San Francisco

As I was walking back home down Market Street from the Ferry Bldg. this afternoon, I passed Main Street and was suddenly struck for the first time by how inappropriate that particular name for that particular street actually is. There is absolutely nothing of interest on it. In most cities, Main St. is just that, or at least a street of some significance. In San Francisco, it's a street of such inconsequence I'd wager at that anyone who doesn't work downtown wouldn't even be able to tell you where it is. They would say "Do you mean Market Street?" which is actually the main street of the City.

So when I got home I got online and tried to find out the reason why we have a Main Street and why it isn't, or if indeed it ever was (which I doubted). I didn't find anything, but I did come across two gems which engrossed me for hours while the rest of the world was watching the Super Bowl.

The first, FoundSF, is a treasure trove of San Francisco history, images and trivia. The site is a true delight and if you're a resident or just someone interested in our City it is well worth checking out. Browsing the "links" on the site took me to the San Francisco Public Library's Historical Images archive. This site is the motherlode of San Francisco pictures and is incredibly interesting and tremendous fun. Just wanted to pass this information along.

Also, while I was browsing the library's archive I kept appreciating photographs by Alan J. Canterbury so I called up all of his photos in the archive. What an interesting guy. It seems he spent his time shooting nightclubs and strip joints, churches and synagogues, and public schools. It's very interesting to contemplate exactly what was going through Mr. Canterbury's mind as he chose his subjects, isn't it? I'd love to see his "personal collection." If you have any information about him please pass it along. I leave you with one of my favorite images of his, which was taken about four blocks from where I now write this post. I wish the place still existed: