Below: This photo of Trad’r Sam, the Outer Richmond District Polynesian-themed bar on Geary Boulevard at 26th Avenue, was taken circa 1950. The bar was opened in 1937 by Sam Baylon. SF Heritage called it the “longest continuously running tiki bar in the world.” “Television” listed on the awning was a fairly new technology and apparently a draw for customers. Television was still in black-and-white back then. Photo courtesy of a private collector/Western Neighborhoods Project/OpenSFHistory.

Above: The Holy Virgin Cathedral in the background was completed in 1965, about 15 years after the top photo was taken. The small parklet out front will inform future historians that the photo was taken sometime in the 2020s, after the COVID-19 pandemic inspired outdoor seating to promote social distancing and better air circulation. Photo by Michael Durand.