In 1940 the U.S. was not yet at war, having remained neutral in World War II up until 1941. Rayon was not yet the fabric of choice for ladies dresses, and American car culture had not yet erupted as the giant it would become. Gorgeous Victorian houses around the city sat in disrepair as a new era was about to dawn. One photographer, Charles Weever Cushman, was there capturing it all on rare color film.
Today modern dwellings and concrete have replaced these cottages and yards. Via/ Flickr
The car is a Zephyr H 96-301 and the bridge is the newly-completed Golden Gate Bridge. Via/ Flickr
Via/ Flickr
View of Alcatraz from Telegraph Hill. Via/ Indiana University Archives
We’ve shared some of Cushman’s photos before and that’s because his work is stunning. The subject matter is pure Americana, at a time when most photos were being taken in black and white.
Old house in poor condition. A quick look on Google maps street view does not show this house on this corner today (Lyon and Pacific Streets). Via/ Flickr
Sun bathers at Marina Beach. Via/ Flickr
Telegraph Hill. Via/ Indiana University Archives