What was our grand city like before the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge? For San Francisco, 1935 was a big year in many ways. This year saw construction of both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. Here are some pictures from that time period, thanks to the San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library. Check out how life was like in 1935 in San Francisco, and see how different or similar things used to be.

1) Movie Time
CharmaineZoe's Marvelous Melange/Flickr
A rare picture of the the Palmer Theatre in San Francisco.
2) Some things have not changed.
Eric Fischer/Flickr
The Ferry Building looking as beautiful as today. Pictured above is The Boys' Dairy Lunch, an old restaurant.
3) Building a world famous attraction.
SAN FRANCISCO HISTORY CENTER, SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY - Creative Commons/Flickr
This is a picture of the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1935-1936.
4) Building the iconic bridges.
SAN FRANCISCO HISTORY CENTER, SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY - Creative Commons/Flickr
Both bridges, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge, were under construction during 1935.

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5) Stately and regal times.
GOGA Park Archives
An elegant couple walks arm and arm at the Cliff House. A classic San Francisco spot indeed.
6) Construction Time Again
Justin Dolske/Flickr
The city was growing and construction was everywhere like today. This is Bay Bridge construction at Yerba Buena Viaduct.
7) Building the city
Creative Commons - Found SF Historical Archive
In this photo, relief workers are excavating Bayview Hill, the site of the future Bayshore Avenue. This construction project was created by President Roosevelt and the Works Progress Administration.
8) Empty Streets
Creative Commons - Found SF Historical Archive
This is a photo of Masonic and Panhandle.
9) The Growing City.
Creative Commons - Found SF Historical Archive
The city grew quickly at this time especially once the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate bridges were complete.

10) Here is a video by YouTube user Jeff Quitney showing San Francisco during a test flight in the early days of aviation.

Let us know what you think? If you like history then share your part of the past in San Francisco. If you’re curious about things in the more recent past, then check out more about A Terrifying, Deadly Storm that Struck San Francisco In 2008.

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