’62 Mission, Proto-Farolito

The esteemed Eric Fischer brings us scans of BART plans from 1962. This shot looks south down (and under) Mission from 23rd towards 24th:

The Look of Rapid Transit: 24th Street Mission station

The interesting part (outside of the fact that the BART station was to be so brilliantly lit that men wearing hats would cast stark shadows) is the street photo up top — it was taken from the NW corner of 23rd and Mission, looking south towards Bernal. (Click the image for a big-ass high resolution version.)

Particularly striking is the utter lack of trees (even on the slopes of Bernal).

Lots of donuts though:

Matching shot from today.  The trees make it hard to compare, but changes a plenty. (Click to enlargify.)

Zooming in towards 24th (above the epic car) we see the epic “Smile Awhile” bar:

A more clear view is available from the south.  It should quickly become clear what that sign represents today:

Much more on the history of 24th and Mission, both imagined and realized, over at Burrito Justice from a few months back.

7 Responses to “’62 Mission, Proto-Farolito”

  1. Herr Doktor Professor Deth Vegetable says:

    I am not sure that I have the words to adequately express just how much I want to go to The Donut Tree.

  2. SCUM says:

    Nicely done.

  3. CGAmonitor says:

    I want to invent a time machine just so I can go back and climb the donut tree.

  4. Excellent reportage & signage detective work.

  5. Michelle says:

    Really neat piece!