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San Francisco, California, The Cliff House, historic photos
Since 1858, there have been several different structures upon this same site on the scenic cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the west side of San Francisco, California, each named The Cliff House. This photo was taken in 1866 and is a portion of a stereoview photo by Lawrence and Houseworth. See the additional historic photos and vintage postcards of the Cliff House below.
A close-up view of the Cliff House in a photo from 1879 which shows the view across the Seal Rocks near the shoreline. This version of the Cliff House burned on December 25, 1894. This photo was published by Carleton E. Watkins and is a portion of a stereoview photo.
This photo shows the splendor of the Cliff House that was constructed in 1896 by Adolph Sutro, a wealthy businessman. He also constructed the popular Sutro Baths in the same area. Note the statuary in the foreground.
A photo taken of Cliff House as it was viewed from the beach below. This photo is from 1902.
The glory of this version of the Cliff House was not to last long. Despite surviving the devastating San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, the Cliff House was completely destroyed by fire on September 7, 1907, a mere eleven years after it was built. Although not far from the City of San Francisco, the area was remote enough to prevent rapid response from firefighters.
The new Cliff House was constructed on the same location but is set a little further back from the edge of the cliff. This vintage postcard view is from the 1930's.
The Cliff House as it appeared in the 1940's. Note the slogan on the building: Dining Since 1858. The Cliff House is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is administered by the National Park Service. The restaurant continues to be in operation today.
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