto Museum of Hartford, Wisconsin (home of the old Kissel plant) features a number and variety of Kissel vehicles. The convergence of a number of issues in the late 20s, including a hostile takeover attempt, led to the company’s demise. Two sons of the company founder were able to regain control of the plant in 1934, and commenced making Waterwitch brand outboard motors for Sears and Roebuck. The building still stands, and has had a number of occupants over the years. By one 1929 newspaper account there are several Kissels in the belly of the Grand Trunk Railway rail car ferry Milwaukee, now resting on the bottom of Lake Michigan after succumbing to a ferocious storm in October of 1929. Online pictures of the vessel interior reveal at least one car, but they lack the clarity necessary to identify it. MisconceptionThe tread on a tire move water on the road away to the side. The more rubber or compound touching the road surface the better the"sick". Hence racing slicks. Just look at any funny car! Unil recently all racing cars had them. They were replaced to slow the cars down, they always used grooved tire as rain tires for the above reason. Up "Easily"My guess for the missing words is "only car": Torque MonsterThose long-stroke, low-rev engines were famous for permitting the driver to select high gear very early, then smoothly but glacially accelerate to whatever speed that conditions, the mechanism, and the law permitted. The ability to do a wheelie or lay rubber was far less valued, if even conceived of by the average motorist, than the opportunity to minimize negotiating one's way through the unsynchronized gearbox more than was absolutely necessary. Bobble EagleIn 1929, Kissels had an eagle hood ornament with spring-loaded wings. As the car rode over bumps, the wings would flap up and down. Pop found one somewhere and put it on his '54 Ford. Like Solo SaidThose long-stroke straight-eights had gobs of torque. My dad used to put his aunt's '38 Buick in first gear and get out and walk alongside while it idled along. Old school drivingIf this big eight was anything like the Ford fours, you could retard the spark advance on the control in the center of the steering wheel. This would let you chug up the hill in high gear instead of downshifting, which was really hard before synchros. I learned this on country roads in my father-in-law's 1928 Model A. Not so different todayIn 1925, the Crest Garage was at 875 California Street. The current Google Street View shows a surprising number of surviving buildings, considering the amount of demolition and construction in San Francisco over the last 89 years: View Larger Map SnubbedNote the shock absorbers, a.k.a. "snubbers." They are spring-loaded fabric straps attached to the front axle and work up and down from the disc above like a large tape measure. I walk down that street every day to work, and back.Been doing that for 22 years. (And back in 1993 I almost rented an apartment that is in this shot :) Great to see this pic. If you have taken a ride on the California/Van Ness cable car, you know where this is. This is at the intersection of Powell and California, where the cable cars cross. One line going to the the wharf, the other from the Embarcadero to Van Ness (and the old "auto row"). Yes, many of the buildings are still there, in 2014. Bonus Comment: Even today cars going up California have a daunting task, especially for those cars with manual transmissions. I smell burning clutches all the time. And for older cars with cooling issues, getting stuck in traffic on the incline causes cars to overheat, blow a hose, or stall. Back then any car that could roar up California St, that was impressive. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
The Damner: 1920
... stunt is preserved in this 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Ohio? Not sure how much help it would be ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/22/2014 - 7:48pm -

The Bay Area in 1920. "Dodge auto on boardwalk. 'The Damner' on Miller Tires Coast-to-Coast." All we know about what seems to have been a promotional stunt is preserved in this 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Ohio?Not sure how much help it would be tracking down what the heck is going on here, but that's an Ohio license plate. Ocean BeachI'm going with Ocean Beach. There's surf, so it can't be the bay side. And there's a hint of Marin visible through the fog. New York to FriscoThat's what it says in the rear window. Miller TiresI did a such for Miller Tires and found they were made in Akron, Ohio. They were the second rubber company to get started in Akron, following B. F. Goodrich. J. Pfeiffer, J. Gether & J. Lamparter started a rubber company in 1892 but were broke in a few years. 1898 they had taken on new partners, W. Pfeiffer and Harvey Miler and in 1906 the new company was named Miller Rubber Company. They started making tires several later. Yellowstone "Zoo Windshield"These window stickers were popular National Park souvenirs. Ocean Beach Boardwalk?Was there ever wooden jetty at Ocean Beach? or a boardwalk? [Yep. Here circa 1915. -tterrace] Dodge yearThis car predates 1920. Note the headlights are in back of the line of the radiator. The headlights were moved forward of the radiator line circa 1917. America FirstSomeone out there must know about these. Life Saving PierThis is indeed a view of Ocean Beach, San Francisco. The auto is parked on the rescue boat launching ramp once located at the foot of Fulton Street. The rescue crews of the Golden Gate Park Life Saving Station used it for hauling their horse-drawn boat carts across the dunes. The pier that tterrace referenced is visible at the extreme right of this view. It wasn't a boardwalk, though, but rather a water intake pier for the nearby Lurline Salt Water Pumping Plant that sucked seawater out of the Pacific and pumped it to various saltwater bathing establishments downtown. At far left is the "drill mast" used by the Life Savers from the Golden Gate Station. Literally a mockup of a sailing ship's mast, the crewmen used it as a target when they practiced firing shore-to-ship lifelines. Junior Road TripThis from the Automobile and Sports section of the October 24, 1920 issue of the Los Angeles Times: (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, Swimming)
- Need Lumber Quick?
... Lumber Co., Fifth and Brannan." 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. The Clock At this time clocks were still ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/14/2014 - 10:29am -

San Francisco in 1920. "Federal truck -- Van Arsdale-Harris Lumber Co., Fifth and Brannan." 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. The ClockAt this time clocks were still mechanical because you couldn't count on the accuracy of the 60 cycle frequency of AC to keep electric clocks accurate. Instead, they either used batteries or AC to run a motor that would wind the clock when the running weight got to the bottom (think grandfather clocks). Freight car style turnbuckle trussesIn my neck of the woods they were referred to as hog rods. They were frequently used in old wood-framed buildings as primary roof supports. I believe they were employed in Mississippi/Missouri River steamboats before railroad freight cars. They were oriented oppositely to those in freight cars and prevented the boat's hulls from hogging, i.e., bending upward in the middle. See The Western Rivers Steamboat Cyclopoedium by Alan L. Bates. B-R-O-T-H-E-?PLEASE! Anybody know what comes after the E? [So to speak. - Dave] After so many yearswhy the L do you want to know now? Sometimes it's better not to knowA 1912 ad in the "San Francisco Call" shows "White Brothers," a lumber company, at Fifth and Brannan. Disappointed by reality, once again. Front brakes are dangerous!So this Federal truck has none. We also like the freight car style turnbuckle trusses under the frame, certainly overkill for the wimpy lumber load we see here. Lumber SupportThose turnbuckles are for lumber support. Helps keep the truck from having back problems. SF Tennis ClubIs the present occupant. The high pressure hydrant on the other side of Brannan St was likely moved when they widened the street. If an L then good wood is good !Perhaps not worth posting but I laughed at my own joke. Sorry! Under the EavesA very interesting location to place a pendulum clock. You can see the hinges where It could be opened up and wound or adjusted. I wonder if the case still contained the original works when the photo was taken, or if the clock had been swapped out for one powered by electricity. I hope the driver tightens down the rope before beginning his delivery as it does not seem very taut. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Nash Rumbler: 1926
... seat roadster at Phelan mansion." 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. That's 2150 Washington Street ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/07/2016 - 2:34pm -

San Francisco circa 1926. "Nash Special Six rumble seat roadster at Phelan mansion." 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. That's 2150 Washington Street QuestionHas does one even climb into that rumble seat? Get a good running jump? [Cars with rumble seats had steps provided at various places on the curb side of the vehicle. -tterrace] NiceI love the car. Big wide running boards, and cool rumble seat. It's also nice to see the building has been preserved with a nice cover added to the upper open area. Mother-in-law's lament"If my daughter had married that nice Bob Gunderson, I'd be riding in a Cadillac now!" Out-of-it FeelingIt's good for kids together but you definitely are not part of the adult conversation back there, having ridden in one of those seats. Will never understandhow the fairer sex could ever get into one of these things with grace and aplomb. [Grace would be riding up front with Aplomb. - Dave] Rumble alonePut Mom in the back. So I can't hear her back-seat driving. (The Gallery, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
When Fancy Met Schmancy: 1927
... keeping chickens or children. 5x7 glass inch negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Quite some house Does it still exist? ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/12/2016 - 10:38am -

"Franklin sedan, San Francisco, 1927." An upscale auto parked outside an imposing home whose balcony seems to have been modified for keeping chickens or children. 5x7 glass inch negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Quite some houseDoes it still exist? Forget the carCheck out the house, they don't make 'em like that anymore. Neighborhood WatchMany of the automobile pictures have been taken in the Pacific Heights neighborhood in San Francisco. I've been on many walking tours around there and I expect the house is between other homes now. But where is it? Gentle slope, Eucalyptus trees. The street lamp is of interest. Any of Shorpy's historians ready to chime in on this one? By the 1950s, we kids played under weak incandescent bulbs. All the stars of the Big Dipper were still visible. Amelia Earhart Connection. Along with Lindbergh as noted, Amelia Earhart was also used by Franklin for promotions. The famous Air cooled Franklin engines similarity to aircraft engines being the connection. Both she and Lindbergh were given Franklins to use as their personal transportation. A Lindbergh ConnectionFranklin presented Lindbergh with a car of about this vintage after his transatlantic flight, not incidentally gaining some advertising for their air-cooled engine. Being a thrifty Minnesotan, Lindbergh drove it until around 1940. MehChickens, children, what's the difference. Wonder if this house is still around? San Francisco retained quite a few nice ones. Modified BalconyMy guess is screening added to allow indoor kitties a bit of fresh air. Cats won't jump if they can't see what's on the other side. Nor will coyotes. The house is wonderful, and if I were fortunate enough to have lived there, I would have had Staff ! The house is the star of this photo. Franklin lion mascotThe famous Franklin lion radiator mascot is clearly visible in this view. A popular accessory at the time, these are now being reproduced for Franklin restorers. Many "panes" in the neckI wouldn't want to clean the windows in that house! (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
The Happy Wanderer: 1918
... Shorpy Index of Ill-Fated Phaetons. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Interesting headlight lenses I wonder what ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/11/2016 - 10:56am -

"Marmon touring car, San Francisco, 1918." Latest entry in the Shorpy Index of Ill-Fated Phaetons. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Interesting headlight lensesI wonder what purpose was served by the designs in the glass. [They're Warner headlight lenses. Click to enlarge. -tterrace] Warner DangerThe Warner-Lenz may have been "resistless", but judging by the list of car makers who adopted it, it was the Heisman Trophy of the auto industry! Re: Warner LensesI believe there may be just the tiniest bit of exaggeration in the maker's claims. New Car, Used (?) TiresCurious - the car appears to be new - dealer plates, clean undercarriage, shiny paint, with tires totally scraped and scuffed. Were new tires optional? Amazing finishAlways amazed and the amazing paint finish and body panel fit on these early cars. Maypop tiresThose tires look old and have messed up sidewalls. Why are they on this new-looking dealer car? tterrace's advert for the headlight lenses lists the car companies carrying them as standard equipment. It is, in retrospect, not a promising list. White Sidewall TiresThis is the first time I have noticed the tires had white sidewalls on both sides. Today, white sidewalls are only on one side. When did that change and why? Headlight lensesI have a 1914 Hudson with Warner Lenz headlight lenses. I just like the looks of them. One of America’s bestI read a magazine article several years ago about the five greatest cars ever produced in America, and the 1931 Marmon was one of them (I think it was Brock Yates who wrote the article). They consistently made excellent automobiles until the Great Depression forced them to go out of business (just like Duesenberg and Stutz). Anyway, that stuck in my mind because I had never heard of Marmon before I read that article. Marmon BusinessMarmon did get back into the transportation business, they were making trackless trolley coaches for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Rte. 66 on Frankford Ave. in 1955. Long ago, I think that they also made side cars for motorcycles. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Franklin Gothic: 1919
... Catalog of Quirky Conveyances. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Replica Residence The noble home in the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/16/2016 - 6:29pm -

San Francisco circa 1919. "Franklin Brougham." A car with an air-cooled engine and unusual veed windshield. Latest entry in the Shorpy Catalog of Quirky Conveyances. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Replica ResidenceThe noble home in the background is at 3800 Washington Street in San Francisco. It was built in 1904 as an homage/knockoff of the Petit Trianon on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles in France. According to zillow.com, there's currently an offer on it for a cool $18 million (give or take a few sous). Sugar Daddy's House[An impressive edifice, but it's obviously not Spreckels Mansion. - Dave] Duh! My bad. I spent 30+ minutes on Street View and Images trying to pin it down w/o success. Unusual in many waysProbably the most unusual thing about the early Franklins is they used a Wooden frame up to about 1928. [Many, if not most, autos of the era used wooden frames. - Dave] Thanks for the Memories!A friend of my dad's, Mr. Bill Gewand of Buffalo, New York, had a copy of this car back in the late 1950s. As the old saw goes, he found it in a barn where the farmer was using it as a chicken coupe, although in this case it was true. It took a lot of TLC, but he got the car looking almost as good as the one in this photo and running like a dream. Your picture brought back happy memories, thank you very much. ["Chicken coupe;" haha, very good. -tterrace] Thug Mansion3800 Washington was also occupied by a squatter for months recently. YIPPEE!!!!!!My styling favorite car EVER! Besides a lot of unusual standard features like wooden frame and air-cooled engine, the V or "veed" windshield was a Franklin trait up through the mid-20's; available on their closed cars. It doesn't show well in this photo but if you could see a photo of this dream car from the front, it looks like a spaceship. Too cool; thank you, thank you, thank you! Design Of The FutureAerodynamic Windpusher. Wooden It Be NiceThough the Franklin was known for having a wooden chassis, few, if any, major auto manufacturers used them. [Not so, as owners of brass-era and later cars will attest. Maurice Hendry, in "Cadillac: Standard of the World," recalls an anecdote in which an ash-framed Cadillac chassis proved more resistant to being twisted apart than a steel frame. Below, an excerpt from "Making and Selling Cars: Innovation and Change in the U.S. Automotive Industry." - Dave] Though I am in no position to argue with a man like Mr. Hendry, he is wrong. Every Model T ford ever built had a steel frame. So did every Dodge, every Durant product, every Maxwell, every Sudebaker (after they went to gasoline powered cars). Pierce, Pope, Stanley, Thomas, Stoddard Dayton, Alco, Locomobile, White, just to name a very few used steel frames. As to Mr. Hendry's assertion that Cadillac used a wooden frame, here is an excerpt from The History of Cadillac. "The 1903 chassis had angle steel frame with two half-elliptic springs front and rear with straight, tubular front axle. The steering wheel was located on the right-hand side with the controls to the right and using adjustable rack and pinion steering gear. The single tube tires were mounted on 56 cm wood wheels with 12 spokes (14 on the prototype)." Every Cadillac, ever built, had a steel frame Wood it, or notCould be that the wood "frame" referred to in some places is the wood that "framed" the body of the cars, and not constituted the chassis' structure. Fisher Body ( read GM) didn't cease wooden framed construction until the mid 1930s. Custom built cars, and low production ones lasted even longer. Re Wooden It Be NiceIs it possible that the word "frame" is being used in different ways? Certainly the Model T and Model A had a great deal of wood in the "frame" that supported the body panels. This was true of many other cars, and is still true of Morgans (the last time I looked). While I don't know of any that used wood for the "chassis" (another ambiguous word) that supports the axles, driveshaft, etc, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if some early ones did so. Here's a link to diagrams of the "body frame" wood for Ts and As: http://fordwood.com/ (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Milady's Marmon: 1919
... Square between Geary & Post." 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Another example The lady's muffled appearance ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/08/2017 - 8:17pm -

San Francisco, 1919. "Marmon Limousine on Stockton Street at Union Square between Geary & Post." 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Another exampleThe lady's muffled appearance suggests another balmy San Francisco day. I trust that the driver is wearing his long-johns under that rather insubstantial looking suit, for he must function en plein air. Showgirls Show A MarmonThe University of Southern California has digitized and placed on-line 34 images of Marmon cars in southern California circa 1925-1926. Seven of these images feature as many as 7 young showgirls in bathing suits either sitting, adorning, or dancing on a Marmon. Another image, of a young woman in an elegant "Magnin gown" posing besides a Marmon, illustrates a definite change in fashion between 1919 and 1926. Sitting Down on the JobShouldn't the chauffeur be holding the door open for his lady passenger, rather than giving her a backward glance? Make a Wish!All this needs is a dozen birthday candles. Even as They SpeakWomen's fashions are hurtling toward the dire year of 1923. Bluetooth 1.0The optional speaking tube for the refined ladies. Home, James!Note the speaking tube by the chauffeur. Car IDThe touring car in the background is a Briscoe. Can You Hear Me Now?The speaking tube is necessary because there is a glass divider window between the passenger section and driver’s (chauffeur's) section – this is one of several items that define a limousine, rather than a touring sedan. Another feature marking all limousines is that the chauffeur's section is upholstered in leather for the hired help, while the passenger section is upholstered in fine, wool broadcloth and much softer to sit on. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Ready to Roamer: 1921
... the Shorpy Chart of Chilly Chariots. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Article on Barley motors A very long ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 06/24/2017 - 8:49am -

        Built in Kalamazoo, Michigan, by the Barley Motor Car Co., the Roamer was marketed as "the affordable Rolls-Royce." San Francisco circa 1921. "Roamer roadster." Today's entry on the Shorpy Chart of Chilly Chariots. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Article on Barley motorsA very long descriptive history of the company. Still RoamingHere's a 1918 Roamer, spotted at a car show in Auburn, Indiana, a few weeks ago. It's the only one I have ever seen on the hoof. As an "assembled" car—i.e., most all components were outsourced by the company and merely assembled at their factory in Kalamazoo—I'm not sure if you could say it was up to Rolls Royce standards, but it appeared to have been quite well engineered and crafted. I couldn't do any better... if I built a car in my bedroom. I enjoy most of the "Chilly Chariots" I see on Shorpy. This one is unfortunate. Roamer CaesarMy very thoughts, indeed, Preacher Froid. But look at the driver's face: he knows what we're thinking, and you think he gives a damn? Looks a little Rolls-ishAnd maybe a little Royce-ish. And maybe I should take off my belt and wrap it around the hood of my 1999 Ford F-150. The NerveThe Barley Motor Car Co is sure feeling their oats comparing their jalopy to a Rolls. It Wasn't THAT Bad!In defense of the Roamer, this is an unusually unflattering shot. Here's one where it looks better: Ugly DucklingIt has the elegant lines of a WWI Army tank. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
A Couple of Cads: 1919
... a veritable wonderland of chalk art. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Yes, Good Riders? That appears to be the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/11/2015 - 10:21pm -

San Francisco circa 1919. "Cadillac touring car and sedan." Touring a veritable wonderland of chalk art. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Yes, Good Riders?That appears to be the message displayed within the diamond-shaped decal on the passenger side windshield. What, pray tell, would be the meaning of that display? [It's "Yes Good Roads," a slogan in support of a 1919 California ballot proposition for a $40,000,000 bond issue to fund state highway construction. It passed. -tterrace] Board FenceThis is the definitive modelbuilder's reference for a board fence. They were common within my memory, and my wife remembers them too. You still see a few in old western PA towns. Note that some kid dragged chalk the length of the fence. Reproducing the faded "HORP" sign on the fence between the cars would be a modeling challenge. SlummingNot the most Cadillacky of neighborhoods. LocationAre you sure this isn't Oakland? Those two beauties look like they're just about to try to merge, the hard way. StandoutsStrange to see these two elegant, up-scale vehicles placed in a very humble neighborhood (with its ubiquitous chalk markings) as opposed to the previous auto portraits "uptown". GlossyI always admired the top coat finish on these cars. A mirror finish not displayed these days. New cars but old tiresCan't help but notice how worn the tires are on these apparently new vehicles. The front ones on the car on the right don't even match. I don't think that "optional" bumper on the coupe is really going to stop much. It's interesting to note that even on high end cars like Cadillacs there are rows of rivets along the edges of the hood. Auto designers today go out of their way to hide fasteners to the point it is sometimes difficult to figure out how to remove a piece for repair. Twins?Are the two gents in the touring car twins? CadillacsThe car on the left was previously shown here. This is one of the two touring cars models Cadillac sold in 1919. Both models were on the same 125 inch wheelbase, but one had jump seats and sat seven instead of four passengers. Both were priced at $2,805, and the standard colors were Cadillac Blue with black trim. The dealer license plate indicates the car was being sold by Don Lee Cadillac shown here. The second cars looks like a Convertible Victoria. The side window glass and center door post could be removed to create a semi-open car. This car was also on the 125 inch wheelbase and cost $3,205. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Monster Truck: 1918
... version of the Cookie Monster. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Okay, I give up! A partly squashed giant ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/25/2016 - 10:12am -

San Francisco circa 1918. "White 5-ton motor truck loaded with Sperry Flour bound for Los Angeles." Guarded by what looks to be a prototype version of the Cookie Monster. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Okay, I give up!A partly squashed giant mutant lemur? An old bear rug ravaged by acid rain? A besotted sloth fallen from a tree? The world's most hideous fur coat? Funny how absence of natural visual context can render what is probably a most pedestrian item mystifying. Sasquatch SuitI'd want a yeti-skin driving coat if I had to pilot an open cab truck like that down CA 1 or US 101. I imagine they took the old Spanish route. I think the coastal highway was a depression-era WPA project. The caption doesn't say what time of year they started the trek, and it's hard to tell by clothing in San Francisco. "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." (attributed to Samuel Clemens) Dump TruckIt's an early dump truck, complete with remote tailgate lock. Unlike modern dump trucks, the bed trunnion is well forward, partially balancing the load, thus reducing the weight that the hoist needs to lift. The big chain is apparently part of the hoist, acting on the bottom of the triangular frame just in front of the rear axle. Carbide headlights, but the light by the windshield appears to be kerosene. I recently saw carbide headlights in operation. They are surprisingly bright, with a near-white light. Appears the driver has thrown his insulated coveralls on top until time to depart. Wonderful picture. No run-of-the-mill vehicleI'm sure a rig like that cost a lot of dough. Thanks for enriching our lives once again. [You've got some crust making remarks like that. -tterrace] We didn't make good timeI'm thinking at best this vehicle would average about 12 mph loaded like that and travelling on what was likely a very winding route with many grades, completing the trek in about 40 hours...plus time lost for maintenance stops, filling the radiator and whatever other nonsense trucks in those early days required. Not a fun or very efficient trip. Heavier DutyThe truck may be heavy duty, but it looks like the operator needs to be even heavier duty. There's barely the bare necessities, let alone creature comforts. Keep it flowingSolid rubber tires and lack of springs must of made it a very bumpy ride. The ride was probably measured in bathroom breaks rather than MPG. Snappy!Notice the great shoe-shines all around! Also, love the boy with the screw-on skates - I had those. Now, where is my skate-key?? Those are the BrakesNote the lack of brakes on the front axle. Driving down a San Francisco hill with a 5-ton load might be a hairy experience ! No seat belts and no doors - because jumping overboard might be the most sensible thing to do if she runs away on a hill ! Yep, two wheel brakes, no windshield, solid rubber tires......that trip to LA is going to be a memorable adventure, sheerling coverall or not. Re: "We didn't make good time"Although these trucks seem slow by today's standards, they were much more efficient than what was used previously to haul heavy loads - the horse and cart. "The American Contractor," a trade publication, published in their October 23, 1920 issue, on page 21, a comparison of what the truck was doing compared to a horse. Mr. Olaf Nelson, the man mentioned in the article, owned a quarry, and he was using two 5-ton White trucks with trailers to haul gravel for a road construction project. The trucks were delivered to him in July and August 1919. "A team of horses, Mr. Nelson had estimated, could accomplish the maximum haul of 16 miles, making one round trip with a wagon containing two cubic yards of gravel, in an 8-hour day. One truck on the other hand, could make six round trips daily and carry five cubic yards of gravel each time. One truck alone would thus do the work of 15 horses; with a trailer equipment, the truck could do the work of 20 horses." "Random glances at the record book showed each truck to have hauled an average of 45 tons a day over one seven-day period. Over another period of six days, hauling various distances, one truck hauled a total of 317 tons of gravel. The weight of one cubic yard of gravel is 2,800 pounds. "'I regard my two White trucks with their trailer equipment, as better than 70 head of horses,' remarked Mr. Nelson. "During the long severe winter months when road building was necessarily at a halt, Mr. Nelson's trucks were not. They were busy on numerous hauling jobs. Not only were the trucks idle fewer days during the winter than horses would have been, but when they were idle they did not eat into profits which they had previously earned by piling up feed bills on their owner." The picture below shows one of Nelson's trucks from the same article. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
The Pewmobile: 1918
... to extend the full width of the bus? 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Answer RE: Cord That is probably an electric ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/12/2017 - 7:07am -

San Francisco circa 1918. "Day-Elder bus." Today's entry in the Shorpy Inventory of Obsolete Omnibi poses the question: How did its passengers get on and off, or from front to back, on a vehicle whose seats seem to extend the full width of the bus? 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Answer RE: CordThat is probably an electric bus, and that cord is the extension cord to power the vehicle. Of course, the impracticality of that concept became evident once the bus was driven beyond 100 feet. Make of the Truck Chassis?This vehicle is obviously a custom-made wooden coachwork atop a standard truck chassis. Notice the lack of headlights! This is a daylight sightseeing vehicle, which makes fixed loading platforms feasible. A resort hotel might have a vehicle like this. If some well-equipped Shorpy Sleuth can please read the lettering on the side of the hood and on the radiator shell, we can pin down what sort of truck was used as the basis. The spoked wheels are very attractive! I can't decide if they appear to be painted wooden spokes or steel spokes. In either case, the pin striping is spiffy! BoardingThere must have been a platform, as at a subway station. Guessing Like a HorseMy guess is there was some kind of raised loading dock that this vehicle pulled up to, the same way public buildings (or at least the 1600's Friends Meeting House I went to nursery school at) had high and large blocks with steps on one side, to allow worshipers to mount and demount their horses. They may have even used horse mounting stations, since horses were still common in 1918. As for moving front to back--you don't. Bungee loading systemWould-be riders grabbed the cord trailing from the rear and shouted out their weight. The physicist/driver made a quick trajectory calculation and accelerated accordingly. Passengers already on board had to duck for the the incoming. Disembarking was a little harsh, but at least required no complicated calculations. Questions Answered?Obviously, those questions are the reason it's empty. Speculation:Perhaps there is a "running board" on the left side of the "bus"? Can anyone address what is hanging off toward the back of the bus? Maybe an "anti-theft device"? Water Hoseand it's not attached to the vehicle. D-E Worm DriveThe ribbed radiator indicates that this Day-Elder is a 1920 Model C 2-1/2 ton truck, with a funky bus body. The plate on the side of the hood reads "Chester N. Weaver Co., San Francisco" - the longtime San Francisco Studebaker dealer who added the Day-Elder line in January 1920. The plate replaces one that read "D-E Worm Drive." Day-ElderDay-Elder Motors Corporation (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Hudson Flivver School: 1930
... (?) titled The Telescope. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Galileo High School? Galileo High School's ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/07/2015 - 9:17pm -

San Francisco circa 1930. "Hudson auto with schoolgirls." Waving yearbooks (?) titled The Telescope. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Galileo High School?Galileo High School's (San Francisco) Yearbook is called "The Telescope". I can't find an image online for that design, but they were of similar artistic style. Galileo High SchoolLooks like you nailed the "circa" this time Dave. You can also remove the parenthetical question mark. Below is a picture (found on eBay) of the June 1930 Telescope yearbook from Galileo High School (now Galileo Academy of Science & Technology) in San Francisco. Hudson School of Car DesignThe auto is a 1930 Hudson Sunsedan This was a one year model that was a large two-door convertible. Hudson stated, "Here is a car of many pleasant uses and appeal -- all the smartness with none of the extravagant cost of a special body." Cost was $1,335 for the beginning part of the model year and $1,045 for the second half of the model year. Weight was 3,100 pounds wheelbase was 119 inches, and the new eight cylinder engine provided 80 horsepower. There was also a similar 1930 Essex Challenger Sunsedan. "Pssst, Helen!""Where's your book?" YearbooklessPhotog: "Everyone hold up your yearbooks." Girl in Middle: "But I forgot my yearbook!" Photog: "Just hold your hand up as if you did, and SMILE!" Texting While DrivingThat's not how you do it. And we'll have fun, fun, fun,'til Daddy takes the Hudson away. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, Pretty Girls, San Francisco)
Wayback Machine: 1929
... Golden Gate Park." Ready to rumble. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Wondering about rumble seats Was there an ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/30/2015 - 10:47am -

San Francisco, 1929. "Pierce-Arrow convertible coupe in Golden Gate Park." Ready to rumble. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Wondering about rumble seatsWas there an easy and graceful way to enter and exit a rumble seat? The gents in back look like they've earned a seat with the grown-ups. Pierce Arrows must have been great carsand I firmly believe they would've lasted a lot longer if they hadn't insisted on keeping their "trademark" headlights perched on fenders like frog's eyes -- yuck. I can imagine Raymond Loewy gagging every time he saw one. This Pierce-Arrow was made from cast aluminum, unprecedented in that day, this model today sells for $125,000. Rumble Seat Chin-to-Moustache RatioHaving never rumbled in a Pierce-Arrow, I'm wondering how one properly mounts a rumble seat. I don't see a step on the rear bumper and that grid device looks like it would prevent easy clambering. I don't see an easy access point from the driver's side running board, unless you placed your left foot just in front of the rear wheel well and swung your right leg up over the rear deck carefully avoiding the windscreen and into the rumble-pit. Those gentlemen rumbling in the rear don't appear particularly svelte (chin-to-moustache ratio = 2:1). There must be an easier way. Rumble seat accessAccess to the rumble seat on this model of Pierce Arrow (and most others) was via two (sometimes more) metal steps, the first on or near the bumper, and the final step on the fender itself. For obvious safety reasons, these steps were located on the curb side of the vehicle. Hold onto your BoaterStill had mechanical brakes, strange for a luxury car like the Arrow. You can see the rod going forward from the clevis. Fact and FictionThis car was not cast aluminum. Pierce abandoned that costly process in 1929. This car had a conventional, for the time, composite body. Steel over a hardwood framework. Though Pierce always had mechanical brakes, they were highly developed with vacuum boost. The were amongst the best, at the time. The headlights had nothing to do with the demise of Pierce Arrow. The depression was mostly to blame. By the end of production, the fender mounted headlights were industry standard. The last P/As were stunning, but financial failures Self-Equalizing Mechanical BrakesI saw a 1920s Bugatti which raced at Le Mans. It had self-equalizing mechanical brakes with little pulleys with a chain / cable round them to pull on the brake rods. Pull on the axle of the pulley and the same force reaches both wheels even if there was uneven brake wear, just like hydraulic brakes. A 'second-level' pulley equalized front-and-rear force. Pull on the "second level" pulley axis and there is automatic all-wheel equalization. Can't imagine why this feature wasn't on a high-end car. Maybe there were high patent licensing fees, or a not-invented-here attitude. Honesty in wordsWell, rumble seat may be a descriptive term describing the quality of the ride when using that seat. In German, a rumble seat was colloquially known as the "Schwiegermuttersitz" - the mother-in-law's-seat. On the theory that the more or less recently married automobilized gentleman would drive himself, of course, his dearest wife would sit next to him, and the Schwiegermuttersitz would have been what was left for the in-laws. Rain preferred because a deployed canopy would affford a bit more privacy and protection from monster-in-laws harpy eyes. A Beaut!Really like how the headlamps are formed into the fenders, at least it looks as tho. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Automobile Row: 1918
... showroom at the intersection. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Interesting photo. Anybody have any idea what ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/14/2016 - 12:52pm -

San Francisco circa 1918. "Chalmers Model 6-30 roadster facing N.W. corner Van Ness Avenue and Sutter Street." Note the Velie showroom at the intersection. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Interesting photo.Anybody have any idea what make the auto with the two tone paint and wire wheels is just past the Chalmers? UpstagedLots to love in this shot. Well-dressed businessman utilizing practical aspects of his smart-looking roadster oblivious to fire hydrant he is blocking and to the really eye-catching wire-wheeled speedster next in line. Havin' a ballThe fire hydrant at right was manufactured by the local San Francisco foundry M. Greenberg & Sons. First installed in SF in the 1880s, these "California ball type" hydrants featured distinctive balls for firefighters to hitch their horse-drawn fire trucks. These hydrants are made of cast iron and basically bomb-proof; many are still in use around the City today. SpeedsterI believe the car next in line is a Vauxhall, can not determine the Model. The Car in QuestionIt looks like a 1918 or 1919 Stutz Bearcat or Bearcat S. 1917 Chalmers SpeedsterA sporty little rig indeed! Especially for 1917. Re: Gushing about hydrantsAnd there it is! LuminaryThese cars were photographed in front of the Chalmers dealership, run by Indiana-born Luman (Lou) Hiram Rose (1881-1968), at 1230-1236 Van Ness Avenue. I believe he is the man shown here based on another photo I found of him. A photo of the front of his Chalmers enterprise is below (note the fire hydrant). Rose had been involved in selling automobiles for a dozen years by 1918. In 1906 he incorporated the Rose Automobile Company with several partners in Spokane, Washington, and he built a 100-foot-square garage in which to sell the Mitchell and National marques. Two years later this had become the Dulmage-Rose Automobile Co., where Haynes, Pennsylvania, and E.M.F. cars were sold. By 1911 Rose had become the regional E.M.F. assistant sales manager. Around 1913 he moved to San Francisco to work for the Lozier Automobile Co. as its West Coast representative. Circa 1915 Rose became the Chalmers agent for all of northern California. He took Chalmers sales from just 68 cars sold throughout the state in that year to over a million dollars in business by the close of 1916. When Chalmers and Maxwell merged in the early 1920s, he then began to market the Maxwell. Unfortunately, when Walter Chrysler took over Maxwell, which by then had already taken over Chalmers, Rose appears to have either lost his sales territory or he sold out. After moving to Los Angeles he became a real estate agent in Beverly Hills, retiring in 1952 whereupon he moved to Carmel. Rose died in 1968 at a convalescent hospital in Monterey after a long illness. He was married to Mae Merrill for over 50 years and they had two sons. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Seven Speeds: 1921
... With a dynamo in tow. 6.5 x 8.5 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. 6th and Townsend Holbrook, Merrill & ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/29/2014 - 7:42am -

San Francisco circa 1921. "G.W. Thomas Drayage -- Fageol truck." With a dynamo in tow. 6.5 x 8.5 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. 6th and TownsendHolbrook, Merrill & Stetson's plumbing supply warehouse was at 6th and Townsend. Note the railyard with Southern Pacific passenger cars in the background; their depot was at 3rd & Townsend. This view likely looks roughly northwest from the area of 6th & Berry streets, now directly under the I-280/John F. Foran freeway. View Larger Map Hybrid driveNote the pair of whippletrees on the wagon, in case a return to animal power is needed. Also the need to reach behind the front bumper to turn the starter crank. The machine being hauled looks like a rotary converter, used to produce 600-volt DC for railway traction, from an alternating current source. HistoryAncestor of Peterbilt! Holbrook, Merrill & StetsonWas at the corner of Market and Beale streets. All 7Slow, very slow, really quite slow ... Seven Gears on the RoadFageol is indeed the ancestor of Peterbilt. T.A. Peterman bought them out in 1938 and the first Peterbilt rolled out of Fageol's Oakland facility in 1939. The "7" indicates a dual-range mid-mounted transmission which provided enough torque to haul heavy loads --especially up San Francisco's legendary hills--yet attain a reasonable highway speed. (Which, considering the state of roads in 1921 and the open cab, probably meant 35-40 mph) FageolsThe Fageol brothers sold the truck business, and started Twin Coach, making buses, which became Flxible. Here is a link to a pretty exhaustive narrative of their dealings. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, Railroads, San Francisco)
V Is for Velie: 1916
... of Antiquated Automobiles. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Velie The Velie was made in my hometown of ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/05/2019 - 12:03pm -

San Francisco circa 1916. "Velie Six touring car at Golden Gate Park." Filed under "V" in the Shorpy Abecedarium of Antiquated Automobiles. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. VelieThe Velie was made in my hometown of Moline, Illinois, from 1908 to 1928. The car was named for Willard Velie, a grandson of John Deere. Nothing runs like a DeereWillard Velie was the maternal grandson of John Deere. I wonder if the Velie Six came in green? More on rear -- less on front.Rear wheels have 12 spokes, front 10 spokes -- interesting. Assume rear of car designed to support more weight despite engine in front. [The reason is braking force. The front wheels don't have brakes. - Dave] Abecedarium"Abecedarium." Wow, Dave, you are good! And converselyAssuming it's a rear wheel drive, the need for stronger wheels to get the buggy moving. Alpha BettyAbcde (pronounced Ab-si-dee) is a feminine name. Between 1990 and 2014, 328 girls in the U.S. were given the name Abcde. Making me smartAbecedarium. I love it when I have to look something up while browsing Shorpy. It's as if Shorpy were a mind-stretching vocabulary primer! In AdditionVelie Motors also made a heck of a good airplane in the late 1920s, the Velie Monocoupe. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Leftward Ho: 1919
... the road with a variety of treads. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Hinged Note the "fat man's steering wheel," ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/02/2015 - 1:07pm -

San Francisco, 1919. "Cadillac touring car at marina." Putting rubber to the road with a variety of treads. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. HingedNote the "fat man's steering wheel," with hinged spoke, that could be swung out of the way for ease of entry. HoldoverI don't know about the rest of the country, but in West Virginia we still had to know our hand signals to pass a driving test in 1975. Many motorcycles still didn't have turn signals and believe it or not, quite a few old cars and trucks were still around with only a single stoplight. Never had to turn my palm rearward for left or right turns. Came naturally for stops though. Good Roads MovementAt first I thought that window sticker said "Yes Cool Roads" but then I realized it's Good Roads. Here's some info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Roads_Movement Location clueOver on the left is the sign and tower of the Ghirardelli chocolate factory, so my guess is that we're probably on Bay St. and the empty block is an as yet undeveloped part of Fort Mason. Hand Signals As the owner of a 1930 roadster lacking turn signals, I can attest to the reactions of modern drivers to hand signals such as that pictured here: they wave back. Illegal Hand SignalWhere, in the South, I passed my driving test 67 years ago, one had to have the palm facing rearwards in hand signals. The palm was said to be lighter in color. Scary StuffI used to ride motorcycles with no turn signals well into the 90's, it was always a little scary and iffy approaching turns and stops. People rarely knew about hand signals and what they meant, which made me extra cautious about turns and stops. It felt like I was riding with a big old target painted on my back. It's Chestnut Street, not Bay Street.This would be Chestnut St, which is the original 1913 route of the Lincoln Highway It was the northernmost street in this area and had a streetcar line on it. The bare land was developed into the Marina District neighborhood, with Chestnut being the main commercial strip. [Which would place the row of similar houses in the background on the 2900 block of Van Ness Ave., where at least one of them seems to remain. -tterrace] Formerly the Fair?If this is Chestnut Street, would that bare land on the left have been the site of the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition? [Yes; in this area specifically, "The Zone," the area of amusement concessions. -tterrace] (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
And Step On It: 1917
... flowers in de vaz are fresh . 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Handset pocket An early (short range, one ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/17/2016 - 8:27pm -

San Francisco circa 1917. "Chalmers town car." The ideal conveyance for European nobility, effete academics and the like. Und James, ve do hope zat zeze flowers in de vaz are fresh. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Handset pocketAn early (short range, one way) mobile phone. Just in case James needs correction enroute. Earpiece conveniently mounted next to James' ear. Love James' gloves. SlummingNo spats? It must have been casual Friday. Leathery LiveryDamn, that chauffeur's wearing about half a cow! Back in the 'hoodWe're at Lafayette Park again; through the car's side window we can see the front of our recently-visited 2150 Washington St. DandyBehold my polished boot upon the running board. Don't you just love the brocade upholstered interior? How about my walking stick and buttoned gloves? The pince-nez? And do note the curled-up tips of my moustache. Well, I could spend all day talking about myself, but it's time to run. Class distinctionsButton shoes and striped pants vs leather gaiters and gauntlet gloves. A tad too tallSitting down, Monsieur could easily be mistaken for Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Bicoastal Buick: 1929
... Oakland -- only Buick survives. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Timing It's a good thing they didn't try it ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/03/2014 - 12:50pm -

A 1907 "Coast-to-Coast" Buick on San Francisco's Auto Row at Van Ness Avenue and California Street in 1929, evidently at the end of its jaunt. Of all the marques represented here -- Buick, Graham-Paige, Pontiac and Oakland -- only Buick survives. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. TimingIt's a good thing they didn't try it the year before. [In 1928? -tterrace] No in 1906. Long tripStarted in 1907, finished in 1929! Still rolling alongNot part of your list but, there's another brand name here we all still see. [Michelin! - Dave] In the Words of the Old JokeIf you don't like the way I drive, keep off of the sidewalk. 22 Then and NowDriving a 22-year-old Brass Era automobile across the continent was a noteworthy feat in 1929. Not sure how much publicity one would get today, driving a 1992 Buick from New York to California. Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick?The travelers are being greeted outside Howard Buick, with the greeter very likely being owner Charles S. Howard. Howard Buick was well known for promotional stunts like this. C.S. Howard is probably better known as the owner of the celebrated racehorse Seabiscuit. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Follow the Light: 1933
... the steering wheel. 5x7 inch dry plate glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Works like magic The headlight linkage ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/08/2016 - 2:06pm -

"Nash showroom, San Francisco, 1933." Where selling points include the Worm-Drive Axle and a center headlight that turns with the steering wheel. 5x7 inch dry plate glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Works like magicThe headlight linkage doesn't even connect to the steering linkage. I'll give them benefit of the doubt and say they probably did that so customer could have a better demonstration of it in operation. The missing linkWell the headlight is tuned the same direction as the wheels, but how? The link doesn't seem to be connected to anything? [Not at the moment. It's a setup like the one seen here a few weeks ago, on a 1931 Cadillac. Pivoting headlights and fog lamps had their moment as an aftermarket accessory in the 1920s and '30s. - Dave] That center mounted headlightIn the 1960s, there was a Tucker Car on display at Sutro Baths in SF. They heavily pumped its "revolutionary" features, including a center-mount headlight that tracked as the steering wheel was turned. Guess Tucker wasn't so original. Citroen DSThe Citroen DS also has swivelling headlights. They were made from 1955 to 1975. Having driven one, I can assure you, at times, it was a very useful addition. Not to be pushed?Did that worm drive rear axle make this Nash resistant to getting a push start if the battery was low? These were substantial, quality automobiles nevertheless. Wow! That's a Doosey!Wow, nice lookin' car for a working man's price; my first thought when I looked at the photo was Duesenberg. Terrific TileThe showroom floor is simply magnificent. Citroen DS21I owned a '68 for a year or so in Tunisia. Not only did the headlights track with the steering wheel, but, as I recall, they also adjusted to passenger distribution by pitching lower when the rear end sank and the front end rose. Remarkable vehicle: superb technology, mediocre engineering, and horrible materials. Go like the devil, though. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Blazing Buick: 1922
... If we ride along, can we ring the bell? 5x7 glassneg by Christopher Helin. View full size. Factory equipment This model comes with a ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/25/2014 - 2:57pm -

San Francisco, 1922. "Buick roadster at California Street firehouse." If we ride along, can we ring the bell? 5x7 glassneg by Christopher Helin. View full size. Factory equipmentThis model comes with a door-dinger installed. Why wait for others when you can do it yourself? World's RecordSmallest official Logo on any municipal vehicle, bar none. From Charles Howard?Seabiscuit's owner began his rise to success in the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. His Buick dealership had some of the few functioning motor vehicles available after the quake, and he loaned them to the city. His generous action also made the public aware of the benefits of his motorcars. He further boosted sales by accepting horses as trade-ins. It's said that's where he learned to value, and eventually race them. Did the city government show its thanks by buying Buicks? I Am RemindedIn British films of the '40s and '50s, police cars zoomed through the streets in pursuit of malefactors while clearing traffic from their paths by means of little bells that made my first tricycle's seem cacophonous by comparison. Was the pursuit of justice ever really such a genteel affair? San Francisco firefightersCould have spent a little less time polishing their pumpers and turned their attention to the door of the captain's Buick. 2150 California StreetIt looks like San Francisco still maintains a fire station at that address, but the original we only catch a glimpse of in this photo was amazing. I'm actually eagerly hoping Shorpy has a better shot than the one I was able to find of the old building. (More photos here.) It got uglyThe firehouse as it looks today at 2158 California Street. Where'd he come from?I didn't even realize there was someone in the driver's seat until I noticed the hand on the steering wheel. [He probably didn't see you, either. - Dave] (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Ready to Go: 1929
... is Graham, we'll leave up to you. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Looks brand new What a magnificent car. I ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/26/2016 - 2:04pm -

San Francisco circa 1929. "Graham-Paige at California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park." Which one is Paige, and which is Graham, we'll leave up to you. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Looks brand newWhat a magnificent car. I would love to have this roadster for weekend cruises. If it was pre-loaded with two ladies dressed like these two, it would be all the better. Re: Looks Brand NewJust don't take it cruising in 1950's Oakland! SF Glamour, Oakland wrecksI too am struck by the elegant posed cars with beautiful people in the City, and the wrecks we have been seeing from Oakland. Having lived a few miles from each in Marin most of my life, the different kinds of images typify what I know of both. A true lossWe frequently saw one just like this in my Staten Island neighborhood in the late forties along with a Reo with same rumble seat and similar body style. Wonder where such substantial and beautiful makes disappeared to. Mergers or the Depression? Graham-Paige, 1928 CoupeThe Graham-Paige was a magnificent car indeed! The company was founded in 1927 and lasted as a trade name until the early 1960s. Re: True LossesGraham-Paige survived the Depression but in very reduced circumstances. Kaiser-Frazer was built around what was left of the Graham-Paige dealer and service support network immediately after WWII, both of those names wound up being dropped but Kaiser was behind Willys/Jeep until 1970. REO survived into the '60s as a truck brand, their lovely and elegant cars were discontinued after '34. What's a Great Depression?Waving goodbye to the roaring '20s. Hang on ladies, it's about to get tough all over. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Slippery Danger: 1924
... the front seat and the back. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Bearing Grease? Maybe not, 1924 specs ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/24/2015 - 11:20am -

"Flint auto in San Francisco, 1924." With the Ghirardelli Square clock tower keeping time for whatever conversation is taking place between the front seat and the back. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Bearing Grease?Maybe not, 1924 specs hydraulic brakes front and rear-brake cylinders to activate the drum brakes. They were much less robust than the master cylinder was at pumping brake fluid. Older Chrysler products bear witness. Perhaps a drippy cylinder or seal? Dicey in hilly SF. Larkin StreetView Larger Map We need more tractionSo why don't you sit in the back. A striking carMy guess is that the car is a 1924 Flint. Flint was a part of Durant Motors, one of Billy Durant's failed enterprises after having been fired as CEO of General Motors three years earlier. Looking at the marks on the inside of the right front tire, I'd say it's leaking grease from a bad wheel bearing seal. Keep the Wyland Stanley photos coming - us gearheads out here love them. Utility poll: Spikes or no spikes? When I was a kid utility poles had climbing spikes as does the pole in this picture's background. Until now I hadn't thought about how these climbing steps seem to be missing these days. With the advent of the bucket truck I reckon they've mostly gone way of the buggy whip. Thanks Dave for the nice jolt to the memory. $50 RewardCan anyone read the small print on the signpost regarding the reward? $50 was a large sum of money in 1924 - nearly $700 adjusted to today. [Not pictured: smaller sign under this one labeled "$5 REWARD." - Dave] Beautiful carI love the mounts for the headlights. Looks like something you would find on a ship's searchlight. While looking at this photo I am holding a badge like the one on the front of the radiator on the car. Beautifully crafted in nickel plating and blue enamel. Keep these old car pictures coming. I love them. Pole SpikesThe climbing spikes still exist on some lines, but usually the two or three lowest are removable (these are carried by the lineman) to keep well-meaning but otherwise clueless kids (as I was back then) from climbing up and getting hurt. Scene from BullittThe famous car chase went down this street. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Dalmatian Wanted: 1920
... Fire Patrol truck." 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. oooooooo Tires Sporting the famous Octopus ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/02/2016 - 4:05pm -

San Francisco, 1920. "Underwriters Fire Patrol truck." 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. oooooooo TiresSporting the famous Octopus brand suction cup tread tires. A favorite among fire crews, for the invisible tire marks that did not need to be cleaned from the truck room floor. Octopus treadsThe perfect size and age for your own antique fire engine. I love the octopus treads, something I have never seen on a tire before. Underwriters Fire Patrol Company No. 1B?I think this is Underwriters Fire Patrol Company No. 1B at 147 Natoma St. Today 147 Natoma is adorned with "Underwriters Fire Patrol" and "Headquarters". There are two bays but the front seems to have been remodeled. The early American LaFrance trucks were chain driven. The chain gear was accommodated by the extra front flare on the rear fender. I have no idea what the extra rear flare was for. A flare for economyTo John J's point, perhaps the rear fender flare lets you use the same stamping for either side of the truck - possibly important for a relatively low-production vehicle. Been There, Done ThatFrom 1985 to 1987, I was a fire fighter at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, which got wiped off the map by a hurricane shortly after I left. We actually had a Dalmatian which had the run of the station, as well as a nice "dog run" out back. [Fun fact: The breed originated in Dalmatia, which is why they are called Dalmatians, not "Dalmations." - Dave] Octo-TreadVacuum Cup Tires. 831 Buchanan Street at Birchwas the residence of Underwriter Fire Patrol Company 2 from 1918 to 1940. This would have been on the NW corner of the intersection with the building facing almost due east. This address fits the street corner at the left of the building, the lighting conditions and the street number of the building to the right ending in 41. At sometime both Birch and Buchanan streets have been interrupted and the area is now condos and parks. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Road Locomotive: 1930
... the assembly line in 1929. 8x10 inch acetate negative by Christopher Helin, scanned by Shorpy. View full size. Barn Find The latest craze ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/02/2014 - 2:39pm -

San Francisco circa 1930s. "Locomobile 90 Victoria Sedan." With a factory price of $7300, this giant Series 90 Victoria came at the end of the road for the revered Locomobile brand, whose last cars rolled off the assembly line in 1929. 8x10 inch acetate negative by Christopher Helin, scanned by Shorpy. View full size. Barn FindThe latest craze in the collector car world is barn finds. Don't even think about washing them! The more dust on them, the higher the price. Looks like that's nothing new. Giant IndeedI saw one at the Winter Park Concours a few years ago. It was the size of a large fire engine! The light blue car took the pre-war preservation class, first place. For those who do not know, all of the vehicle including the paint (but not the tires) must be original to enter this class! Truly an amazing sight. WOW!$7,300 then is around $126,000 now. CompartmentalizedI LOVE the door handles. What are the nifty little compartments/hatches underneath the doors? [Jack. And maybe Jill. The kids have to ride somewwhere. - Dave] Loco logoThe body maker's logo is on the belt molding in a tiny circle below the windshield post, but I can't read it. [That might be the lucky owner's monogram. - Dave] Peeking Through the Windows +80You might see this view now: View Larger Map My Grandfather's LocomobileMy grandfather, a physician in Revere, Mass., from the 1920s to the 1970s, had one of these. Not sure which model. Two LocomobilesThe Locomobile is either a 1928 - 1929 model. The grille and radiator shape was different in 1927 and earlier model years. There are multiple reflections of other cars on the Locomobile body and windows. One of these makes it look like there is a tire in the back seat. According to the Locomobile Society website, only two of these later Model 90s are known to still exist. A circa 1925 Locomobile is parked immediately outside the windows at the far left of the photo. The Jackson Garage, seen across the street and listed in the 1929 San Francisco city directory, was located at 1641 Jackson. The name does not appear in the 1930 San Francisco city directly, but it does show a garage run by Albert Slotemaker at this address. Depending on the manufacturer and the age of the car, the compartments below the doors were used for different purposes. Jacks and their accessories, tools, general storage,and even batteries were stored in these openings. Smaller doors or holes allowed owners and chauffeurs to grease the chassis or fill oil reservoirs/cups. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Paiges on Parade: 1926
... a passel of parked Paiges. 8x10 film negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Counterbalanced Street Cars This stretch of ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/20/2014 - 4:44pm -

"Paiges on Fillmore Hill at Broadway." San Francisco in 1926 is the setting for this latest entry in the Shorpy Pageant of Extinct Conveyances, a passel of parked Paiges. 8x10 film negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Counterbalanced Street CarsThis stretch of Fillmore Street is so steep that, for many years, San Francisco's Market Street Railway employed counterbalance cars on its #22 line. These streetcars operated as normal electric cars for most of the line, but when they hit the Fillmore grade they hooked onto underground cables to help them up the hill. But these weren't cable cars. Instead of a powered cables, like on the City's cable car lines, the counterbalance system required another car at the opposite end of the line to be simultaneously hooked onto the cable. Simply put, as one car descended the hill it helped another car ascend. More info on the Fillmore Counterbalance here. Traction for Horsepower?The Paiges drivers semm to have inconsiderately parked their vehicles fouling the cable car line. But, I want to know what Shorpyists think is the purpose of the cleated roadway to the right of their vehicles. [It's a sidewalk, a sort of road for pedestrians. The ribs are so you don't slip. On the other side of the street we have stairs. And overhead, power for the streetcars. -Dave] Broadway at FillmoreExcept for the one peeking out from the left edge, all these buildings on Broadway are still there. The leftmost has had another floor added. The largest, 2275 Broadway, was built that year. View Larger Map Cable or Trolley?Here's a link to a description of the Fillmore St. counterbalance for electric trolley cars. The modern photo shows that the replacement trackless trolleys (trolley buses) detour around the hill. 88 years later: Then and NowI had to do some heavy perspective manipulation on this one, along with compositing another view to get the street somewhat in sync. The compositing is a bit crude, but I just wanted to give the impression of the street. I think it's reasonably effective, considering I can't get the same perspective from the other sidewalk that the original photographer got. (Google Streetview / September 2014.) Click here for large size Fillmore GripWasn't this the nickname for some sort of cable haulage for electric cars over a section of track that was too steep for normal traction? Re: TractionJust a minor nitpick, but thne streetcars in San Francisco use underground cables for the motive power, not overhead lines. The cars clasp the underground cables and are towed up the hills and kept from speeding too fast back down. The overhead lines are most likely power lines for homes and businesses. [Wrong. See the next comment up. - Dave] Time machine?Hey, why is there a closed circuit camera above the car second from the left! Time traveler shenanigans! (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Hudsons Bay: 1919
... for at least four furry friends. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. License and Registrations Please The license ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/06/2016 - 7:41pm -

San Francisco, 1919. "Hudson autos at Land's End." Conveyances for at least four furry friends. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. License and Registrations PleaseThe license plates indicate that both cars were registered to Arthur E. Maumus of 860 Geary in San Francisco. Arthur was a jewelry salesman. The two people pictured are then likely to be him and his wife Mabel Maumus, who worked as a garment fitter. At Least OneSome kind of Belgian Spaniel I think, and at least one French Bulldog, or Boston Terrier. And across the way......we have Point Bonita Lighthouse and Fort Barry on the hill above. Both are now part of the Marin Headlands section of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area as is Land's End where this photo was taken. On her back.Including the one on the woman's back? FashionMadame is attired in QUITE an outfit. And hat. Mr. BostonThink that's a Boston terrier in the car. We love ours, who answers to Murphy and is a most amusing and intelligent dog. As you can see, they have expressive faces. Bostons were the first breed recognized by the American Kennel Club and there's at least one photo of Lizzy Borden, years after the sudden loss of her parents, relaxing on the porch of her home with a Boston on her lap. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, Dogs, San Francisco)
Car Park: 1929
... telltale bollards standing guard. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Oh my Shoore is a pretty thang! Back when ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/10/2016 - 12:02pm -

San Francisco, 1929. "Franklin Brougham at Lafayette Park." Its telltale bollards standing guard. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Oh myShoore is a pretty thang! Back when a trunk was a trunk,and a nice one at that. Makes one wonder what the early "boots" on British cars looked like. My barn findThis model Franklin was actually called the Victoria Brougham. Built on the long limousine chassis this 2-door body ended way short of the rear, allowing the trunk to sit directly on the chassis. Here's mine, a true barn find half way through its restoration. kcars88's FranklinWhat a beauty! Looks like a great restoration of what must be a truly rare car. Lucky you on the barn find! I've always liked the Franklin carsEspecially these. Smooth clean lines. TrunkAlthough 1929 is a late example, that's a good illustration of the origin of the American usage of the word 'trunk' for the storage area on the back of an automobile. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Dort Sport: 1921
... Shorpy Exposition of Obscure Autos. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Spaghetti factory The Fontana Spaghetti ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/08/2016 - 10:15pm -

San Francisco. "Dort touring car, 1921." Latest display at the Shorpy Exposition of Obscure Autos. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Spaghetti factoryThe Fontana Spaghetti factory that is, back there at Van Ness Avenue and North Point. Now the spot's occupied by the notorious Fontana Towers, whose erection in 1962 spurred the drive for a height limit to protect waterfront views. ["Spaghetti factory," LOL. Everyone knows spaghetti is harvested! - Dave] Curious times twoWhere are the bumpers?? And what are those two access doors used for on the lower side of the car? Grease fittings? Leather interiorsThe leather interior looked so elegant, that I had to look for an interior picture. This is a 1924 model, but looks very similar. Cannon to the Left of ThemI can make out a shiny bronze cannon, seemingly aimed straight at her, just above the rearmost roof bow. The top word on the sign seems to read "Military". Would this be near an entrance to a military base? [As a matter of fact, that's Fort Mason to the left - west - of the Spaghetti factory. -tterrace] [That "shiny bronze cannon" is a brass standpipe; the sign says MILITARY RESERVATION. - Dave] Talk about cost cutting.Maybe the "One hinge per door" policy led to the Dort's early demise. Not So CheapThough it appears that there is just one hinge for each door, there were two. The visible lower hinge was angled slightly so that its pivot point passed through a point inside the door jamb where the upper, hidden hinge was located. It was an unusual, but not unheard of, trick in the early days. It also allowed the doors to swing in an upward path which made them self closing when you let go of them. Height above ground lineThat just might be the door handle. Both doors front hinged and just pull on handle to open. If so, another reason why not successful. [The Dort had rear-hinged doors, which opened from the front. Like the Dort, most open cars of the era had doors that unlatched from the inside and had no exterior handles. Closed cars had handles near the top of the door. - Dave] Thanks to you both, Ghost car?Is that a ghost car behind the Dort? [A car in motion on the street behind. -tterrace] (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
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