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The Cable Car Home Pageby Joe Thompson |
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I want to use this site to share my knowledge about and interest in cable cars (also known as cable tramways). I want to keep it simple. I welcome input from any source, especially about cable cars in cities other than San Francisco. I hope to build this page up gradually as time permits. I welcome information, photographs, and suggestions.
| Where Should I Go from Here? Visit the Map |
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November, 2021 was the 25th anniversary of this website.
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Presented by Emiliano Echeverria Thanks to Emiliano Echeverria for letting me present a series of photos that were hand-colored by Charles Smallwood |
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The 2022 Muni Heritage Weekend was held on Saturday-Sunday, 04- 05-June-2022. |
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Byron Cobb won the 2019 Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest on Thursday, October 10 at Noon in Union Square. This was his eighth victory. The 2020 and 2021 contests have been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. #TrumpVirus |
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Tales From the Grip 10 Years 2003-2013: "Maybelle the Cable Car" I am proud to be the host of gripman Val Lupiz's column: Tales From the Grip. Special Update, December 2011: Maybelle the Cable Car. |
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San Francisco's Transportation Octopus, the Market Street Railway of 1893, a new book by Emiliano Echeverria, Michael Dolgushkin and Walter Rice, is now available as an Ebook on a DVD. I have written a small review. |
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You will enjoy Strephon Taylor's new documentary San Francisco Cable Cars: "At over 140 years old, the San Francisco Cable Cars are a moving monument, a snapshot of nearly lost technology, a romance story, and the very heart of the City." Read my Review. Read about or see some other Cable Car Videos. |
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Reflections on Life at the San Francisco Cable Car Division I can highly recommend Nick Tomizawa's dvd The Feel of the Rope: "a tribute to the men and women that carry on a San Francisco tradition that has continued for over 130 years. Through the words of employees past and present representing two generations of operators, managers, maintainers, trainers, and car builders, you will get an insider's look at what makes the cable cars the most unique transit system in the world." Read my Review. Read about or see some other Cable Car Videos. |
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The Cable Cars of San Francisco Second Edition by Robert Callwell & Walter E. Rice, Ph.D. The second edition of Of Cables and Grips: The Cable Cars of San Francisco -- not yet available in a print-and-paper book format -- is available on this web site. |
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The "Two Classic Streetcars" set contains a New Orleans Perley Thomas electric streetcar and Powell/Mason car 4. I received them for Christmas, 2021. See more collectible items on my Cable Car Kitsch page. See toys, magazine ads, and other new items. |
Table of Contents
- What is a cable car? (updated 01-Sep-2005)
- How do cable cars work? (updated 01-May-2021)
- Where and when did cable cars operate? (updated 01-Jul-2016)
- San Francisco (updated 01-Nov-2022)
- Other California Cities
- Los Angeles (updated 01-Nov-2019)
- Oakland (updated 01-Jul-2019)
- San Diego (updated 01-Jun-2019)
- Chicago (updated 01-Feb-2022)
- Kansas City (updated 01-Jul-2021)
- Saint Louis (updated 01-Dec-2019)
- New York/New Jersey (updated 01-Jan-2022)
- Hoboken (updated 01-Jan-2022)
- Newark (updated 01-Mar-2012)
- Binghamton (updated 01-Apr-2012)
- Brooklyn (updated 01-Jun-2012)
- New York (updated 01-Nov-2014)
- Ohio (updated 01-Sep-2021)
- Cleveland (updated 01-Jun-2017)
- Cincinnati (updated 01-Jun-2021)
- Pennsylvania (updated 01-Mar-2014)
- Philadelphia (updated 01-Aug-2010)
- Pittsburgh (updated 01-Nov-2013)
- District of Columbia and Baltimore (updated 01-Mar-2019)
- Washington DC (updated 01-Aug-2014)
- Baltimore (updated 01-Jun-2014)
- Pacific Northwest (updated 01-Apr-2016)
- Denver (updated 01-Sep-2018)
- Australia/New Zealand (updated 01-Aug-2022)
- UK (updated 01-Aug-2022)
- Birmingham (updated 01-Feb-2012)
- Douglas, Isle of Man (updated 01-Aug-2021)
- Edinburgh (updated 01-Jun-2020)
- Glasgow (updated 01-Oct-2021)
- Liverpool (new 01-Oct-2001)
- London (updated 01-Sep-2020)
- Matlock, Derbyshire (updated 01-May-2020)
- Other Cities (updated 01-Sep-2016)
- Sioux City, Iowa (new 01-Oct-2016)
- Grand Rapids, Michigan (new 01-Sep-2016)
- St Paul, Minnesota (new 01-Oct-2016)
- Omaha, Nebraska (new 01-Oct-2014)
- Providence, Rhode Island (updated 01-Aug-2018)
- Lisbon (updated 01-Sep-2015)
- Paris (new 01-Nov-2003)
- Who Was Important in the History of the Cable Car? (updated 01-Nov-2022)
- Why do I Maintain This Site? (updated 01-Nov-2021)
- News (updated 01-Nov-2022)
- 2022 Anniversaries (updated 01-Jan-2022)
- Thanks/Links (updated 01-Aug-2022)
- What's New (updated every month)
- Ten and Twenty Years Ago (updated every month)
- San Francisco Cable Car Chronology by Walter Rice and friends (updated 01-Jul-2022)
- Miscellany (updated 01-Apr-2022)
- Site Map (updated 01-Dec-2017)
- Bibliography (updated 01-May-2016)
- Guest Book (new 01-Sep-1998)
- Picture of the Month (updated every month)
- Search This Site (updated 01-Oct-2006)
- Legal Stuff (modified 01-Jul-2001)
News
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 31-October-2022
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| covid.cdc.gov |
COVID-19 infections are down, but new sub-variants are on their way.
I had two more procedures this month looking for a potential solution for my shortness of breath. I hope to have an operation in November.
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| supportukrainenow.org |
75th Anniversary of Saving the Cable Cars - 26-October-2022
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On Wednesday, 26-October-2022, Muni, the Market Street Railway and the San Francisco MTA held a ceremony to honor "women, led by Friedel Klussmann, who kept the Powell cable cars on track in 1947, and celebrating women's civic leadership today.
Mayor London Breed and other civic leaders boarded a cable car at Powell and Market and rode it to Hyde and Beach to rededicate the turntable to Friedel Klussmann. Learn more about her leadership in saving the cable cars in 1947 in Walter Rice and Val Lupiz's article The Cable Car Lady & the Mayor.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 30-September-2022
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| nytimes.com |
COVID-19 infections are down, but some people are still being hospitalized with complications.
I had two procedures this month looking for the cause and potential solution of my shortness of breath.
I was supposed to start teaching again at Good Shepherd School in Pacifica, but first we have to fix my medical problem.
The Giants are out of it, but they have brought up some interesting players. The team might be able to make it to .500.
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| nonprofitjenni.com |
Gerry Graham, RIP - 06-September-2022
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COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 31-August-2022
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| covid.cdc.gov |
I see fewer people wearing masks, even in crowded places like baseball games. The general trends of cases, deaths, hospitalization seem to be going down.
The Giants have gotten some of their injured players back, but are still performing unevenly.
I am getting ready to start teaching again at Good Shepherd School in Pacifica.
I am having trouble with shortness of breath. I'm seeing the doctor next week.
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It has been six months since Russia started its war against Ukraine. This must be deeply humiliating for Putin and his helpers. He is looking at using 100,000 mercenaries from North Korea.
Fred Lyon, RIP - 22-August-2022
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| Cable car conductor on a foggy day, 1950s. (c) Fred Lyon |
Fred Lyon, one of the best San Francisco photographers, has died. Among the circles in which I travel, he was particularly well known for his transit photos. Thank you to Fred Lyons and his wife for publishing so many photos in recent years.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 31-July-2022
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| nytimes.com |
The highly contagious BA 4 and BA 5 subvariants of the COVID-19 Omicron variant are driving up infections and hospitalization. BART has resumed its mask requirement.
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| unsplash.com |
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 30-June-2022
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| nytimes.com |
Some sources say that variants of the COVID-19 Omicron variant could potentially infect everyone in the Bay Area. Some extended care places are reimposing lockdowns.
Attendance may be going up a bit at mass.
The Giants are struggling.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 31-May-2022
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| nytimes.com |
We are in the midst of another COVID-19 surge. Three family members have tested positive this week.
The US passed one million covid deaths.
The Giants have had a bad stretch in May.
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| coverbrowser.com |
Val Lupiz Makes the News - 30-May-2022
Gripman Val Lupiz was the subject of a story by Joe Rosato, Jr that aired on NBC Bay Area: Filipino-Japanese Cable Car Gripman Has a Grip on San Francisco's History. The story was part of a series about Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month. Val talks about the origin of his love for cable cars and about his reviving the art of decorating cable cars for special events. This year he has decorated a car for AAPI Heritage Month.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 30-April-2022
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| nytimes.com |
There is a new rise in TrumpVirus infections, but most counties and many public transit agencies in California have lifted their mask mandates.
Good Shepherd Church in Pacifica is stopping mass in the gym, the radio broadcast and the livestream.
I subbed for two full days at Good Shepherd School in Pacifica.
The Giants are doing well even though they have lost a bunch of people to injuries and Covid.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 31-March-2022
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A new TrumpVirus variant is spreading in other countries. Most California counties have lifted their mask mandates. At Good Shepherd Church, they removed the signs that limited people to every other pew. At the school, masks for students were made optional.
The lockout was settled, but Spring Training began late and the season will begin one week later than planned. At Good Shepherd Church, they removed the signs that limited people to every other pew.
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The Russian invasion of Ukraine has lasted longer than a month. Russian advances have ceased, but war crimes have continued.
Charles Gertsbacher, RIP - 31-March-2022
I was sad to learn about the death of former conductor Charles Gertsbacher on 08-February-2022.
On 12-Aug-1984, gripman Ray McCann and conductor Charles Gertsbacher were taking a full load of passengers up the Hyde Street hill when a suicidal driver drove down the wrong side of the street at high speed and hit the cable car head-on. McCann was knocked off his feet and the car rolled backwards down the hill. Gertsbacher fought through the crowd of passengers and found McCann dazed and bleeding on the floor. Together, they pulled the emergency brake and stopped the car. The driver died, but many others would have, too, had it not been for the heroic action of the gripman and conductor. They both received medals from the US Department of Transportation.
McCann and Gertsbacher both reported to the car barn the next morning despite their injuries. They continued to work together for many years.
Cable Car Outage - 29-March-2022
An equipmment problem shut down the whole system in the morning. The Powell/Mason line remained down all day.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 28-February-2022
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The Omicron variant of the TrumpVirus appears to have peaked. Most of the counties in California are revising their mask mandates.
The baseball owners have locked out the players, so Spring Training has been delayed.
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Russia has invaded Ukraine. I hope President Putin has made a big mistake.
Congratulations to Catrena Brown - 18-February-2022
Catrena Brown became only the fourth woman to operate the grip on a cable car. I wish her a safe and happy career.
Car 8 Rebuild Completed - 10-February-2022
Powell Street car 8, originally built in 1893-4 by Carter Brothers and rebuilt in 1958, was again rebuilt from 2018 to 2021. Testing of the refurbished car began in February.
Talk About Cable Cars - 02-February-2022
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As part of Catholic Schools Week, Good Shepherd School in Pacifica had a Friends of Good Shepherd day. They asked parents and other members of the community to talk about jobs, life experiences and hobbies. I spoke to the Sixth Grade about the history of public transit in San Francisco and about cable cars. The kids asked good questions.
The next day I was surprised to receive thank you notes with many wonderful drawings of cable cars.
Cars Decorated for Black History Month - 31-January-2022
This year for, the first time, two Powell Street cars were decorated to celebrate Black History Month.
Cars Decorated for Lunar New Year - 31-January-2022
Val Lupiz and his generous crew decorated Powell Street cars 11 and 16 and California Street car 49 to celebrate Chinese New Year. 49 was also decorated to celebrate the Forty-Niners making it to the conference championship game.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 31-January-2022
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The Omicron variant of the TrumpVirus is the main source of infection in
the United States. The hospitalization and death rates seem to have peaked.
Most of the deaths are occurring with people who were not inoculated.
I had my first COVID-19 test. Negative.
One Sunday we went to mass by watching the 11am live stream.
I have been teaching coding to my wife's Third Graders at Good Shepherd School as a volunteer. In January, I started teaching coding to grades 2 and 4.
The major league owners have locked out the players.
Barry Bonds was on the regular Hall of Fame ballot for the last time. He was rejected again.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 01-January-2022
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The Omicron variant of the TrumpVirus rapidly became the major source of infection in the United States. The hospitalization and death rates are spiking. Most of the deaths are occurring with people who were not inoculated.
We had 5pm Christmas Eve mass in the gym. On the day after, we went to mass by watching the 11am live stream.
I have been teaching coding to my wife's Third Graders at Good Shepherd School as a volunteer. In the new year, I will be teaching coding to Kindergarten through Fourth.
Barry Bonds is on the regular Hall of Fame ballot for the last time.
Cable Cars and Metallica - 16-December-2021
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At a City Hall ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the band Metallica and proclaiming 16-December-2021 to be Metallica Day, San Francisco Mayor London Breed said "They’re part of the fabric of the community. They have touched people’s lives for generations. When you talk about San Francisco, you talk about cable cars and then you talk about Metallica. And on behalf of the City and County of San Francisco, I want to officially declare today ‘Metallica Day.’".
Dunedin Cable Tram Calendar - 01-December-2021
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The Dunedin Heritage Light Rail Trust is advancing in its quest to restore part of the Mornington Tramway.
The Trust has published a beautiful 2022 calendar with photos of the original Dunedin cable trams in operation and photos of the historic cars restored in 2021. If you would like to buy a copy of the calendar, it is available on their website.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 01-December-2021
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The Omicron variant of the TrumpVirus has turned up in South Africa and is seen as a new threat. In general, there is fear of a new spike during the holidays when people gather together indoors.
The 5pm Saturday mass at Good Shepherd Church in Pacifica still has low turnout. I continued to do the census during November. We may have passed 40 one weekend. Most were in the 30s.
Buster Posey won Comeback Player of the Year for the second time.
I started to teach coding to Third Graders at Good Shepherd School in Pacifica. They are a lively bunch. I will start teaching Fourth Grade in January.
Dr Peter Pfaelzer, RIP - 01-December-2021
San Francisco State University Engineering Professor Peter Pfaelzer has died. At Whirlwind Wheelchair he worked to improve mobility. During the 1982-1984 Great Reconstruction of the cable car system, he redesigned the slot brake, changing it from a single solid blade to a three-part blade that is more effective. The improved slot blade has saved many passengers and crew members. Thank you to Norbert Feyling for the tip.
Gilberto Godoy, RIP - 01-November-2021
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Leonard Oats receives his trophy and his bell after the 2008 Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest in Union Square. Seen in the photo are host Deb Durst, Mayor Gavin Newsom, Nat Ford, Leonard Oats, Gilberto Godoy, and a Union Square merchant. Photo by Joe Thompson. |
I was sad to learn of the recent passing of Gilberto Godoy, operator of the United Brass foundry, which makes bells and other hardware for San Francisco's cable cars and who was also CFO of the Friends of the Cable Car Museum. It was always nice to see him at events like the bell ringing contest. My condolences to his son José and the rest of the family.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 01-November-2021
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New cases and deaths are spiking in the south and parts of the Mid West, where anti-vaccine mania is at its highest.
The 5pm Saturday mass at Good Shepherd Church in Pacifica still has low turnout. I did the census during October.
The Giants had the best record in the division, beating the Dodgers by one game, but went on to lose the National League Division Series.
I will to start volunteering to teach coding to Third Graders at Good Shepherd School in Pacifica.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 01-October-2021
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New cases are still rising, especially in states with Republican governors who have been ignoring the pandemic.
Good Shepherd Church in Pacifica revived the 5pm Saturday mass in September. Turnout has been low.
The Giants were the first team to win 100 games.
Byron Cobb Retires - 24-September-2021
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Byron Cobb poses with his first-place trophy after the 2017 Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest. Photo by Joe Thompson. |
Today was the last day of working as a gripman for Byron Cobb, eight time winner of the Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest. His record is second only to the late Carl Payne, who won ten times. Cobb's regular riders on the California Street line were sorry to see him go.
Byron Cobb at the 2017 Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest in Union Square.
Melvin Van Peebles, RIP - 21-September-2021
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| listal.com |
Cable Cars Down - 09-September-2021
Cable cars were down for most of the day because of an underground electrical fire.
from the SF MTA:
"SFMTA
"@sfmta_muni
"19h
"UPDATE: All Cable Car lines will be down for the rest of the night. Our sincere apologies for the inconvenience.
"SFMTA
"@sfmta_muni
"20h
"UPDATE: Evacuation now cleared due to an earlier smoke alarm. All Cable Car lines will continue to be down due a power outage. Bus shuttles providing service. Will update. twitter.com/sfmta_muni/sta…
"SFMTA
"@sfmta_muni
"18h
"We recommend using #SFMuni alternatives near Cable Car routes such as the #FMarket, 19, 30 & more. Here's our Trip Planner:
"Trip Planner
"Find your way around San Francisco
"sfmta.com
"SFMTA
"@sfmta_muni
"18h
"UPDATE: All Cable Car lines will be motorized until end of service.
"SFMTA
"@sfmta_muni
"3h
"UPDATE: Due to an electrical issue at the Cable Car Barn, all Cable Car lines will be motorized until further notice. Consider nearby alternatives such as the #FMarket, 19 Polk, & 30 Stockton.
"Visit our Trip Planner for more options:
"https://sfmta.com/trip-planner
The cable cars remained down until an electrical part and an industrial-sized fire extinguisher could be replaced in the barn. Service resumed on 18-September-2021.
Cable Cars Back in Revenue Service - 04-September-2021
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On Saturday, 04-September-2021 the cable cars returned to regular, scheduled revenue service.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 01-September-2021
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The City and County of San Francisco has imposed a requirement for people attending indoor events to have proof of vaccination and to wear a mask.
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Carl Payne, RIP - 07-August-2021
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Carl Payne, the only 10-time winner of the Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest, transit operator, police officer, San Francisco ambassador and great all-around guy, passed away on 07-August-2021. Above we see him giving an exhibition performance at the 2016 contest. He was born in Pittsburgh, but settled in San Francisco after he served in the Marine Corps.
He went to work for Muni and stayed for 29 years. He spent 28 years working in the Cable Car Division. The only person who has come close to his record of ten Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest championships is Byron Cobb, who has won eight times. Payne travelled the world, appeared with symphony orchestras, and shared his joy for life with everyone.
While working on the cable cars, Payne became an expert at spotting pickpockets. When he left Muni, he applied to join the San Francisco Police Department. He passed the test, but was told that he was over the maximum age. He sued the department and eventually won. He spent 25 years with the police. After retiring from the SFPD, he became a Golden Gate Park ranger. He had to give that up when he started to have health issues.
Carl Payne had a long career of service to the people of San Francisco and our visitors.
The image above shows him giving an exhibition at the 2013 Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest. Four former champs gave an exhibition at the 2017 contest: Al Quintana (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994), Ken Lunardi (1997, 2002, 2006), Frank Ware (1999, 2004) and Carl Payne (1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989).
Cable Car Museum Reopening/Cable Cars to Return - 01-August-2021
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The Cable Car Museum reopens on August 1. Come by and receive a beautiful button.
After nearly a month of testing and training, the cable cars will resume service on 02-August-2021, which is also the 148th anniversary of Andrew S Hallidie's first test of the Clay Street Hill Railroad. If all promises come true, there will be no fares collected on the cable cars during August.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 01-August-2021
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By late July, new cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 are all rising. Many of the new cases involve the Delta variant. Almost all of the new hospitalizations and deaths are from the group of people who have refused to get vaccinated. Many cities are reimposing mask requirements. States where their goverments discouraged vaccination are running out of ICU beds. Some right wing nutjobs are finally encouraging their followers to get vaccinated.
Good Shepherd Church in Pacifica was able to increase capacity for the 11am Sunday mass. They are going to revive the 5pm Saturday mass in September.
I went to the barber and got my shelter-in-place beard professionally trimmed for the first time.
The Giants were still in first place after the All Star Game.
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William S Hart reminds us to keep wearing our masks. Great Falls Tribune, 16-April-1921. |
Visit a Cable Car - 10-July-2020
To give people a happy experience, a cable cars have been on display at the Powell/Market turntable and Hyde and Beach. Today was the last day. Val Lupiz reports that next week, recertification training will begin for cable car crews.
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COVID-19 Pandemic Continues - 01-July-2021
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Much of California became fully open on 15-June-2021. People who have been vaccinated will not have to wear masks outside. I will probably continue to wear mine for a while.
The virus is still out there, but almost 70% of Californians have been vaccinated. The 600,000th American died in June.
In June, San Francisco may have become the first city in the United States to reach herd immunity.
The Giants were able to return to selling all of their seats.
Good Shepherd Church in Pacifica was able to double its capacity in the gym. They may soon revive the 5 o'clock mass on Saturday. The archdiocese wants us to continue to wear masks.
2022 Anniversaries
125 years ago - 1897
Jan 21 - The Glasgow District Subway reopened
Mar 04 - Frank (Lefty) O'Doul born, San Francisco, CA. He had nothing to do with cable cars, but he had a .349 lifetime average and managed the San Francisco Seals for many years. He's not in the Hall of Fame, but he should be.
May 14 - Sidney Bechet, important early jazz musician, was born in New Orleans, LA
Jun 14 - Citizens Traction Company (Pittsburgh) closed
Aug 31 - West Seattle Cable Railway closed
Sep 19 - Butte City Street Railroad closed
Sep 29 - Washington and Georgetown Railroad 14th St Powerhouse destroyed by fire. 14th St & Georgetown lines temporarily replaced by horses, next year by electric cars
New York Giants record: 83-48, 3rd place. Manager: Bill Joice.
100 years ago - 1922
New York Giants record: 94-59, 1st place. Manager: John McGraw. The Giants defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series, 5 games to 3.
75 years ago - 1947
Mar 4 - Mayor Roger Lapham declared that the Powell Street cable car lines, owned by the San Francisco Municipal Railway,
should be replaced by buses to save money. At a rally meeting attended by leaders of twenty-seven women’s civic groups,
Mrs Friedel Klussman persuaded them to found the "Citizens’ Committee to Save the Cable Cars." Lucius Beebe
later wrote, "It was destined to wield the terror and authority once possessed by San Francisco’s Vigilantes of 1851."
New York Giants record: 61-93, 8th place. Manager: Mel Ott. Nice guys finish last.
50 years ago - 1972
Feb 26 - A loose strand on the Powell Street line caused four cars to pile up at the Market Street
turntable.
Jul 06 - Louis Armstrong, one of the most important figures in American music, passed away
San Francisco Giants record: 90-72, 1st place. Manager: Charlie Fox. Lost NLCS to Pittsburgh Pirates, 3 games to 1.
25 years ago - 1997
Oct 12 - A broken cable caused a runaway which killed one passenger and closed the Funiculaire du Vieux Québec
San Francisco Giants record: 68-94, 4th place. Manager: Dusty Baker.
Go to top of page.
What's New
- 01-November-2022
- Picture of the Month: The voting machine entry for Proposition 10, which required the city to keep the Powell Street cable car lines operating, despite the wishes of Mayor Roger Lapham.
- On the Cable Car Lines in San Francisco page: A new article about San Francisco Proposition 10, 1947, which required the city to continue to operate the Powell Street cable car lines. Also see The Cable Car Lady & the Mayor by Walter Rice and Val Lupiz an article about the epic battle between Mrs Friedel Klussmann and Mayor Roger Lapham.
- Add News items about the 75th anniversary of the first Save the Cable Cars movement.
- Archived August 2022 What's New
- 01-October-2022
- Picture of the Month: "Plainclothes security men hang onto cable car and policeman blocks route as cable car whisks Prince Charles through Financial District." San Francisco's official greeter Cyril Magnin rides next to him. (Source: Examiner photo by Bob Bryant. San Francisco Examiner, 28-October-1977 All Rights Reserved.)
- On the More Muni Pictures page: A new article about the Prince of Wales' 1977 visit to San Francisco, where he rode a California Street cable car.
- Add News items about the passing of The Friends of the Cable Car Museum board chairman Gerry Graham and more about the pandemic.
- Archived July 2022 What's New
- 01-September-2022
- Picture of the Month: "A Runaway Electric Car Crashes Into a Sutter Cable Car." (Source: San Francisco Call, 12-December-1897)
- On the Sutter Street Railway page: A third 1897 article about a collision between a Sutter Street cable car and a Fillmore Street electric car: Collision at Sutter and Fillmore (from the San Francisco Call).
- Add News items about the passing of Fred Lyon and more about the pandemic.
- Archived June 2022 What's New
Go to top of page.
Ten and Twenty Years Ago
Ten Years Ago
- 01-November-2012
- Picture of the Month: A John Stephenson Company cable car built for Manhattan's Metropolitan Street Railroad (Source: "Notes on the Broadway, New York, Cable Railway", The Street Railway Journal, July, 1893).
- On the Cable Car Lines in New York and New Jersey page: More about the Metropolitan Street Railway, including selected articles from the Street Railway Journal
- On the Decorated Cable Cars page: The 2012 Giants Victory Parade.
- On the Other California Cities page: A new article about animated cable car murals at Disney California Adventure. See California Street cars on North Point and Haight Street. Psychedelic.
- Added News item about the upcoming dedication of refurbished Powell Street car 26
- Archived August 2012 What's New
- 01-October-2012
- Picture of the Month: The first cable car to run on Manhattan's Third Avenue Railway. (Source: "Starting the Cable Cars on Third Avenue, New York", The Street Railway Journal, January, 1894).
- Added results and videos of the 49th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest
- On the Cable Car Lines in New York and New Jersey page: More about the Third Avenue Railway, including selected articles from the Street Railway Journal
- On the How Do Cable Cars Work page: An ask.com billboard that asks "How Do Cable Cars Work?" Try that query on ask.com and you'll find this site on the first page of results
- Archived July 2012 What's New
- 01-September-2012
- Picture of the Month: A view of the Brooklyn Terminal of the Brooklyn Bridge Railway from the February, 1897 Street Railway Journal: "The Bridge Transportation System Between New York and Brooklyn".
- On the Cable Car Lines in New York and New Jersey page: More about the New York and Brooklyn Bridge Railway, a cable-driven rapid transit line, including a detailed article in the February, 1897 Street Railway Journal: "The Bridge Transportation System Between New York and Brooklyn".
- On the Cable Car Businesses page and the News, an item and photo about Cable Car Clothiers moving back to Sutter Street
- On the More Muni Photos page: screencaps from a webcam back in 2002. Powell/Mason cable cars, motorized cable cars, Milan cars, Melbourne 496 and a glimpse of PCC 1054 (Philly Cream Cheese) before it was wrecked in 2003
- Archived June 2012 What's New
Twenty Years Ago
- 01-Nov-2002
- Picture of the Month: Third Avenue, New York, parlor car
- Add the Metropolitan Street Railway to the Cable Car Lines in New York and New Jersey page.
- Also added a photo of Brooklyn Heights Railroad cable cars on Montague Street.
- Add News items about bell ringing contest and Powell Street shutdown.
- Archive August 2002 What's New.
- 01-Oct-2002
- Picture of the Month: Third Avenue, New York, parlor car
- Add the Third Avenue Railroad to the Cable Car Lines in New York and New Jersey page.
- Add News and Bibliography items about an assault on a gripman and rededication of Seattle's Iron Pergola.
- Archive July 2002 What's New.
- 01-Sep-2002
- Picture of the Month: Brooklyn Bridge cross section
- Add the New York and Brooklyn Bridge Railway, a cable-driven rapid transit line, to the Cable Car Lines in New York and New Jersey page.
- Add an article about the Malayasian Penang Hills Funicular Railway to the Cable Tramways in Australia and New Zealand. I know it is not in Australia or New Zealand, but it's in the same hemisphere and Ric Francis, who kindly provided the information and the illustrations, is Australian.
- Add photo of Byron Cobb to News item about Union Square reopening.
- Add cable diameter measurement to How page.
- Archive June 2002 What's New.
Ten and Twenty Years Ago Archive
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since 01-March-2015.