TAKE A RIDE ON A FRISCO STREET CAR

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This is a fascinating movie. Back in 1906, a camera was mounted on the front of a street car (trolley car…same thing). Perhaps the oldest “home movie” that you will ever see! I watched it a couple of times. Look at the hats the ladies were wearing and the long dresses. Some of the cars had the steering wheels on the right side. I wonder when they standardized on the left? Sure were still a lot of horse drawn vehicles in use. Mass transit looked like the way to get around. Looks like everybody had the right of way.

Watch the beginning carefully. At the 33 second mark and immediately after an oncoming trolley clears the screen, a well dressed policeman walks across the street from left to right. Notice his right hand that he’s carrying a truncheon (26 inch police baton) and although he appears walking his beat, he looks ready to use it. Imagine the police of today walking down the street carrying a 26 inch club in their hand…???

This film was “lost” for many years. It was the first 35mm film ever. It was taken by camera mounted on the front of a cable car. The number of automobiles is staggering for 1906. The clock tower at the end of Market Street at the Embarcadero wharf in San Francisco is still there.

I wonder how many “street cleaning” people were employed to pick up after the horses? Talk about going green!

>>>CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MOVIE CLIP< <<

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You’re currently reading “TAKE A RIDE ON A FRISCO STREET CAR,” an entry on Harvey Tobkes.

Published:
04.13.16 3:30
Category:
Movie Clip