samedi 17 juin 2017

Historical Prints San Francisco Visitors Take Home Depict Its Colorful Past

By Susan King


Millions of tourists visit Northern California every year. Most of them buy mementos of their time in its City By the Bay to take home with them. It is not unusual for these visitors to purchase affordable artwork of some iconic landmarks that distinguish the city. Many choose views depicting the Golden Gate Bridge while others opt for the more unusual, but equally distinctive historical prints San Francisco collectors prefer.

One things a lot of visitors want to do is eat at the famous Cliff House. There a number of photos depicting the structure, that seems to teeter precariously above Ocean Beach. Adolph Sutro's renovation, which turned it into something reminiscent of a gingerbread house, is arguably the most famous. It would make a great memento of your time in this city.

The Sutro Baths no longer exist, but you can visit the remains just north of Cliff House. The mining engineer and one time mayor of San Francisco, Adolph Sutro, had a vision for a bathhouse where the public could come to exercise and socialize in style. The product of this vision became the biggest indoor swimming facility in the world. In its heyday, there were seven heated pools, paintings, history exhibits, and Egyptian mummies. The only way to enjoy it today is in a photograph.

If you enjoyed visiting the local markets here, you may want to purchase a print of Market Street as it appeared at the turn of the twentieth century. There is stunning photography depicting patrons in horse drawn carriages and trolleys. The Flat Iron Building is predominant in many of these photos.

Nob Hill was the height of sophistication and conspicuous wealth and nothing epitomized that as much as the Hopkins Mansion. San Franciscans of the time either loved it or hated it, and when it burned to the ground as a result of one of the fires created by the 1906 earthquake, people were said to have stood on the beach and applauded. Today it is a luxury hotel and a great reminder of past grandeur. It is a popular print in local shops.

San Francisco is no stranger to colorful characters, and one that is still remembered fondly today is Emperor Norton. The local citizenry accepted his eccentricities and looked forward to his latest proclamations and decrees. His reign as self-proclaimed Emperor of the United States lasted almost a quarter of a century. During that time he was a welcome guest at theaters and restaurants throughout the city.

Of course one of San Francisco's most pivotal and historical moments was the devastating earthquake of 1906 and its aftermath. Photos showing the destruction caused to City Hall and the Call Building are remarkable. They are vivid reminders of the power of Mother Nature.

This City By the Bay is beloved by many, and it has a unique cultural and architectural history with pivotal moments created by natural disasters. Pictures of its Golden Gate Bridge abound and are beautiful. It is interesting to see some lesser known photos though that give a real sense of this city's golden past.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire