The Sunset is San Francisco’s largest neighborhood, but it’s hard to get lost here. In a neighborhood where streets are numbered or alphabetized, it’s always easy to know where you are, no matter how blinding the sun, dense the fog, strong the wind or dark the night.
‘Captures from Cleveland’: Photos Found in Ohio Believed to be Scenes of Old SF
Mark, a collector from Cleveland, Ohio, found old photographs at a yard sale that he believes to be pictures of San Francisco from long ago.
Historical Photo: The Total Totem Pole
A classic shot looking up Point Lobos Avenue near the Great Highway around 1947.
Historical Photo: Once Upon a Time in Golden Gate Park
Once upon a time, a streetcar ran through Golden Gate Park. The photographer was standing on the tracks looking north toward what is now the JFK Drive overpass and the Dutch Windmill.
Historical Photos: Ahead of the Curve
Today, the curve along Sloat Boulevard near 39th Avenue is lined with quintessential Sunset stucco homes.
Historical Photo: “Where’s the Beef?”
Long lines mirroring pandemic times at Denhard’s Market at 701 10th Avenue near Cabrillo Street.
Historical Photo: Sweeny/Sweeney Observatory
The Sweeny Observatory once graced the top of Strawberry Hill at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.
Historical Photo: Quintara’s Doomed Dune
This view is looking northwest on Quintara Street at Sunset Boulevard around 1940.
Historical Photo: View From 13th Avenue
Most of the buildings on the north side of Clement Street and Funston Avenue (then known as 13th Avenue) in this May 1920 photograph still stand. It is also still possible to stand on this same patch of grass next to the former Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist building that has been reincarnated as the Internet Archive.
Historical Photo: ‘Reaching New Golden Gate Heights’
In this San Francisco Department of Public Works photo taken by Horace Chaffee, the Moraga Street Stairway to Golden Gate Heights was just completed in January 1928.
Historical Photo: Seventh Avenue Survivor
The Quonq Sing Laundry at 433 Seventh Ave. (now 465 Seventh Ave.) between Geary Boulevard and Anza Street is one of the earliest Chinese-owned businesses in the Richmond District. The structure was built in 1902 and was incorporated into the 1987 building currently on the same site.
Historians Form ‘Save the Cliff House Collection’ to Salvage Treasures
When Alexandra Mitchell, the owner and principal fine art conservator at ACT Art Conservation, learned that the Cliff House’s art works and memorabilia were slated to be auctioned off in mid-March, she knew something had to be done.
Historical Photo: ‘Fancy Fruits and Choice Meats’
In 1951, 4055 Irving St. at the corner of 42nd Avenue was the Portola Market advertising fancy fruits and choice meats. It was run for many years as A-1 Liquor & Groceries, until Palm City Wines recently took over …
Historical Photo: ‘Mr. Ackerman’s Wild Ride’
In January 1904, Fulton Street and 10th Avenue was home to the Fulton Chutes. Owned by Charles Ackerman, the Chutes took up an entire city block …
Historical Photo: ‘Can You Hear Me Now?’
A group of workers raise telephone poles on Geary Boulevard near 38th Avenue, circa 1915. In this view looking west, homes are visible in the distance – some of which still exist.