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THE GEARY STREET PARK & OCEAN RAILROAD
– 1880
The fourth cable traction company to open in San Francisco
began service in February 1880, its line running from
Market to Central [Presidio] Avenue along a major
thoroughfare, Geary Boulevard. At Geary Street and
Central Avenue a connection was made with a steam
dummy, or “Steam Motor” as they were often
referred to, operated by the same company. The motor
line continued on Geary Street [then called Point
Lobos Avenue] turning south on 1st Avenue [presently
Arguello Boulevard]. This was the site of the Odd
Fellows Cemetery, one of the many cemeteries located
in this area, at the intersection of 1st Avenue and
Fulton Street [then known as D Street]. The line terminated
at an unassuming wooden station at 5th Avenue and
Fulton Street.
Much of the capital put up for its construction came
from Charles F. Crocker, son of the Central Pacific
magnate. With no major difficulties on its route or
in construction, the line ran successfully from its
inception. This prompted Market Street Cable Railway
to buy the line in 1887, although the name remained
the same. In 1892 the line converted to standard gauge
and the cars converted from the Eppelsheimer bottom
grip to the simpler Root side grip used on the Market
Street Railway. The line was extended west to Golden
Gate Park, and a two story brick car house was constructed
on the northwest corner of 1st Avenue. This structure
has been called the most impressive cable car house
built on the west coast. It still stands on the same
corner, now Arguello Blvd.
The Geary Street, Park & Ocean powerhouse remained
in a two story ornate wooden building at the northwest
corner of Geary and Buchanan Streets, near the center
of the present day Japanese Culture and Trade Center.
The Geary Street line terminated at the intersection
of Geary and Kearny Streets where a large double track
turntable was located near the entrance to the old
Chronicle Building.
The line survived the Great Earthquake and Fire of
1906, resuming service a little over two months after
the disaster, in late June. The Geary Street Park
& Ocean Railroad was notable for its use of the
Eppelsheimer bottom grip, still used on remaining
cable car lines in present-day San Francisco. The
Geary Street, Park & Ocean ceased operations in
1912 upon the expiration of its franchise. Conversion
to electric power was begun almost immediately, the
Geary Street line becoming the nucleus of the Municipal
Railway of San Francisco.
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