November 4, 2005
Many people who came to seek their fortune in the gold country failed to strike it rich, but ended up contributing their unique abilities and energies in much more interesting ways. This show is dedicated to just such a man — Andrew Hallidie, the inventor of San Francisco’s world famous cable cars. He was a remarkable character who turned the unique opportunities presented by the gold rush era and his own natural abilities into an invention that changed our fair city forever.
For further edification:
» Cable Car Museum
» Cable Car Days – history book
» the Cable Car Guy
» more vintage photos
Thanks to Jim Fidler for the use of the track “Home Comes the Rover”, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network.
Sparkletack was the blog and podcast of a guy obsessed with diggin' up San Francisco history. The site is on permanent hiatus.
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November 6, 2005 at 3:28 pm
Very interesting show I liked it alot. What does Sparkletack mean any ways?
Thank you
~Loyal fan
November 6, 2005 at 3:29 pm
sparkletack means…. um, well, it means… okay, it just bubbled up from my subconscious, and to tell you the absolute truth, i have no idea what it means! glad you enjoyed the show…
November 14, 2005 at 3:29 pm
I enjoyed this story very much, especially the bit about how the cable car prevailed over the bus back in the 40’s. Thanks for the stories!
November 14, 2005 at 3:30 pm
Wow, the all-new Sparkletack – now with special effects!!! I really felt like I am being attacked by vicious horses right there in my office… ;-)
November 14, 2005 at 3:30 pm
sometimes i just can’t resist… hope you survived the excitement!
June 19, 2007 at 2:23 am
Absolutely gorgeous! I can’t wait to hear more of that.
August 6, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Hi Richard, I’m so glad you asked what my favorite shows were. I have a hard time picking just a few but the ones that come to mind and that I have discussed with friends are
1. #33: andrew smith hallidie — father of the cable car
2. #51: the columbarium and the caretaker
3.#39: the great diamond hoax
thanks for all you do to make the city so interesting to us out of towners!
November 12, 2007 at 12:01 pm
For more about Hallidie’s role as head of the Mechanics’ Institute, promoter of trade schools, influenial leader in the formation of the SF Public Library and the founding of the University of California, see: Four Books, 300 Dollars and a Dream: The History of the First 150 Years of the Mechanics’ Institute of San Francisco” S.F., 2005
October 27, 2008 at 4:48 am
I enjoyed this story very much, especially the bit about how the cable car prevailed can’t wait to hear more of that.
February 18, 2010 at 1:51 am
I liked this story very much, especially the part about how the cable car for the bus to run back to the 40s. Thank you for the stories!