FoundSF

Unfinished History

As San Francisco undergoes endless gentrification and explosive growth of new office towers and business parks, occasionally the deconstruction process that removes old buildings reveals glimpses of fading signs of yesteryear. Here are a few snapshots taken during the early 21st century, ghosts of 20th century businesses long gone.

Tool and Die business on brick wall near First Street and Howard.

Photo: Chris Carlsson, 2007

Steam Shovel services on this downtown wall.

Photo: Chris Carlsson, 2007

Carnation Mush ad on Market near Franklin.

Photo: Chris Carlsson, 2013

Shoe Findings at SF Tool Co., Inc., Folsom Street north of 24th Street.

Photo: Chris Carlsson, 2007

Brannan and 7th Streets.

Photo: Chris Carlsson, 2015

Vulcan Cleanser ad, covered in part by new graffiiti, Mission District.

Photo: Chris Carlsson, 2008

Old Cleaning and Dyeing sign on Bryant street near 25th.

Photo: Chris Carlsson, 2017

"It Hasta Be Shasta" was ubiquitous in the 1960s and 1970s for the old sodapop brand, seen here in 2020 before disappearing behind new construction replacing a gas station at 17th and Potrero Avenue.

Photo: Chris Carlsson, 2020