I always look at shoes first, then look for the over 60 crowd, hats, then ad graphics, typography, then cars and youth... I say 1972, 1973. The seniors all still dress like they're heydays of the 1940s, early to mid 50s, HATS. Amazing find, great to look back, bittersweet actually, all those lives, their stories, how the country and society was.
I was born there in 63, and I think your guess of 72, 73 is spot on. Men still wore hats then and everything looks how I remember it during that period. I paid a quarter to ride the cable car and then transfer to a Muni bus then, to go to school. Great memories.
At 0:25 we see a billboard for SUNTORY whisky and a sign for SABENA AIRLINES. If you google "Women's Liberation rally at Union Square, September 1970" you will see a photo with the exact same SUNTORY billboard and the same SABENA AIRLINES sign below it. I would imagine, then, that this film was shot sometime between the fall of 1970 and the spring of 1971.
I'd place this at 1971 based on the Suntory billboard at 0:25. There's a different ads up in 1965, 1966, 1967, Jun 1968, Aug 1969, and July 1970 that look continuous, and I found this exact ad up in a video from 1971 titled "San Francisco 1971" at the 0: 59 mark, The pattern appears to be they replaced it about once a year, but the next image of the billboard I was able to find was from October 1975 and it is different by then (photos found on OpenSFHistory photo library for Union Square and other google searches - only used photos that had dates attributed. (on a side note, the old men sitting on the benches at 0:40 I believe were regulars. There's a photo of Carole King from 1972 sitting approximately where the blonde is in your video next to some of those same old guys.)
If you google "Women's Liberation rally at Union Square, September 1970" you will see a photo with the exact same SUNTORY billboard and the same SABENA AIRLINES sign below it. My guess is that this film was shot sometime between the fall of 1970 and the spring of 1971.
The building at 555 California shown briefly at @3:46 was completed in 1969. (I don't see the Transamerica pyramid or the Embarcadero center peeking out anywhere so this is surely 1969-71. There's enough information in this movie that I bet with enough effort you could narrow it down to a period of a few weeks or less.
Cars will only tell you it's AFTER a certain date, never between. Architecture is better because it can tell what is and isn't there. Someone narrowed it to a 3 year period
Me too. Union Square was fun and vibrant. I thought Otis Spunkmayer burritos were awesome. I remember being shocked at seeing a homeless person in the square.
First shot of Union Square from above looks like it was shot from the St. Francis Hotel on Powell Street. White building on the right is my first SF job: the I. Magnin Department Store. Interesting that the 1974 film "The Conversation" had key scenes shot in this exact location (with Harrison Ford and Cindy Williams). The sign that says "Starlite Room" at 02:00 was the nightclub at the top of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel.
That’s an awesome video, loved the music. Videos like this I could watch for hours! Someone mentioned a Time Machine, count me in, I’d love to go back then. It’s funny, someone mentioned fireworks being sold at the the 1:30 mark! Hah🥳☺️🤣 good eye! I love fireworks! That guy is totally selling them!
Ah yes, the days when we were responsible, like 4th of July 1976 at Grandma and Grandpa's house, we had the entire family over, aunts, uncles, cousins. My grandfather bought a whole bunch of fireworks, my favorites were the sparklers and the snakes, but I was 7, that's when you could actually draw designs in the air with the metal sparklers. But he bought a whole bunch of fireworks, it was never the crazy stuff, he never bought bottle rockets, and he never bought M-80's, it was just the pretty stuff, the shower, ones that whistled, you know all the ones that made you say oooooooh and aaaaaaaaah. Like I said, they were responsible, grandpa had one of those white paint buckets that were empty, he had another that was full of water, and he had the water hose turned on, not actually spilling out all over the place, he had one of those nozzles that you had to squeeze for the water to come out. He would light a firework, and when it was done, just one at a time, he didn't wait until he had 50 just sitting there, but after it was done, he'd pick it up, dunk it in the water for a few seconds, and throw it in the empty bucket, we did that for a couple hours. I miss you grandma and grandpa.
I would suspect 1969-1970. White Go-Go boots on the trolley car (they were nearing the end of their run about that time if I recall). Two parked MGB's last minute or so of the film. Both with chrome bumpers and chrome overriders. Rubber buffers on overriders came out in 1970 (if I recall).
The hemline is the giveaway. 1967 miniskirts had a brief rise and fall. So definitely 1967-9, and since hte woman wearing it was on the older side, err to 1969. The fascination with hippies would also put it in the summer of love when it had a broader knowledge. Men wearing hats - 60s.
I miss the old Union Square with the benches where you could eat lunch and do some amazing people watching. But this is 20 years before my move to SF - definitely mid-70s. So glad I got to live there for several years.
I'm guessing this may be 1969-70, because of the shetland coat on one girl and the neck scarf on a long-haired dude, coupled with the formal suits and dresses that were hallmarks of the '60s.
⚜ It was the late 1960's. There were no '70's cars that I could see. A fair guess would be 1967, 1968 or 1969, based on one Ford Mercury Cougar, I spotted, however, without seeing the front end, I can't be sure.
What made it great was the _prospect_ of some cool new society. Like when you sit down to dinner at a nice restaurant and get your first glass of wine. Possibility and hope is what makes it so delicious. Alas, however nice, it ends and it's back to reality.
I'd say 1969 or 1970 based on what some of the car guys are saying. And the Pepsi logo on the back of one of the cable cars was used until 1969 according to the web. So it may have been still hanging around the car barn until 1970.
I'm going to say early 70's, 70, 71, 72. For those of you who say 60's, do a little research, go back to every single decade for a hundred years, you'll see one decade bleeds into the next, for at least three, maybe more years. For example, the beehive hairdo in the 50's lasted into the 60's, the 60's mutton chops went into the 70's, the bell bottom jeans of the 70's went into the early 80's, hair bears, acid wash jeans, shoulder pads from the 80's went into the 90's.
The Javelin car appears to be 1969, maybe 1970, (1971 had a different front grill.) Late 1960's through early 1970's older gentleman still wore fedora hats, and were available at fine mens stores. The young people's hair style, clothing, are very 1969/70. Probably early spring based upon sun lighting and clothing, not windy.
I was trying to tell the year from the cars. The cabs seemed somewhat newer than the other cars, but they weren't clear enough for me to see the rear lights well. My guess is 1969 to 1971, which agrees with Mr. Evans estimation.
I looked up logos of the airline signs (on the buildings) and Pepsi (on a streetcar) but couldn’t find definitive information on year that changes occurred. I noticed a girl on a streetcar appeared to be wearing go-go boots. Nancy Sinatra brought attention to them in 1966 so I would guess the film 1967. Hopefully you can find the information you are looking for. I live on the other side of the river. Enjoying all of your videos.
there were some 50s that big old dodge… but most telling is I am pretty sure I saw mustang mach 1 (1970-71). I mean it could have been later but it looked new.
Evocative music perfectly matches the footage.Interesting to note there were barely any obese people about back then. Now where did I leave my time machine? I have to go back there.
That was me with taking blond hair! Since then, I’ve put on 75 lbs, I’m bald, I drive a Mercedes, and I no longer say stick it to the man, because I am the man now! 😂 jk
Maybe you can contact the whiskey company and discover WHEN they had that ad posted in Union Square. That would probably narrow down the date of this film clip to a single year...perhaps a single month!
I remember it well. I was working in the corner building at Powell and Geary. Nixon appeared under the awning of the St. Francis Hotel. I had my Pentax with me and stood right in front of him and walked with him up Powell to his limo. He stood beside it and waved his arms like he always did. The Secret Service did not bother me...I was dressed ivy league. Lol!
Post 1966 from my google. Empress of China Restaurant started in 1966. At 0:26 there's an obscured name of an Airline showing only the last 4 letters of the name 'BENA' . I bet this pinpoints some accuracy because I can't find any Airline company ending in BENA. It was a short lived airline.
I think the Fleetwood is 71. Curious, could this footage have been taken at different time periods. Some look very 60s except for a few cars. That would definitely put it in the early 70s.
I still have a pamphlet called “The Price of Peace in Carmel”. My brother and his friend purposely sat on the grass in the park after the law went into effect but they just got chased off. 1970 I think.
This is Union Square and also Nob Hill. Loved going there as a child to places like the Emporium, which had a little carnival on the roof, and also Woolworths. Incredible during the holidays. I was born in 1970. Lots of great memories. I miss my city so much. Died with gentrification in mid-90s.
'64 would have still been short hair on guys and stovepipe pants. No bellbottoms or hippy look at that time. The Beatles/Stones just brought the longer hair from Europe in '64. (Then the British punks brought shorter hair again in '77. What's up with Brits always being ahead of North America? haha)
There's an shiny new Opel GT following the cable car near the end of the film. The last one was imported in 1973.
Union Square/Powell St./California St. circa 1970. I shopped at Macy's often. It will soon be closed. I looked for my Mom in the video. I miss her!
The latest model car I saw was probably a 1972/3 Mustang.
Great choice of music and sound effects
I always look at shoes first, then look for the over 60 crowd, hats, then ad graphics, typography, then cars and youth... I say 1972, 1973. The seniors all still dress like they're heydays of the 1940s, early to mid 50s, HATS. Amazing find, great to look back, bittersweet actually, all those lives, their stories, how the country and society was.
I was born there in 63, and I think your guess of 72, 73 is spot on. Men still wore hats then and everything looks how I remember it during that period. I paid a quarter to ride the cable car and then transfer to a Muni bus then, to go to school.
Great memories.
Hats went out by the time the 60's ended...or even earlier...
At 0:25 we see a billboard for SUNTORY whisky and a sign for SABENA AIRLINES.
If you google "Women's Liberation rally at Union Square, September 1970" you will see a photo with the exact same SUNTORY billboard and the same SABENA AIRLINES sign below it. I would imagine, then, that this film was shot sometime between the fall of 1970 and the spring of 1971.
I also saw that billboard I’m onboard around 73 also the little kid looked like he was wearing busters brown shoes.)
I'd place this at 1971 based on the Suntory billboard at 0:25. There's a different ads up in 1965, 1966, 1967, Jun 1968, Aug 1969, and July 1970 that look continuous, and I found this exact ad up in a video from 1971 titled "San Francisco 1971" at the 0: 59 mark, The pattern appears to be they replaced it about once a year, but the next image of the billboard I was able to find was from October 1975 and it is different by then (photos found on OpenSFHistory photo library for Union Square and other google searches - only used photos that had dates attributed. (on a side note, the old men sitting on the benches at 0:40 I believe were regulars. There's a photo of Carole King from 1972 sitting approximately where the blonde is in your video next to some of those same old guys.)
This is my favourite response to date. Thank you!
I figured that ad would be the most easily datable thing in the film. Nice work tracking it down.
If you google "Women's Liberation rally at Union Square, September 1970" you will see a photo with the exact same SUNTORY billboard and the same SABENA AIRLINES sign below it. My guess is that this film was shot sometime between the fall of 1970 and the spring of 1971.
Thank you.
No hats by the 70's...
The building at 555 California shown briefly at @3:46 was completed in 1969. (I don't see the Transamerica pyramid or the Embarcadero center peeking out anywhere so this is surely 1969-71. There's enough information in this movie that I bet with enough effort you could narrow it down to a period of a few weeks or less.
I agree it’s the early 1970’s and the photographer was very interested in the muscular blonde shirtless guy! 😂❤
He’s cute. My mom was a teen in the early 70’s in SoCal and she would have definitely been into the blonde guy haha
Can you blame him?!😅
Who wouldn't be? He stood out like a sore thumb.
I've found that car lovers are the best at dating a film like this.
Cars will only tell you it's AFTER a certain date, never between. Architecture is better because it can tell what is and isn't there. Someone narrowed it to a 3 year period
For this film the cars will give you a better chance of knowing the date
Starting at 3:30 on the right is an Olds Vista cruiser station wagon that was produced from 1968-1972
Very nice video 👏 1970-1973, and I was still in high school ❤
that was my stomping ground in that time. Great time, great shopping, great music and loved the downtown vibe
No homeless and pretty safe back then .
@@tommyboy1653right now in san Francisco, the lowest murder rate in 60 years!
Me too. Union Square was fun and vibrant. I thought Otis Spunkmayer burritos were awesome.
I remember being shocked at seeing a homeless person in the square.
Thank you for sharing this footage of San Francisco history. I love it! It looks like an average weekday of the time.
First shot of Union Square from above looks like it was shot from the St. Francis Hotel on Powell Street. White building on the right is my first SF job: the I. Magnin Department Store. Interesting that the 1974 film "The Conversation" had key scenes shot in this exact location (with Harrison Ford and Cindy Williams).
The sign that says "Starlite Room" at 02:00 was the nightclub at the top of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel.
Somewhere between '71 and '72 judging by specific markers and cars.
That’s an awesome video, loved the music. Videos like this I could watch for hours! Someone mentioned a Time Machine, count me in, I’d love to go back then. It’s funny, someone mentioned fireworks being sold at the the 1:30 mark! Hah🥳☺️🤣 good eye! I love fireworks! That guy is totally selling them!
Ah yes, the days when we were responsible, like 4th of July 1976 at Grandma and Grandpa's house, we had the entire family over, aunts, uncles, cousins. My grandfather bought a whole bunch of fireworks, my favorites were the sparklers and the snakes, but I was 7, that's when you could actually draw designs in the air with the metal sparklers.
But he bought a whole bunch of fireworks, it was never the crazy stuff, he never bought bottle rockets, and he never bought M-80's, it was just the pretty stuff, the shower, ones that whistled, you know all the ones that made you say oooooooh and aaaaaaaaah. Like I said, they were responsible, grandpa had one of those white paint buckets that were empty, he had another that was full of water, and he had the water hose turned on, not actually spilling out all over the place, he had one of those nozzles that you had to squeeze for the water to come out. He would light a firework, and when it was done, just one at a time, he didn't wait until he had 50 just sitting there, but after it was done, he'd pick it up, dunk it in the water for a few seconds, and throw it in the empty bucket, we did that for a couple hours. I miss you grandma and grandpa.
Bank of America building finished in 69. Definitely a couple of 1970s model land yachts. My guess Jan 73
All cars are still chrome non-impact absorbing bumpers. Transition to 5mph bumper standard started in 1973 model year.
I’d say 1970 or 71. Saw a 1969 or 70 Ford taxi.
I think you're right. I used to take the bus from Alameda to there in 1972 and we went on family trips a lot to San Francisco around that time.
Mini skirts and the hippie era was still going on.
Or 74
The music is on point! 👌🏼
I would suspect 1969-1970.
White Go-Go boots on the trolley car (they were nearing the end of their run about that time if I recall).
Two parked MGB's last minute or so of the film. Both with chrome bumpers and chrome overriders. Rubber buffers on overriders came out in 1970 (if I recall).
The hemline is the giveaway. 1967 miniskirts had a brief rise and fall. So definitely 1967-9, and since hte woman wearing it was on the older side, err to 1969. The fascination with hippies would also put it in the summer of love when it had a broader knowledge. Men wearing hats - 60s.
I miss the old Union Square with the benches where you could eat lunch and do some amazing people watching. But this is 20 years before my move to SF - definitely mid-70s. So glad I got to live there for several years.
The sun looks so BRIGHT!
Fantastic video!
I'm guessing this may be 1969-70, because of the shetland coat on one girl and the neck scarf on a long-haired dude, coupled with the formal suits and dresses that were hallmarks of the '60s.
Also at 3:46 they show the Bank of America Building which was finished in 1969. I think you made a good guess.
The miniskirt on an older woman, the tail-end of that fad 1969.
There’s a 72 chevelle at 3:04. Looks brand new
⚜ It was the late 1960's. There were no '70's cars that I could see. A fair guess would be 1967, 1968 or 1969, based on one Ford Mercury Cougar, I spotted, however, without seeing the front end, I can't be sure.
2:40 The orange mustang is a 1969. Not ‘70, as someone mentioned. Taillights are not inset like the ‘70.
I think Homey, the surfer dude, was trippin'.
Beautiful video. Thanks!
70 Mustang coupe in Calypso Coral. Makes it winter of 71.
Harry Callahan's city at the time.
and Michael Douglas!
And... The Zodiac's!!
What made it great was the _prospect_ of some cool new society. Like when you sit down to dinner at a nice restaurant and get your first glass of wine. Possibility and hope is what makes it so delicious. Alas, however nice, it ends and it's back to reality.
Shirtless men hopping over bushes doesn't seem great, it seems like romper room.
The newest cars are 1970-71. I was at Lincoln HS about 3 miles away.
I'd say 1969 or 1970 based on what some of the car guys are saying. And the Pepsi logo on the back of one of the cable cars was used until 1969 according to the web. So it may have been still hanging around the car barn until 1970.
based on the sideburns and hairstyles 1971
I feel like this is 1970 at least, ive seen a 1970 Buick and a 1970 Imperial so far
The tail lights on the Camaro are 1970, the 1969 were a square, these were two circles, 3:03 ruclips.net/video/eCQ0fFlABb8/видео.html
The Ford Taxi Cabs were 1968-1969 models. Spotted a 1970 Mustang & 1970 Opel GT. My guess is late 1969 early 1970.
I'm going to say early 70's, 70, 71, 72. For those of you who say 60's, do a little research, go back to every single decade for a hundred years, you'll see one decade bleeds into the next, for at least three, maybe more years. For example, the beehive hairdo in the 50's lasted into the 60's, the 60's mutton chops went into the 70's, the bell bottom jeans of the 70's went into the early 80's, hair bears, acid wash jeans, shoulder pads from the 80's went into the 90's.
The Javelin car appears to be 1969, maybe 1970, (1971 had a different front grill.)
Late 1960's through early 1970's older gentleman still wore fedora hats, and were available at fine mens stores.
The young people's hair style, clothing, are very 1969/70.
Probably early spring based upon sun lighting and clothing, not windy.
I was trying to tell the year from the cars. The cabs seemed somewhat newer than the other cars, but they weren't clear enough for me to see the rear lights well. My guess is 1969 to 1971, which agrees with Mr. Evans estimation.
I looked up logos of the airline signs (on the buildings) and Pepsi (on a streetcar) but couldn’t find definitive information on year that changes occurred. I noticed a girl on a streetcar appeared to be wearing go-go boots. Nancy Sinatra brought attention to them in 1966 so I would guess the film 1967. Hopefully you can find the information you are looking for. I live on the other side of the river. Enjoying all of your videos.
Was checking the signage as well, I would agree.
Car guy here, lots of 69 cars!
2:45 Red 69 Mustang?
3:07 70 or 71 Plymouth fury?
3:43 69 Opel GT?
there were some 50s that big old dodge… but most telling is I am pretty sure I saw mustang mach 1 (1970-71). I mean it could have been later but it looked new.
3:45 The 52 story Bank of America Center at 555 California Street was completed in 1969. So that should narrow your time window. ;-)
Pretty sure the newest car I saw was an orange 1970 Mustang parked at the curb at 2:40. I’ll guess ‘70.
Evocative music perfectly matches the footage.Interesting to note there were barely any obese people about back then. Now where did I leave my time machine? I have to go back there.
But 75% were smokers 😂😂😂
Sure would be great if one of the individuals in these film clips could get back to you. The stories they could tell, simply by just being there!!
That was me with taking blond hair! Since then, I’ve put on 75 lbs, I’m bald, I drive a Mercedes, and I no longer say stick it to the man, because I am the man now! 😂 jk
Early 70's based on the United and TWA logos, among other clues.
Maybe you can contact the whiskey company and discover WHEN they had that ad posted in Union Square.
That would probably narrow down the date of this film clip to a single year...perhaps a single month!
I remember it well. I was working in the corner building at Powell and Geary. Nixon appeared under the awning of the St. Francis Hotel. I had my Pentax with me and stood right in front of him and walked with him up Powell to his limo. He stood beside it and waved his arms like he always did. The Secret Service did not bother me...I was dressed ivy league. Lol!
Also if you look at the bumpers in any car sold in the U.S after1973 had to have a bigger bumper for new safety laws. So likely 70 to 73
I saw a lot of 67 Ford cabs. But I swear I saw a 78 Crown Vic yellow cab in front of the St Francis
Post 1966 from my google. Empress of China Restaurant started in 1966. At 0:26 there's an obscured name of an Airline showing only the last 4 letters of the name 'BENA' . I bet this pinpoints some accuracy because I can't find any Airline company ending in BENA. It was a short lived airline.
I think it was Sabena Airlines which ceased operations in 2001. I attended many wedding banquets at Empress Of China, including my own.😊
Sabena was the flag-carrying airline of Belgium.
Lots of cars from 67-70 !
Early 70s is my guess. Cabs look 70-72 model.
1:31 are those fireworks being sold on the corner?
@togwm Good eye! That guy is totally selling fireworks 🥳🤣. What a great time! Seemed more of a free time. People seemed more layed back. Take me back!
Dan said there is a brand new1970 mustang so sometime after that
Likely 1970 to 1972
Early1970’s at the oldest. Younger Men stopped wearing hats by then. Most of the hat wearing men were older men in that film.
I'm guessing early to mid 70s based on the cloths and hairstyles of the young people at union Square
Early 70's - Yea Shirtless Hippie Guy - but also the Red Opel GT driving up the Hill is another signed that pushes into the 1970s
1972 , my guess
Couple of cars there seemed to be from the early 70s
That hippie kid would be in his own 70s now.
1970’s for sure
1970 based upon the vehicles. The yellow taxi are 69. The red Opal looks like 1970.
I think the Fleetwood is 71. Curious, could this footage have been taken at different time periods. Some look very 60s except for a few cars. That would definitely put it in the early 70s.
I think it is all from the same time. It was all on the same film reel. There was other footage on the reel from Houston. I will post it this weekend.
@@MikeEvansWindsor sounds good
It was at this time that Carmel by the Sea outlawed sitting on grass in their public park.
I still have a pamphlet called “The Price of Peace in Carmel”. My brother and his friend purposely sat on the grass in the park after the law went into effect but they just got chased off. 1970 I think.
@@90293Mike
Test
Red coupe looks like opel/Buick manta gt so I think '71 at earliest. Could be earlier if it's matra coupe from France doesn't look right though.
Not convinced the tape roll is of the same period. My guess is late 60s but at other points I see cars from the early 1970s.
My guess from the clothing, hats and other apparel...1968...final answer....
May not have been shot in a single day. But I would guess from the number of people with hats and the cars driving by late 1969, 55 years ago.
Would love to know the music used in this video!
The little city dressed up in big city clothes. Someone said that but I can't remember who?
check the date code on the edge of the film
I was there thinking 1970 or 71
Judging by cars and hairstyles, I would say 1970.
if you want the year look for a police car,they are usually the most current year.
Back when you could go to Union Square to buy airline tickets at the counter
Look I can see Steve McQueen in his Bullet Mustang coming down those streets 😛
Love the song that starts around 2:50 . Any Idea what it is?
Check out Lord Huron for similar vibe.
The 126ers - Innocence
Late 60's for sure.
1968-69 is my guess.
I was gonna say 1970, but maybe 1972
I see the family station wagon! You could fit an entire house full of shit into one of those things and the back door acted as a gymnastic bench!
Early 70's based on the newest cars seen.
I’m guessing 1969, as the Bank of America Tower looks complete.
1971.
Looks like San Francisco early 1970s.
1971
1972?
1973.
I spotted a Volkswagen thing which debuted in 1971. I’d say film is 1972 .. styles.. and my memory put me there.
‘71 or ‘72
Wow!
Saw a 73 ford
This is Union Square and also Nob Hill. Loved going there as a child to places like the Emporium, which had a little carnival on the roof, and also Woolworths. Incredible during the holidays. I was born in 1970. Lots of great memories. I miss my city so much. Died with gentrification in mid-90s.
Early 70s
Looks like very early 1970’s. I was just a little kid then but SF looks like it was fantastic in those days, unlike the depressing mess it is now.
1971 is my guess! Or 1871.
My guess is 1969.
1970
Hi, Michael. My guess is 1964. But definitely, the era of the 1960's through the 1970's. The bell bottom pants give it away. ❤
I am guessing 1970. Men didn't have hair that long in 1964. Just think of The Beatles from 1964. And bellbottoms were not popular until around 1969.
Terrible guess. I see a 1968-1979 Foed Galaxie taxi
B of A building finished in 1969 so after that
'64 would have still been short hair on guys and stovepipe pants. No bellbottoms or hippy look at that time. The Beatles/Stones just brought the longer hair from Europe in '64. (Then the British punks brought shorter hair again in '77. What's up with Brits always being ahead of North America? haha)
I saw Dirty Harry having lunch at the hot dog place....so...late 60s early 70s..?
I'm gonna say 70-71 ish.
1973