By Molly Sanchez
The San Francisco Chronicle called Cow Hollow “The Marina’s chic stepsister” but it wasn’t always such a shopping and dining destination. This neighborhood was once a grazing ground for llamas — just kidding, it was obviously for cows. This place became the spot for raising livestock because of its ample grazing land and natural springs. People who won big during the Gold Rush days eventually settled in this area and started building the lavish Victorian mansions this neighborhood is known for. One wealthy dairy rancher, James Cudworth, even built matching Victorian houses and gave them to his daughters as wedding presents.
These photographs, which offer a rare look at Cow Hollow from 1958 through the ’70s, give you a glimpse into a neighborhood that still thrives today. The images come thanks to our friends at non-profit Historypin and their Year of the Bay mapping project and Robert Durden Color Slide Collection at the San Francisco Public Library.
Union St. , 1967
Union St., 1970
Accordion Studio near Gough, 1958
Union near Buchannan, 1970
Union from Octavia, 1970
Union St. , 1970
Come to our microhood party celebration of Cow Hollow tonight (Thurs., Oct. 23) from 6–8 p.m. Local businesses will be slinging free food and drinks (the boozy kind) and of course The Bold Italic party crew will be there with surprise goodies as well.
And you can add your memories to these images over at Historypin’s Year of the Bay site.
Photos courtesy of the Robert Dunden Color Slide Collection.
