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Upwardly Mobile: 1923
San Francisco circa 1923. "Studebaker Big Six touring car." At the Vanderbilt Apartments. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Brakes Work! That part of the sales pitch ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/25/2017 - 10:08pm -

San Francisco circa 1923. "Studebaker Big Six touring car." At the Vanderbilt Apartments. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Brakes Work!That part of the sales pitch that is more dangerous in San Fran. 1005 JonesApparently according to the phone book, it used to be 1005, but Google seems to disagree. [Also according to the photo. - Dave] Good brakes?Just in case, don't stand behind the car. Careful with the clutch when you start up! Good LuckHow would you like to take off up that hill using the clutch and manual transmissions they had in those days? Braking PointsAs someone who drove and parked a standard transmission car often in San Francisco, I can testify the technique is straightforward for most cars. Foot on brake, release handbrake lock but pull on handbrake to keep it on. Foot on the gas, let clutch out slowly to ease car forward against the handbrake, then slowly release handbrake as you powered up. There were a few models of cars where you set the handbrake with a foot pedal and release was an all or nothing proposition. These were not popular in San Francisco. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
This Is the Place: 1923
"Jewett touring car, San Francisco, 1923." The significance of the streetcar tracks is lost to the ages. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Which way do I go? I hold the steering wheel ... Appreciated. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco, Streetcars) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/02/2015 - 4:50pm -

"Jewett touring car, San Francisco, 1923." The significance of the streetcar tracks is lost to the ages. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Which way do I go?I hold the steering wheel this way and the car wheels go straight and follow the tracks going straight. But what if I follow this curve? Yes, that curve, there. The one in the road. And then how I do press the gas pedal if I'm standing out here holding the steering wheel? Oh, Mother said there'd be days like this. And the place is . . .Van Ness Avenue just south of Francisco, the cross street in the background. ConnectionsThe girls in this photo are holding yearbooks for Galileo High School, seen here at the right. CuriousThe building across the street from the high school is under construction in this 1923 photo. Do you know what it is and if it is still there. [Apartment house, 1200 Francisco St., still there -tterrace] View Larger Map Thanks! Still looking good! Appreciated. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco, Streetcars)
Girls' Day Out: 1919
... pelts." San Francisco circa 1919. "Franklin touring car." The versatile conveyance suitable for pillage or village. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. When hats were de rigueur and milliners ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/18/2017 - 12:28pm -

        "After a fortnight in the wilds, we return with many pelts." San Francisco circa 1919. "Franklin touring car." The versatile conveyance suitable for pillage or village. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. When hats were de rigueurand milliners prospered. Everything old is new again.And I thought thin whitewall tires came out in 1962. Wrong again. Hatted hottiesI can't see much of the driver's face, but the other three women are quite attractive, especially the lady in the front passenger seat. Also, it looks like this Frankin uses full-elliptic springs, front and rear - quite unusual. And rear drum brakes with external linings, not unusual for the era. Not for the average man.Franklin was also uncommon for it's wood Chassis, aluminum body, air cooled engine and a price that would buy about 4 Model T's at the time. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Nash-and-Grab: 1919
San Francisco circa 1919. "Nash touring car." Across from the pool hall, taking delivery of some apple crates ... Something-or-Other. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. POOL & BILLIARDS Who can locate the pool ... -tterrace] (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/04/2016 - 5:26pm -

San Francisco circa 1919. "Nash touring car." Across from the pool hall, taking delivery of some apple crates and an Edison Electric Something-or-Other. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. POOL & BILLIARDSWho can locate the pool emporium across the street? He's collectingIt looks like he is collecting for (?). The way the two gentlemen are holding the box it looks like it is being passed to the car. Also all the well dressed people behind them are holding packages and patiently waiting to do their good deed. Relief DeliveryThis looks more like a delivery. Maybe to an orphanage or a home. Explain...Why did everyone wear hats during this period? For protection or style? [Better you should ask, "Why, starting in the middle of the 20th Century, did nearly everyone stop wearing hats?" -tterrace] (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Filles de Franklin: 1920
San Francisco, 1920. "Franklin touring car at Golden Gate Park Conservatory." The air-cooled Franklin's ... resemble a coal scuttle. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Interested in Franklins? Or any other ... rear tires? (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/18/2015 - 4:24pm -

San Francisco, 1920. "Franklin touring car at Golden Gate Park Conservatory." The air-cooled Franklin's styling hallmark was a radiatorless hood that was said to resemble a coal scuttle. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Interested in Franklins?Or any other antique/classic cars, for that matter - a visit to the wonderful Gilmore Car Museum is highly recommended. Nice picture.The girl sitting on the left is cute. The car looks nice but I sure wouldn't want to be in it in case of a collision with another vehicle. Hat?I hope that's a hat and not her hair. Franklin featuresA look through the front wheel will reveal wood! chassis rails and full elliptic springs. Franklin cars were not copycats. Lots of FranklinsThe car museum in Norwich, New York, specializes in Franklins. They were built in Syracuse, and the company used their expertise in air-cooled engines to become a major supplier in the aircraft engine business at one point. Yum, Yum.I'm salivating all over the keyboard. The next year the air cooled Franklins move from the "coal shuttle" hood to the infamous "horse collar" hood, and then in '24 Franklin comes out with a conventional looking but completely fake radiator; a styling change that so disgusted some of the company purists that they resigned. Franklins were light but very high quality; I recently examined a '21 demi-sedan and when closing the door the sound is "clunk;" --on my '24 Model T coupe the sound is "clink." Was it the normto have different tread patterns for front and rear tires? (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
The Bright Side: 1918
San Francisco, 1918. "Sunshine -- Mitchell touring car." Possibly members of the International Sunshine Society. 5x7 glass negative by Chris Helin. View full size. Hey Ladies The breadman on the porch may have ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/17/2018 - 9:46am -

San Francisco, 1918. "Sunshine -- Mitchell touring car." Possibly members of the International Sunshine Society. 5x7 glass negative by Chris Helin. View full size. Hey LadiesThe breadman on the porch may have something to make you smile. [The International Sunshine Society was a service organization that, among its other virtuous works, delivered baked goods to shut-ins and invalids during the influenza epidemic of 1918. - Dave] Precursor to the Red Hat SocietyThe Odd Hat Society. With apologies to the Seven DwarfsPensive, Huffy, Stormy, Sulky, Dismal, Gloomy, Weepy, and Bitter. Keeping up with new technologyThose folks look like they just missed out serving in the Civil War. They saw AMAZING inventions. I'm not seeing the "sunshine"There are a variety of countenances here, including one indicative of a power nap in the back seat, but the only other one who doesn't appear to be hating life is the guy delivering the laundry. Re: I'm not seeing the "sunshine"OK, I stand corrected -- laundry, bread, whatever. And dang! I had first considered a reply that was uncannily almost identical to Sewickley's except I was gonna say "sleepy" instead of "weepy". Creepy coincidence! Just yesterday --One of the things that deeply fascinates me when looking at photos like these is the brevity of history. I'm 56. My grandfather, my mother's father, was born in 1918, the year of the photo. All but the driver had to have been born well before the Civil War. I'm sure a few of their mothers were born during the presidency of George Washington, their grandmothers being born before George III ascended the throne of Great Britain. I was very close to one of my great-grandmothers, who died at the age of 99 and in very good health in 1997. I've often reflected that the lives of only 20 individuals reaching her age takes us back to the time of Christ. A nadir in women's fashionIn heavy togs, women of the pre-flapper era resembled nothing so much as stocky shrubs cloaked in burlap to survive Winter's Arctic bluster. These commentsreally deserve a "like" button for the great chuckles they've given me! The poor driveris really earning the stars in her crown today. And San Francisco hasn't changed: you can use an overcoat almost any day of the year. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Sweet Six: 1919
San Francisco circa 1919. "Columbia Six touring car." Note the rakishly tilted windshield. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Hail Columbia! Built by Columbia Motors, not ... by Columbia.) (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/23/2015 - 9:05pm -

San Francisco circa 1919. "Columbia Six touring car." Note the rakishly tilted windshield. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Hail Columbia!Built by Columbia Motors, not related to the Columbia Motor Car Company that produced its own Columbia car from 1899-1910; I wonder how the trademark lawyers handled that? The earlier company had some connection to the famous Columbia bicycles (still made, I believe), in that both were originally part of A.A. Pope's Pope Manufacturing Company. The later Columbia's name was apparently just another attempt to "wrap the brand in the flag." Looks likeIzzy and Moe, on the verge of stardom? Tick...tick...tick....You sure about the motive power? I see a wind-up key! Edit: Actually, what is that thing? "That Thing"Looks like a support for the top framework when the top is folded down. Body curves in and the top braces are outside the body line. Closed With the two gents comfortable without topcoats, it would seem the automobile has not been running prior to this photo being made --- the thermostat controlled radiator shutters are in a closed configuration. (A touted feature by Columbia.) (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Thousand-Stair Yard: 1920
Somewhere in San Francisco circa 1920. "Oakland touring car." Latest entry in the Shorpy Baedeker of Barely Distinguishable Broughams. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Even as We Speak ... my minions are seeking ... derby. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/28/2016 - 1:09pm -

Somewhere in San Francisco circa 1920. "Oakland touring car." Latest entry in the Shorpy Baedeker of Barely Distinguishable Broughams. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Even as We Speak... my minions are seeking you out for that pun. Take a Good LookThis appears to be an entrance to Buena Vista Park, where Buena Vista Avenue meets Haight and Baker streets. Right Park, Wrong EntranceA better match is the entrance to Buena Vista Park where Buena Vista Avenue meets Duboce Avenue. Hokey smoke!That was a stunner of a pun. It's right up there with the Rocky and Bullwinkle episode that showcased a magic hat called the Kirwood derby. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Getting Hitched: 1925
Mill Valley, Calif., circa 1925. "Nash touring car with trailer." Outfitted with a patriotic profusion of flags. 5x7 glassneg by Christopher Helin. View full size. Auto-Kampers The car is towing an Auto-Kamp ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/11/2014 - 4:14pm -

Mill Valley, Calif., circa 1925. "Nash touring car with trailer." Outfitted with a patriotic profusion of flags. 5x7 glassneg by Christopher Helin. View full size. Auto-KampersThe car is towing an Auto-Kamp Trailer, one of the first fold-out campers made. Mill Valley, that's my homeThis view shows the old Mill Valley train depot at the corner of Miller and Throckmorton Avenues. This depot was torn down in 1928 and replaced with the current "Book Depot" station still standing today. Trees have obscured much of the background in this contemporary photo of today's Depot (bottom photo below), but the Bank of America in the background of the circa 1925 photo is still standing strong. [Excellent detective work! I've updated the caption. - Dave] Mill Valley Fuel CompanyIn the background at right, just where it should be at what is today 71 Throckmorton Ave., though the old building is long gone. You could, however, have bought one of these there, according to the Sausalito News of October 19, 1918. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, On the Road)
Three-Quarter Moon: 1920
San Francisco, 1920. "Moon touring car and tire chains in Golden Gate Park." Was that ice under those palm ... Ephemeral Phaetons. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Starter solenoid That's where an annoyed soul ... conditions. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/02/2015 - 11:27pm -

San Francisco, 1920. "Moon touring car and tire chains in Golden Gate Park." Was that ice under those palm trees? Latest entry in the Shorpy File of Ephemeral Phaetons. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Starter solenoidThat's where an annoyed soul puts the crank to start the engine. Agree with Starter SolenoidMoon began using the Delco electric starter with the 1914 models. One source said that Moon continued the manual starter as a "convenience for the customer". Radiator drain plugIs that a radiator drain plug in front center? Draining radiators for more than 50 years and never had one that convenient. John McLaren's homeThe building behind the car is now McLaren Lodge, the SF Park & Recreation headquarters but at the time of this photo it was home to Park Superintendent John McLaren. Just out of frame on the right of the 1920 photo is a Monterey cypress that still stands today and is known as 'Uncle John's Tree.' At the time it would have been about 40 years old. Warm and dryMy rule: always conduct a trial fitting of new tire chains when it's warm, dry, and in good light. There is SO much that can go awry, and be conducive to pain and profanity, in actual road conditions. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Leftward Ho: 1919
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. Hinged Note the "fat man's steering wheel," ... -tterrace] (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
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)
Dort Sport: 1921
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 factory The Fontana Spaghetti ... -tterrace] (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
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)
Battle Wagon: 1921
San Francisco circa 1921. "Sheridan touring car at Palace of Fine Arts." A product of the Sheridan Motor Car Co. of ... choice for Civil War reenactors. Glass negative by Chris Helin. View full size. Nothing Up His Sleeve It appears the Veteran ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/19/2019 - 10:12am -

San Francisco circa 1921. "Sheridan touring car at Palace of Fine Arts." A product of the Sheridan Motor Car Co. of Muncie, Indiana, one of the more obscure entries in the Shorpy Catalog of Discontinued Conveyances. And evidently the buggy of choice for Civil War reenactors. Glass negative by Chris Helin. View full size. Nothing Up His Sleeve It appears the Veteran Has an empty right sleeve. [Except for the white thing coming out the end, which is his arm. - Dave] Not Dead YetSayers and Scovill still exist as S&S Coach Company, outfitters of hearses and funeral limousines. They started building horse-drawn buggies, commercial wagons and funeral vehicles in 1876. They built the first motorized ambulance in 1906, and their first hearse automobile in 1912. Their only passenger car seems to be the Sayers Six in the picture, built from 1914 through 1924, with annual output rarely more than 200 per year. After that, they specialized in funeral vehicles. Although the company was sold several times, the brand remains active today. The real thingI expect that the standup passenger is not re-enacting anything, but is a veteran of the conflict. The last veteran died about 35 years after the date of this picture, so having a live veteran was not unusual at the time. [The fiftyish fellow with the spirit-gummed mustache isn't old enough. Below, actual Civil War veterans at Gettysburg in 1913. - Dave] With Six You Get BedrollI've lived in Cincinnati many decades, but the Sayers Six is a new one on me. Avondale was one of Cincinnati's plushest neighborhoods in the Twenties, so that was likely the source of the car's model name. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, Civil War, San Francisco)
Well Sprung: 1920
San Francisco, 1920. "Haynes touring car leaving garage." Riding on Gruss Air Springs. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Gruss Air Springs Interesting that Raymond ... tonight. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 06/19/2015 - 8:51pm -

San Francisco, 1920. "Haynes touring car leaving garage." Riding on Gruss Air Springs. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Gruss Air SpringsInteresting that Raymond Gruss applied for the Gruss Air Spring US patent in 1924 and the patent was granted / published in late 1928. Would the Air Spring be in use 4 years prior to even filing for the patent?? FlashyI'm fascinated by the bezels and lenses of the headlights. And that glare on the driver's side is pure photo greatness. Not just any garageThat's the Grove Street side of City Hall, having its 100th birthday celebration tonight. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Big Wheels: 1925
San Francisco circa 1925. "REO touring car at Golden Gate Park." Ready to carry these ladies in style. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Big and beautiful Those "deep dish" solid ... years later? (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/31/2015 - 3:04pm -

San Francisco circa 1925. "REO touring car at Golden Gate Park." Ready to carry these ladies in style. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Big and beautifulThose "deep dish" solid wheels are quite handsome (Packard used that style for a number of years) and are far better looking than the wooden artillery spoke wheel, the most common alternative. Probably not the most efficacious way to keep the brakes cool, but in those days brakes were a pretty rudimentary mechanism anyway -- almost universally mechanical rather than hydraulic, still only on the rear wheels on most makes. When one of Ettore Bugatti's race drivers complained of the brakes on his car, le Patron is said to have replied, "I build my cars to go, not to stop." Nice cars!I am a dyed-in-the-wool trolley buff but I do enjoy all of the pictures of old cars. Thank you and keep 'em coming! 20" RimsWho would of known they'd be back in style almost 100 years later? (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Sound Your Sparton: 1918
California in 1918. "Chalmers touring car on dunes." Along with a reminder from the Sparton auto-accessories ... as a safety message. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Sparks-Withington Sparks-Withington Corp. ... need BOTH) (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/12/2015 - 5:30pm -

California in 1918. "Chalmers touring car on dunes." Along with a reminder from the Sparton auto-accessories company to sound your horn -- branding disguised as a safety message. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Sparks-WithingtonSparks-Withington Corp. made its Sparton-brand "Motor Horns" in Jackson, Michigan. More here and here. [In 2009 Sparton Corp. moved its headquarters to Illinois, and its manufacturing to Florida and Vietnam. Two years later, its abandoned plant in Jackson was torched by a teenage arsonist and burned to the ground. - Dave] Choose Your Auto Accessories Wisely!Those sounding a Klaxon are ineluctably doomed to perish in a flaming motor wreck. DownhillThose old mechanical brakes SLOW YOU DOWN until you stop. We have a '24 Model T coupe that my wife refuses to drive because she insists on having a car with BRAKES!!! (The horn works sooooo---, you really don't need BOTH) (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
What, Me Worry?
San Francisco, 1919. "Roamer touring car." Transportation for the young man who's going places. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Air to the Spare Looks like his spare is a ... appeals. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/25/2016 - 9:38am -

San Francisco, 1919. "Roamer touring car." Transportation for the young man who's going places. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Air to the SpareLooks like his spare is a bit low on air. Style NotesNot a very convincing spare tire, but the fake Rolls-Royce radiator appeals. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Petit Hearse: 1919
San Francisco circa 1919. "Chalmers touring car at Golden Gate Park." Fitted with a funereally swagged top, ... Mortuary of Marmoreal Motorcars. Photo by Christopher Helin. View full size. A first? Are we being treated to a first on ... the group! (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/23/2017 - 5:26pm -

San Francisco circa 1919. "Chalmers touring car at Golden Gate Park." Fitted with a funereally swagged top, complete with flowers. Latest addition to the Shorpy Mortuary of Marmoreal Motorcars. Photo by Christopher Helin. View full size. A first?Are we being treated to a first on Shorpy? Referring to the elegant add-on side mirror. Pun-ishmentThis has to rank near the top for subtle pun titles on Shorpy. It is up there with "That's All Folks," from a few weeks ago. Shorpy, the last bastion of punnage....The *groan* heard 'round the group! (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Beauty & the Beast: 1922
San Francisco circa 1922. "Paige 6-66 touring car." Advertised as "the most beautiful car in America." 5x7 glass negative by Chris Helin. View full size. Got me! For a second there, I was thinking ... October 2011. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/26/2018 - 1:44pm -

San Francisco circa 1922. "Paige 6-66 touring car." Advertised as "the most beautiful car in America." 5x7 glass negative by Chris Helin. View full size. Got me!For a second there, I was thinking "THAT is one heck of a hood ornament!" It is rather beautiful, but ...I give up. Where's the beast?? [Model 6-66. Hello? - Dave] [Aaarrgh - bohneyjames] A most beautiful carA few minor differences, but here is a survivor, snapped at Hershey PA, October 2011. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Mona Lisa: 1920
San Francisco circa 1920. "Studebaker Special Six touring car at Mona Lisa apartments." Fitted with yet another variation on the "California top." 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Still there It got an Art Deco makeover at ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/14/2016 - 3:09pm -

San Francisco circa 1920. "Studebaker Special Six touring car at Mona Lisa apartments." Fitted with yet another variation on the "California top." 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Still thereIt got an Art Deco makeover at some point (and lost the awning), but it hasn't yet fallen to redevelopment: (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Oakland Rider: 1920
San Francisco circa 1920. "Oakland touring car at Golden Gate Park." Latest entrant in the Shorpy Parade of Prehistoric Phaetons. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Appereciated, always Shorpy's alliterative ... Oakland.... (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/19/2015 - 11:16am -

San Francisco circa 1920. "Oakland touring car at Golden Gate Park." Latest entrant in the Shorpy Parade of Prehistoric Phaetons. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Appereciated, alwaysShorpy's alliterative assemblage of antiquated automobiles. OaklandBetter keep that Oakland out of Oakland.... (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
King at the Temple: 1920
... Golden Gate Park circa 1920. "King Model H 'Foursome' touring car at Spreckels Temple of Music." Today's entry in the Shorpy ... K. Or maybe H. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Rex Obscurus This obscure marque was no doubt ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/11/2019 - 8:14pm -

San Francisco's Golden Gate Park circa 1920. "King Model H 'Foursome' touring car at Spreckels Temple of Music." Today's entry in the Shorpy Abecedary of Esoteric Autos is the letter K. Or maybe H. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Rex ObscurusThis obscure marque was no doubt one of the period's many scorned "assembled" makes -- a term referring to vehicles put together primarily with off-the-shelf components purchased from a multitude of outside suppliers. It is interesting that the opprobrium connected with that particular manufacturing approach didn't seem to apply to the poster child of assembled cars -- that is, the early Model T Ford. A rose by any other nameShown is the back side of the "temple", which is a bandshell. It now has trees planted in the plaza in front, supposedly to provide shade but just obscuring sightlines and sound. Not that there are any huge crowds there anymore. Opposite facadeHere's a 1906 view of the "business end" of the bandshell, the audience seating area in front, and the trees that steamghost commented on. The damaged parapet visible in the photo was the result of the seismic unpleasantness San Francisco had recently endured. Still looking good The old landscaping clearly went long ago, but you can see the teenager-sized versions of those now-huge eucalyptus trees at the left there. Rex extinctusThe King automobile Wikipedia page implies that the car was not just a run-of-the-mill assembled make. King was an early manufacturer of V8 models, and had some advanced features early on. Seems that bad management rather than a poor product is what did them in. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Glossy Gardner: 1922
San Francisco, 1922. "Gardner touring car." Yet another Jazz Age marque that died with its sneakers on. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Distancing? When I first glanced at the photo ... happen. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/10/2020 - 8:25pm -

San Francisco, 1922. "Gardner touring car." Yet another Jazz Age marque that died with its sneakers on. 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Distancing?When I first glanced at the photo I thought the driver was wearing a mask. Sign of the times, I guess. It might have beenSears, Roebuck & Company asked Gardner to develop a car to be sold by mail order. But, as a result of the stock market crash of 1929, that didn't happen. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Offroaders: 1919
San Francisco circa 1919. "Franklin touring car." Some of the ladies last glimpsed here . 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. It was all about the ride. Another Franklin ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/18/2017 - 1:05pm -

San Francisco circa 1919. "Franklin touring car." Some of the ladies last glimpsed here. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. It was all about the ride.Another Franklin specialty. Dual upper and lower suspension leaf springs. The San Francisco ScuffAs noted before, the characteristic scuff of the right front tire from obeying the (then, maybe now) ordinance that you had to wedge your tire against the curb when parked on a hill. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Sweet Chariot: 1920
San Francisco circa 1920. "Chalmers touring car." Wearing a spiffy "California top." 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Detachable top? Looks like a detachable top ... - Dave] (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 06/27/2015 - 2:24pm -

San Francisco circa 1920. "Chalmers touring car." Wearing a spiffy "California top." 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Detachable top?Looks like a detachable top with an eisenglass window on each side. ["The California top ... can be stowed or removed quickly and has a permanent roof and glass windows" says this period article. -tterrace] LocationTaken on the 2100 block of Washington Street, north side; not sure of the exact address. The house has been somewhat altered, and is currently obscured by a tall hedge. [The house is the Phelan Mansion at 2150 Washington. - Dave] (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Open and Shut: 1921
San Francisco circa 1921. "Chalmers touring car at Lurline Baths, Bush side of Bush and Larkin." An open car whose ... on the driver side. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Wheels Not Turned When I learned to drive in ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/31/2017 - 10:58am -

San Francisco circa 1921. "Chalmers touring car at Lurline Baths, Bush side of Bush and Larkin." An open car whose "California top" is fitted with windows on the driver side. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. Wheels Not TurnedWhen I learned to drive in S.F. the police would hand out tickets to drivers who parked on hills without turning their front wheels into the curb (to prevent runaway vehicles if the parking brakes failed). It is somewhat difficult to tell but it looks like this car is pointed downhill and the wheels are still straight - yet no ticket on the windshield......yet. Wheels Not TurnedWhen I learned to drive in S.F. the police would hand out tickets to drivers who parked on hills without turning their front wheels into the curb (to prevent runaway vehicles if the parking brakes failed). It is somewhat difficult to tell but it looks like this car is pointed downhill and the wheels are still straight - yet no ticket on the windshield......yet. -24At the Lurline Baths in 1897, courtesy the Edison company and the Library of Congress. Splash Apron Modesty PanelClassy solution to the usual practice of leaving the forward mounting nuts of the rear leaf springs exposed in gaping access holes. PerambulatorAt the extreme right of the image, one can see a wicker perambulator, more commonly known as a "pram", parked up against the wall of the building. "Pram" could be derived from the small boat of the same name, or it might be a truncation of "perambulator" My parents had one of these, though not wicker. I can actually remember sitting in it. I have clearer memories of my little brother sitting in it. And, of course, when it had outlived its usefulness after the fifth offspring, its wheels became part of a home-made coaster! (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Peerless in the Pines: 1923
Circa 1923. "Peerless touring car at Lake Tahoe (California)." Rolling on Kelly Balloons. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. GASOLINE It's a gas can. It even says ... (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 06/16/2016 - 2:26pm -

Circa 1923. "Peerless touring car at Lake Tahoe (California)." Rolling on Kelly Balloons. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. GASOLINEIt's a gas can. It even says "GASOLINE," stenciled on the side! The running-board mounted frame secures it all around and over the top. Also common in those days was a trio arrangement of smaller cans in a similar carrier for gas, oil, and water. Peerless was an upscale make, but those hood latches are a type that shakes loose pretty easy, thus the rope through all four latches, to keep them fastened. I believe but cannot say for certain that those fitted windows were factory accessories. Again, not an economy car. At first I thought Mr. Backseat was lighting a cigarette, but now I'm leaning toward the snack. Calling all Shorpy experts...What is on the driver's side running board? And what is the rope or cord on the hood holding up on the passenger side? Are the windows aftermarket? Not an expertBut I think that might be a tool case on the running board. I'm wondering if the occupants have some kind of card game going on. [Looks to me like they're having a snack. -tterrace] Looking again dang it. I think you're right tterrace. My 500th comment since joining Shorpy was not my best. No expert, but --1) Tools, perhaps? 2) That strap is crossed over on top, and looks like it's holding the hood latches up. I could see how they might loosen on rough roads, and this car looks like it's seen some! Four wheel brakesFour wheel brakes appear to be present in this Peerless. 1923 was apparently the year that four wheel brakes started to became standard for the industry. Having rear wheel braking only makes for extremely unstable stopping. http://www.carhistory4u.com/the-last-100-years/parts-of-the-car/brakes (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin)
Modern Family: 1922
San Francisco circa 1922. "Haynes touring car." Even your wife can drive it, and it's safe enough for the kids. 5x7 glassneg by Christopher Helin. View full size. Kid Safety Safe enough for the kids is a ... were erected. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, Kids, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/09/2015 - 8:16pm -

San Francisco circa 1922. "Haynes touring car." Even your wife can drive it, and it's safe enough for the kids. 5x7 glassneg by Christopher Helin. View full size. Kid SafetySafe enough for the kids is a modern invention, probably from the 1970s. Kids were pretty rugged before that. Solid, If UnexcitingHaynes built a quality car, albeit hardly a scintillating one. The opera windows must be a palliative for the claustrophobia doubtless induced in the rear sea passengers when side curtains were erected. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, Kids, San Francisco)
Upward Bound: 1924
San Francisco circa 1924. "Oldsmobile touring sedan." Latest entry on the Shorpy Roster of Defunct Dreadnoughts. Glass negative by Chris Helin. View full size. Those six bolts and clamps Around the outer ... there know (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/10/2016 - 11:42am -

San Francisco circa 1924. "Oldsmobile touring sedan." Latest entry on the Shorpy Roster of Defunct Dreadnoughts. Glass negative by Chris Helin. View full size. Those six bolts and clampsAround the outer rim are loosened and the tire and rim come off. The spare tire and rim are bolted on and away you go. The rest of the disc wheel stays on. tire changeWhen this gentleman changes the tire (from what I understand was frequent in those days)does that giant hub cap come off or just the black circle area around the big hex area? Any shorpies out there know (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Kissel Me You Fool: 1922
San Francisco, 1922. "Kissel touring car." Latest tenant in the Shorpy Garage of Geriatric Jalopies. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. I'll sign up for that too! Any fan of ... tire cover?? (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/21/2015 - 6:38pm -

San Francisco, 1922. "Kissel touring car." Latest tenant in the Shorpy Garage of Geriatric Jalopies. 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. I'll sign up for that too!Any fan of thoroughbred motor cars would love to be Kisseled, I think. A Wisconsin manufacturer of high quality autos from 1907 until a combination of dwindling clientele and the machinations of corporate raiders led to its 1931 bankruptcy, Kissel was perhaps best known for the stylish and sporty 6-45 Speedster, popularly known as the "Gold Bug," but also produced a wide range of passenger cars, trucks, professional cars (hearses and ambulances), and -- after vehicle production ceased -- even outboard motors. Could that bea patent leather tire cover?? (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
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