Time Travel--San Francisco 1905 before the big earthquake/fire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NINOxRxze9k&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NINOxRxze9k&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=NINOxRxze9k



Here's a neat opportunity to enjoy some time travel. The film is from a streetcar traveling down Market Street in San Francisco four days before the big earthquake/fire that destroyed the area. You can clearly see the clock tower at the end of the street at the Embarcadero wharf that's still there... The quality & detail is great, so be sure to view it full screen.

The film was originally thought to be from 1905 until David Kiehn with the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum figured out exactly when it was shot. From New York trade papers announcing the film showing to the wet streets from recent heavy rainfall & shadows indicating time of year & actual weather and conditions on historical record, even when the cars were registered (he even knows who owned them and when the plates were issued!).. It was filmed only four days before the quake and shipped by train to NY for processing. Amazing but true!

Notice how pedestrians are avoiding cars. There are no crosswalks or traffic lights, and there are very few women on the streets.

Comment by Josie on March 26, 2010 at 1:42pm
OMG, there are a lot of people nearly getting hit, aren't there?! This is absolutely an gem of send, Gordon! You weren't kidding about the 'freedom' of movement!

Comment by Gordon on March 26, 2010 at 10:41am
Note the freedom of movement, note the freedom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!