Inventory of the Dept. of Public Works. Toll Bridge Record Group, 1929-1970
Processed by The California State Archives staff; supplementary encoding and revision supplied by Xiuzhi Zhou.
California State Archives
1020 "O" Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: (916) 653-2246
Fax: (916) 653-7363
Email: ArchivesWeb@sos.ca.gov
URL: http://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/
© 2000
California Secretary of State. All rights reserved.
Inventory of the Dept. of Public Works. Toll Bridge Record Group, 1929-1970
Inventory: F2516, 2517, 3310, 3338, 3780
California State Archives
Office of the Secretary of State
Sacramento, California
Contact Information:
- California State Archives
- 1020 "O" Street
- Sacramento, California 95814
- Phone: (916) 653-2246
- Fax: (916) 653-7363
- Email: ArchivesWeb@sos.ca.gov
- URL: http://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/
- Processed by:
- The California State Archives staff
© 2000 California Secretary of State. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Dept. of Public Works. Toll Bridge Record Group,
Date (inclusive): 1929-1970
Inventory: F2516, 2517, 3310, 3338, 3780
Creator: California. Dept. of Public Works
Repository:
California State Archives
Language:
English.
Administrative Information
Publication Rights
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility
for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives
collections.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Dept. of Public Works. Toll Bridge Record Group, F2516, 2517, 3310, 3338, 3780, California State
Archives.
Agency History
The first step toward State ownership and operation of toll bridges occurred in 1929, when the Legislature created the California
Toll Bridge Authority. Comprising the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Director of the Department of Public Works, the Director
of the Department of Finance, and the Chairman of the California Highway Commission, the Authority was empowered to determine
the location of bridges, issue bonds, set toll rates, and acquire land through imminent domain (
Stats. 1929, ch. 763).
In 1931, the Bridge Authority and the Department of Public Works were authorized to lay out, acquire, and construct a crossing
from San Francisco to Alameda County (
Stats. 1931, ch. 401), and $650,000 was appropriated to carry out a preliminary survey (
Stats. 1931, ch. 400). As a direct consequence of these statutes the Department of Public Works created the San Francisco-Oakland
Bay Bridge Division to carry out surveys, prepare plans, and eventually to construct the bridge. Charles E. Purcell was appointed
Chief Engineer, Charles Andrew became Bridge Engineer, and Glenn Woodruff was made Engineer of Design.
In the same year the Hoover-Young Commission (appointed by President Hoover and Governor Young of California in 1929) released
its final report on its review of various proposals for a Bay crossing. The report became the basis for the present location
and general design of the bridge (for a copy of the report, see F2517:559). Previous to the publication of the report, Public
Bill No. 695 of the 71st Congress (approved Feb. 20, 1931) had authorized the State of California to build a bridge over the
navigable waters of the Bay.
In 1933, the State Legislature provided funds for the construction of the bridge and provided that full charge for the acquisition
and construction of the structure was to be vested in the Department of Public Works (
Stats. 1933, ch. 5, 9, 10). The designing of the bridge was carried out by the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Division. Actual
construction was performed by a series of contractors overseen by Division Engineers.
Ground breaking ceremonies took place on Yerba Buena Island on July 9, 1933, and the bridge was officially opened on November
12, 1936, at a total cost of $74,000,000. Funding was provided by special act of the Legislature (
Stats. 1933, ch. 5), and by Toll Bridge Authority bonds sold to the Reconstruction Finance Corporation.
The bridge is owned by the California Toll Bridge Authority. Its operation and maintenance is the responsibility of the San
Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Section of the Bridge Department of the Division of Highways.
In 1940, shortly after the completion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the Toll Bridge Authority issued bonds for
the purchase of the Carquinez and Antioch Bridges, and the Rodeo-Vallejo Ferry Company from the American Toll Bridge Company.
Investigations of the structures were carried out by the Bridge Department, which gained possession of the original construction
records of the Carquinez Bridge (see series entry 10, CARQUINEZ AND ANTIOCH BRIDGE PURCHASE RECORDS, 1923-1932, 1937).
To facilitate the construction of additional toll bridges, the Division of San Francisco Bay Toll Crossings was established
by Executive Order on December 29, 1947. An independent division within the Department of Public Works, it was responsible
for all engineering work and related activities with respect to the making of surveys, the preparation of plans, specifications,
and estimates for additional toll crossings of San Francisco Bay and later bridges throughout the state.
The Division of San Francisco Bay Toll Bridges carried out surveys which led to the purchase of both the San Mateo-Hayward
and the Dumbarton Bridges from private firms on September 12, 1951. Additionally, it oversaw the construction of the Richmond-San
Rafael Bridge completed September 1, 1956, the Benicia-Martinez Bridge finished July 28, 1959, and the Vincent Thomas Bridge
in Los Angeles Harbor opened November 15, 1963. In 1965, the Division carried out the complete reconstruction of the San Mateo-Hayward
Bridge. All these projects were authorized and funded by the Toll Bridge Authority.
The Toll Bridge Record Group comprises the records of the California Toll Bridge Authority; the San Francisco-Oakland Bay
Bridge Division; the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Section of the Bridge Department of the Division of Highways; and the
Division of San Francisco Bay Toll Crossings.
Related Material
For additional records relating to the construction and operation of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge consult the following:
Title: Governor's Papers
Communications received in support of or opposition to the purchase by the State of California of the Southern Pacific and
Golden Gate Ferry companies, the reduction of bridge toll charges, the refinancing of bridge loans, and the improvement of
rapid transit facilities.
Title: Records of the Secretary of State
Agreement between the Toll Bridge Authority and the Key System regarding the replacement of ferries by the Bridge Railway,
and a copy of the Embarcadero Plan for the San Francisco Terminal of the Interurban Railway - includes drawings. 1935. 1ff.
SS12:12.
Legal opinions on the status of bridge revenue bonds. 1938-1941. 1ff. SS12:13.
Title: Records of the Department of Industrial Relations
Correspondence and legal documents relating to court actions against Bridge Builders, Inc. for violation of the prevailing
wage law. 3ff. 1935. F3273:126-128.
California Toll Bridge Authority
Folder F3780:1-84, 275-280.
1. RECORDS OF MEETINGS. 1933-1971.
Physical Description: 4½cf.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Minutes, verbatim transcripts, resolutions, reports submitted at meetings, and related correspondence. Subjects of meetings
include the funding and sale of bonds, the condemnation of property, agreements entered into by the Toll Bridge Authority,
the purchase of the Carquinez and Antioch Bridges, the renovation of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, and the proposed construction
of a Southern Crossing of San Francisco Bay.
Board of Consulting Engineers, San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
Folder F3780:126-274. MC1:4:1-149
1a. PRELIMINARY BRIDGE DRAWINGS. 1931-1932.
Physical Description: 149 Items.
Scope and Content Note
Numbered drawings placed first in numerical order, and unnumbered drawings thereafter.
The Board of Consulting Engineers was created in January, 1932, by the Department of Public Works to review proposed Bridge
construction plans. It comprised a panel of private architects and engineers, and included C. H. Purcell, Chief Engineer,
and Charles Andrews, Bridge Engineer.
Original pencil tracings and drawings of preliminary designs of bridge construction submitted to the Board of Consulting Engineers
at their meetings between January, 1932, and April, 1933. Plans show details of pier, tower, deck, cantilever, anchor, tunnel,
and span construction. The typical size of a drawing is 2 by 35.
For map work sheets describing individual drawings see the map work book under Bridges - Toll Bridges.
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Division
Folder F2517:700.
2. ANNUAL REPORTS AND BROCHURES. 1934-1935.
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Copies of the first (1934) and second (1935) annual reports on the progress of bridge construction - both containing the following:
photographs, charts, and diagrams; and brochures describing the means being used to construct the bridge and its probable
economic impact on the Bay Area.
Folder F2516:A, A-1.
3. LOG BOOK AND INDEX. 1929-1936.
Physical Description: 2 Vols.
Scope and Content Note
Index placed first, thereafter log book.
Chronological log book containing summaries of the major events which occurred during the construction of the bridge, including
the appointment of personnel, letting out of contracts, appropriation of funds, completion of piers and towers, summaries
of meetings of the California Toll Bridge Authority relating to the bridge, accidents and fatalities, labor troubles (including
the San Francisco Longshoreman's Strike), and ceremonies and celebrations.
See index for alphabetical listing of subjects dealt with in the log book.
Folder F2517:1-699.
4. CENTRAL FILE. 1927-1943.
Physical Description: 30cf.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by agency numeric filing code described below, and chronologically thereunder.
Records of the planning, design, and construction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (hereafter S.F.O.B.B.).
Folder F2517:1-3.
000.000
Monthly Progress Charts (1934-1935),
Physical Description: 3ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Diagrams of bridge, piers, and anchorages. Portion colored in yellow represents the portion completed over the previous month.
Folder F2517:4-5.
Trackwork Weekly Reports (1932-1939),
Physical Description: 2ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Reports and related correspondence dealing with the placement and maintenance of interurban railway tracks on the bridge.
Includes alignment maps of track.
Folder F2517:6-16.
000.050
Engineers' Memoranda (1932-1936),
Physical Description: 11ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged by engineer's name and chronologically thereunder.
Memoranda of Charles H. Purcell, Chief Engineer, Charles Andrew, Bridge Engineer, Glenn B. Woodruff, Engineer of Design, and
Thomas Cox, Engineer - regarding preliminary surveys, the letting out of contracts, cost estimates, design problems, construction
progress, and general background information on the bridge project.
Folder F2517:17-21.
000.90
A-Z Internal (1934-1938)
Physical Description: 5ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Communications between bridge engineers largely discussing changes in procedures, construction problems, tests carried out
on materials, cost estimates, and special meetings attended. Also includes reports on photographs taken to document construction
progress.
Folder F2517:25.
200.471
Toll Bridges - Misc. (1928-1932),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Indexed series of reports on the operation of toll bridges in other parts of the country and on the advisability of toll bridges
within the state highway system. Contains maps and plans.
The following bridges are discussed: Carquinez, George Washington, and Sacramento River Bridges.
Folder F2517:26-34.
200.5
Board of Consulting Engineers (1932-1933),
Physical Description: 8ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by name of engineer and chronologically thereunder.
Correspondence between consulting engineers and the Chief Engineer and Design Engineer of the bridge project relating to reviews
by the Board of bridge design and contract specifications. Includes numerous engineering computations.
Folder F2517:35-41.
200.60
Weekly Reports (1931-1940),
Physical Description: 7ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized chronologically.
Reports to the Chief Engineer on progress made in construction, frequently including diagrams illustrating work completed.
Folder F2517:42.
200.6001
Reports to the Director (1933-1934),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Reports to the Director of the Department of Public Works by the Chief Engineer on construction progress.
Folder F2517: 43-46.
200.601-640
External Design Correspondence (1931-1938),
Physical Description: 4ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by subject and chronologically thereunder.
Incoming and outgoing correspondence with State Highway engineers, consultants, and contractors regarding design problems,
and communications with local governments and concerned parties expressing opinions on the design of approaches to the bridge.
Includes maps, drawings and diagrams.
Folder F2517:47-51.
200.650-660
Proposed Designs (1927-1936),
Physical Description: 5ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Reports, proposals, plans, artist's drawings, photographs of models, correspondence with architects, and minutes of S.F.O.B.B.
Advisory Committee meetings - all relating to the review of proposed designs for bridge construction.
Folder F2517:52.
200.661
G. M. Stimson, Consulting Engineer (1938-1939),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Communications with Chief Engineer relating to the construction of the bridge terminal and administration buildings.
Folder F2517:53.
200.70
Estimates of Cost (1931-1934),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Various estimates of the total cost of building the bridge.
Folder F2517:54-55.
300.2
Bids (1933),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Correspondence with contractors regarding pre-qualification and summaries of bids received and of rejected bids.
Folder F2517:56-61.
400.10-312
Specifications and Equipment (1933-1936),
Physical Description: 6ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by subject and chronologically thereunder.
Copies of general specifications, advertisements, and related correspondence dealing with construction equipment and interurban
train cars to be purchased.
Folder F2517:62A.
400.35
Biography of Charles H. Purcell (1937),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Privately published volume extolling the Chief Engineer.
Folder F2517:62-108.
400.50
Engineer's Daily Diaries (1933-1943),
Physical Description: 34ff. and 10 Vols.
Scope and Content Note
Volumes placed first, thereafter folders. Arranged thereunder by name of engineer.
Daily listings of the activities of engineers working on the bridge project - including C. H. Purcell, Charles E. Andrew,
and Glenn B. Woodruff.
Folder F2517:109-335.
402-455
Contract Records (1933-1936),
Physical Description: 8cf.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by contract number and thereunder by subject.
Contains following types of materials: general incoming and outgoing correspondence with contractors; resident engineers'
reports; weekly progress reports; weekly progress charts; cost estimates; daily diaries of construction progress (containing
numerous engineering calculations); employee records; data on labor and wages; correspondence regarding labor needs and complaints;
and special construction records dealing with particular operations such as the placement of cassons and the closing of the
cantilever span.
Contracts included:
2. Construction of West Bay Crossing Substructure (1933-1935),
Physical Description: 17ff. and 5 Vols. F2517:109-133.
3. San Francisco Anchorage and Viaduct (1933-1936),
Physical Description: 20ff. and 18 Vols. F2517:134-172.
4. Construction of East Bay Crossing Substructure (1933-1934),
Physical Description: 12ff. and 19 Vols. F2517:173-193.
5. Yerba Buena Island Construction (1933-1936),
Physical Description: 6ff. and 5 Vols. F2517:194-204.
Folder F2517:205-257.
6. Construction of West Towers and Spans (1933-1936),
Physical Description: 29ff. and 23 Vols.
Folder .
7. Construction of Eastern Cantilever and Suspended Spans (1934-1936),
Physical Description: 18ff. and 15 Vols. F2517:258-289
8. Substructure, Girders, Spans on Mole Construction (1934),
Physical Description: 7ff. and 12 Vols. F2517:290-309.
9. Final Painting of Bridge (1936-1937),
Physical Description: 8ff. and 2 Vols. F2517:310-320.
10. Toll Plaza Construction (1936),
Physical Description: 5ff. and 5 Vols. F2517:321-330.
11. Electrical Work (1935-1937),
Physical Description: 4ff. F2517:331-334.
12. Signs (1935-1939),
Physical Description: 1ff. F2517:334A.
13. Tunnel Lining (1936),
Physical Description: 2ff. F2517:335-338.
14. Yerba Buena Storage Garage (1936-1937),
Physical Description: 2ff. F2517:339-340.
15. San Francisco Ramps and Landscaping (1936),
Physical Description: 5ff. and 4 Vols. F2517:341-349.
18. Sprinklers (1936),
Physical Description: 5ff. F2517:350-354.
19. Facilities for 1939 Exposition Traffic (1938),
Physical Description: 1ff. F2517:355.
20. Reinforcing Details (1939),
Physical Description: 2ff. F2517:356-357.
21. Fire Extinguishers (1939),
Physical Description: 1ff. F2517:358.
Folder F2517:359.
22. Alteration of Maintenance Building (1939),
Physical Description: 1ff.
23. Beautification of Rincon Hill (1939),
Physical Description: 1ff. F2517:360.
25. Fill at Administration Building (1939),
Physical Description: 1ff. F2517:361.
41. Distribution Structure (1935-1936),
Physical Description: 8ff. F2517:362-369.
42. Folger Underpass (1935),
Physical Description: 3ff. F2517:370-372.
43. San Pablo Avenue Subway (1935-1936),
Physical Description: 3ff. F2517:373-375.
52. Cables for Protection Against Sabotage (1936),
Physical Description: 1ff. F2517:376.
Folder F2517:377-385.
455
T. E. Stanton, Materials and Research Engineer (1934-1936),
Physical Description: 9ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by subject and chronologically thereunder.
Memoranda regarding tests run on materials and equipment by the Materials and Research Department of the Division of Highways.
Folder F2517:386-390.
460
John M. Bailey - Principal Steel Inspector (1933-1936),
Physical Description: 5ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Largely comprising steel inspection reports.
Folder F2517:392.
480
Progress Report on Contracts Let Prior to June 30, 1936 (1936),
Physical Description: 1 Vol.
Scope and Content Note
Summary of work completed as of June 30th, maps of projects and photographs of construction work.
Folder F2517:393-406.
490
Misc. Daily Reports (1934-1937),
Physical Description: 15 Vols.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Daily reports on inspections of materials, pile driving operations, boat operations, and security.
Folder F2517:407-457.
495
Interurban Railway Construction Contract Records (1936-1938),
Physical Description: 2cf.
Scope and Content Note
General correspondence placed first, and thereafter records relating to specific contracts.
Records relating to contracts let for the construction of interurban railway tracks on the lower deck of the bridge, and for
a San Francisco Interurban Railway Terminal.
Folder F2517:407-408, 457.
General Correspondence (1938-1939),
Physical Description: 3ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Reports on agreements with railroads regarding the future operation and shared operation of interurban tracks on the bridge,
inspector's reports on the progress of track and cantinary construction, estimates of cost, and incoming and outgoing correspondence
with railroads regarding proposed train scheduling on the bridge.
Folder F2517:409-457.
Contract Records (1938-1939),
Physical Description: 2cf.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged by contract number in ascending order, and by subject thereunder.
Letters sent to and received from contractors dealing with construction progress, reasons for delays, and difficulties faced;
daily diaries of work accomplished; and resident engineer's memoranda dealing with the progress on construction.
Following contracts included:
Folder F2517:409.
R-1A, B
San Francisco Terminal Location Demolition (1936-1940),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Correspondence only.
Folder F2517:410-413.
R-2
San Francisco Terminal Construction (1936-1939),
Physical Description: 4ff.
Folder F2517:414-416.
R-3
San Francisco Viaduct (1938-1939),
Physical Description: 3ff.
Folder F2517:417-418.
R-4
Substructure - East Bay Yard (1937),
Physical Description: 2ff.
Folder F2517:419.
R-5
Signals and Interlocking (1936-1939),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Folder F2517:420-421.
R-6
Telephone System (1937-1939),
Physical Description: 2ff.
Folder F2517:422-425.
R-7
Substructure - East Bay Yard (1937-1938),
Physical Description: 4ff.
Folder F2517:426.
R-8
Buildings - East Bay Yard (1937-1939),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Correspondence only.
R-9
Trackwork and Rail Construction (1937-1938),
Physical Description: 4ff. and 2 Vols.
Folder F2517:433-437.
R-10
Cantenary and Feeders (1937-1938),
Physical Description: 2ff. and 3 Vols.
Folder F2517:438-440.
R-11
Track Bonding (1937-1938),
Physical Description: 2ff. and 1 Vol.
Folder F2517:441-449.
R-21
East Bay Yard - Fill and Key System Work (1936-1939),
Physical Description: 7ff. and 1 Vol.
Folder F2517:450.
R-24
San Francisco Offline Connection (1937-1939),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Folder F2517:451-452.
R-25
Substations (1938),
Physical Description: 2ff.
Folder F2517:453.
R-30
Southern Pacific Company Equipment Transfer (1937-1939),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Correspondence only.
Folder F2517:454-456.
R-32
Sacramento Northern Railroad Equipment Transfer (1938-1940),
Physical Description: 3ff.
Folder F2517:458-469.
500
Supplies (1933-1940),
Physical Description: 8ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized alphabetically by name of material, and chronologically thereunder.
Incoming and outgoing correspondence with contractors and the general public regarding the purchase and sale of materials
including: aggregates, fog sirens, airway beacons, traffic markers, pilings, axle counters, and boats.
Folder F2517:470-477.
600
Personnel (1933-1943),
Physical Description: 8ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by subject and chronologically thereunder.
Applications for Emergency Relief Administration and Works Projects Administration funds, job applications for various positions,
and incoming and outgoing correspondence with the California State Employee Association.
Folder F2517:478-480.
700.23
Planned Purchase of Ferries (1933-1938),
Physical Description: 3ff.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged by subject and chronologically thereunder.
Reports, memoranda, resolutions, and letters of complaint from the general public relating to the proposed purchase of Bay
ferry-boat companies.
Folder F2517:481-513.
700.93
Reconstruction Finance Corporation (hereafter RFC), (1934-1939),
Physical Description: 1½cf.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by subject and chronologically thereunder.
Memoranda; letters received from and sent to the RFC; applications for financing; reports on expenditures, property owned,
employment, bonds sold, insurance, and projected tolls; financial statements; and RFC resolutions.
Folder F2517:514-530.
800.3-6
Surveys and Plans (1930-1935),
Physical Description: 17ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by filing code number and chronologically thereunder.
Reports, statistical charts, diagrams and related correspondence involving the following surveys:
Folder F2517:514-516.
800.38
Bridge Models (1930-1935),
Physical Description: 3ff.
Scope and Content Note
Correspondence only - dealing with projected view of the bridge.
Folder F2517:520.
800.41
Aerial Surveys (1931),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Correspondence only.
Folder F2517:518-520.
800.50
Triangulation (1930-1939),
Physical Description: 3ff.
Scope and Content Note
Largely dealing with the initial layout of the bridge.
Folder F2517:521-526.
800.6
Traffic Problems and Transit Plans (1931-1939),
Physical Description: 6ff.
Scope and Content Note
Reports on existing and projected traffic patterns, estimated toll collections, projected rapid transit costs, and a proposed
unified rapid transit plan for San Francisco.
Folder F2517:527-530.
800.62
Earthquake Data (1933-1939),
Physical Description: 4ff.
Scope and Content Note
Reports on surveys of stress tolerance of the bridge in the event of a great earthquake.
Folder F2517:531-553.
800.70
Special Reports (1930-1939),
Physical Description: 21ff. and 3 Vols.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by subject and chronologically thereunder.
Narrative reports, frequently containing sketches, diagrams, charts, drawings, and photographs. Subjects dealt with include:
financial reports on the cost and projected revenue of the bridge and rapid transit system; the refinancing of bonds; the
effects of bridge construction on traffic patterns, population, and business; and the projected income and operating expense
of the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Folder F2517:554-558.
900.01-05
Misc. Correspondence (1933-1937),
Physical Description: 5ff.
Scope and Content Note
Correspondence originating within California placed first, then communications with other states, and thereafter letters from
other countries.
Incoming and outgoing correspondence with engineers and other interested parties both in the United States and in foreign
countries regarding the techniques used in the construction of the bridge. Includes communications with Golden Gate Bridge
Engineers involving similar problems faced in both construction projects.
Folder F2517:559.
900.09
Hoover-Young Bay Bridge Commission Report (Aug., 1930),
Physical Description: 1 Vol.
Scope and Content Note
234 page report of a presidential commission sent to examine various proposals for bridge construction. Contains minutes of
Commission meetings, studies of traffic patterns, estimates of the economic impact of the bridge, reviews of proposals, recommendations,
maps, plans, and charts.
Of special interest is a proposal to build a traffic tube under the Bay at the approximate site of the current BART tube.
Folder F2517:660-699.
900.11-24
Publicity and Ceremonies (1933-1938),
Physical Description: 1cf.
Scope and Content Note
Organized into the categories listed below.
Records of the Information Office of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Division.
Contains the following:
Folder F2517:660-665.
900.11
General Correspondence (1930-1936),
Physical Description: 6ff.
Scope and Content Note
Press releases, booklets, incoming and outgoing correspondence with newsmen, and official photograph.
Folder F2517:666-673.
900.112
Ceremonies and Celebrations (1933-1939),
Physical Description: 7ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized chronologically. Bids for construction, invitations, and press releases regarding special ceremonies, such as ground
breaking for the bridge (1933).
Folder F2517:675-681.
900.115-116
Inspection Trips (1933-1937),
Physical Description: 6ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized chronologically. Incoming and outgoing correspondence relating to the issuance of special passes for inspection
trips of the bridge while it was under construction.
Folder F2517:682-686.
900.117
Speeches (1933-1939),
Physical Description: 5ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized chronologically. Correspondence dealing with addresses made by engineers regarding bridge construction. Includes
scattered copies of speeches.
Folder F2517:687-691.
900.118
Golden Gate International Exposition (1938-1939),
Physical Description: 5ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by subject and chronologically thereunder. Records collected by Julie Goss (Information Officer) in her position
as a member of the Publicity Committee for the Golden Gate International Exposition. Includes minutes of Committee meetings,
incoming and outgoing correspondence with Committee members and the general public, press releases, and pamphlets.
Of special interest is correspondence and plans relating to a proposed roller coaster ride to be built on top of the Golden
Gate and Bay Bridges.
Folder F2517:692.
900.119
Cable Spinning Broadcast (1935),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
Transcript of radio broadcast made from the bridge reporting on cable spinning operations.
Folder F2517:693-694.
900.12
Clippings - Photographs (1933-1936),
Physical Description: 2ff.
Scope and Content Note
Chronologically arranged. Letters thanking various parties for providing photographs and newspaper clippings.
Folder F2517:696-699.
900.121-24
Miscellaneous Correspondence (1933-1939),
Physical Description: 4ff.
Scope and Content Note
Incoming and outgoing correspondence of the Information Office on the following subjects:
Folder F2517:699.
American Institute of Steel Construction Award
Folder F2516:1-93.
5. CONSTRUCTION PHOTOGRAPHS. 1932-1937.
Physical Description: 9cf.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by contract number in ascending order. Miscellaneous photographs placed at end of file.
Photographs illustrating the construction of the bridge and approach ramps.
Includes the following contracts:
Folder F2516:1-8.
2. Construction of West Bay Crossing Substructure (1933-1935),
Scope and Content Note
Photographs showing the construction of piers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and harbor pier 24, and miscellaneous photographs of West Bay
construction.
Folder F2516:9-13.
3. San Francisco Anchorage and Viaduct (1933-1936),
Scope and Content Note
Scenes of the digging of foundations and general construction of the west anchorage in San Francisco, the erection of the
viaduct leading up to the bridge, and the building of piers A, B, and 1. Numerous photographs of the vicinity of Rincon Hill
in San Francisco.
Folder 2516:14-35.
4. Construction of East Bay Crossing Substructure (1933-1934),
Scope and Content Note
Views of the construction of piers E2 to E22. Separate volume deals with each pier, and there is an additional volume of miscellaneous
pier photographs.
Folder F2516:36-45, 93-94.
5. Yerba Buena Island Construction (1933-1936),
Scope and Content Note
Scenes of the construction of bridge anchorages, viaducts, portal approaches, the tunnel, and pier E1. Buildings then existing
on the Island are shown.
Folder F2516:46-66.
6. Construction of West Towers and Spans (1933-1936),
Scope and Content Note
Photographs illustrating the construction of the following:
- Span Anchorage W1 and west towers, F2516:46-49.
- Western Spans, F2516:50-55.
- Catwalks, Center Anchorage, Stiffening Truss, West Suspension Span, East Suspension Span, West Bay views of suspensions, saddles,
continuous spans, and miscellaneous scenes of the bridge, F2516:56-64.
- San Francisco Span Anchorage - Cable Laying and Pier 1 construction and cable laying, F2516:65-66.
Folder F2516:67-73.
7. Construction of Eastern Cantilever and Suspended Spans (1934-1936),
Scope and Content Note
Scenes of the erection of the eastern portion of the bridge, both the superstructure and the deck between Oakland and Yerba
Buena.
Folder F2516:74-75.
8. Substructure, Girder Spans on Mole Construction (1934),
Scope and Content Note
Work done on piers and deck on the east approach to the cantilever portion of the bridge - piers E23 to E39.
Folder F2516:76-77.
9. Final Painting of the Bridge (1936-1937),
Scope and Content Note
Photographs of the completed bridge showing painting operations and the laying of roadway. Several panorama scenes showing
the skyline of San Francisco.
Folder F2516:78.
10. Toll Plaza Construction (1936),
Scope and Content Note
Views of the construction of the toll plaza, shop, and administration building on the East Bay side of the bridge.
Folder F2516:79.
11. Electrical Work (1935-1937),
Scope and Content Note
Generators, engines, pumps, fuse boxes, and wiring placed on the bridge.
Folder F2516:80.
13. Tunnel Lining (1936),
Scope and Content Note
Scenes of finishing work being done on the Yerba Buena Tunnel.
Folder F2516:81.
14. Yerba Buena Storage Garage (1936-1937),
Scope and Content Note
Showing the construction of an equipment storage building on the island.
Folder F2516:82-86.
15-15A. San Francisco On Ramps, Off Ramps, and Landscaping (1936),
Scope and Content Note
Construction of the San Francisco approaches to the bridge. Numerous scenes of the South of Market Street in San Francisco
and the grading of Rincon Hill.
Folder F2516:87-89.
East Bay Distribution System (1935-1936),
Scope and Content Note
Construction of the distribution system in the East Bay leading from the bridge. Numerous views of housing in the East Bay
and of road building equipment.
Folder F2516:90-93.
Miscellaneous Photographs (1933-1936),
Scope and Content Note
Assorted photographs of deck construction, scenes of San Francisco, triangular stations, small vessels owned or rented by
the Bridge Division, dredges, the Ferry Building, the Embarcadaro in San Francisco, navigation bells, construction on Rincon
Hill, photographs of official opening ceremonies, panoramic views of the bridge, and scenes of the demolition of property
to make room for the San Francisco Interurban Transit Station.
Folder F3338.
6. CHECK REGISTER. 1933-1938.
Physical Description: 1 Vol.
Scope and Content Note
Register of warrants issued to contractors and vendors for materials or services. Lists warrant number, date issued, to whom
issued, amount of warrant, and when cashed.
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Section of the Bridge Department
Folder F2517:701A-796.
7. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FILE. 1932-1951.
Physical Description: 4cf.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by agency filling code (see F2517:701 for file key) and chronologically thereunder.
Records relating to the general operation and maintenance of the bridge after construction.
Includes the following (see key for extended description of categories):
Folder F2517:702-711.
100
Accounting (1936-1939)
Physical Description: 9ff.
Scope and Content Note
Statement of income and profit and loss; claim schedules, audit of bridge terminal, and reports on credit accounts.
Folder F2517:712-714.
300
Equipment and Accessories (1936-1945)
Physical Description: 3ff.
Scope and Content Note
Memoranda; incoming and outgoing correspondence with vendors regarding the purchase of automobile, electrical equipment, and
axle counting equipment.
Folder F2517:715-740.
400
Maintenance and Operation (1936-1951)
Physical Description: 24ff.
Scope and Content Note
General operation reports; and reports and communications from and with vendors and contractors involving the maintenance
of paint, the electrical system, lighting, signs, and traffic striping. Additionally contains instructions, reports, and correspondence
relating to fire fighting, the impoundment of vehicles, roadway services and accidents, arrests and wrecks.
Folder F2517:741-744.
500
Materials and Supplies (1936-1951)
Physical Description: 4ff.
Scope and Content Note
Reports on inspections of materials, memoranda and correspondence relating to scrap metal collection during the Second World
War, and reports on the number of commute books sold and on hand each month.
Folder F2517:745-751.
600
Personnel (1933-1947)
Physical Description: 7ff.
Scope and Content Note
Memoranda and bulletins regarding changes in general office procedures and personnel policies.
Folder F2517:753-757.
700
Legal (1936-1939)
Physical Description: 5ff.
Scope and Content Note
Status reports on the construction of the bridge railway; memoranda, and incoming and outgoing correspondence regarding the
status of agreements with the Southern Pacific and Key System railroads for the use of the tracks and railroad facilities
associated with the bridge; and memoranda, reports, and communications with local banks and Federal officials involving the
refinancing of a Reconstruction Finance Corporation loan.
Folder F2517:756-777.
800
Traffic (1936-1951)
Physical Description: 22ff.
Scope and Content Note
Traffic counts and surveys taken on the Bay Bridge and on other similar bridges, interurban traffic estimates, communications
with the California Highway Patrol regarding patrolling practices on the bridge, and letters received from and sent to the
general public relating to tolls charged on the bridge.
Folder F2517:797-812
7A. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FILE. 1947-60.
Physical Description: 16 ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized by agency filling code (see F2517:701 for file key) and chronologically thereunder.
Records relating to the general operation and maintenance of the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge and other San Francisco
Bay toll bridges.
Includes the following:
100.01
Toll Bridges Budgets - Maintenance - Operation (1948-57),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
includes information regarding maintenance of San Francisco Bay toll bridges other than the S.F.O.B.B.
100.02
Accounting Reports & Instructions (1951-57),
Physical Description: 3ff.
Scope and Content Note
primarily monthly Reports of Operations for the Dumbarton & San Mateo-Hayward Bridges.
100.042
Accounts Receivable, Bay Bridge (1949-52),
Physical Description: 1ff.
100.05
Service Agreements, Bay Bridge (1949-58),
Physical Description: 1ff.
300.04
Automotive Equipment, Bay Bridge (1956-60),
Physical Description: 1ff.
400.30
Accidents, Bay Bridge (1947-57),
Physical Description: 5ff.
Scope and Content Note
includes annual traffic accident reports, roadside service reports (both statistical), damage claims, memoranda and reports
of accidents on or damage to State highways.
400.36
Contracts, Bay Bridge (1948-57),
Physical Description: 3ff.
Scope and Content Note
contains contracts, memoranda, correspondence, and reports re: S.F.O.B.B. maintenance and repair contracts.
600.01
General Personnel Correspondence, Bay Bridge (1948-59),
Physical Description: 1ff.
Scope and Content Note
includes job descriptions and organization charts.
Folder F2517:782-796.
900
Unclassified (1936-1939),
Physical Description: 15ff.
Scope and Content Note
Operation and maintenance annual reports; incoming and outgoing correspondence with the Golden Gate Bridge District, the Bay
Area Transportation League, and correspondents from other countries regarding the operation of the bridge; press releases
and related correspondence of the Information Office; newspaper articles, and complaints and suggestions received from the
general public.
Folder F3310:1-6.
8. SCRAPBOOKS. 1936-1955.
Physical Description: 6 Vols.
Scope and Content Note
Arranged chronologically.
Volumes of newspaper clippings relating to the operation and maintenance of the bridge.
Folder F3780:85-102.
9. TOLL BRIDGE SERGEANT'S DAILY JOURNALS. 1940-1948.
Physical Description: ½cf.
Scope and Content Note
Journals of Carquinez Bridge placed first, those of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge placed thereafter; arranged chronologically
thereunder.
Daily journal sheets record unusual occurrences during watches including collections of special fares, accidents, checks of
equipment, and shipments of explosives. Each day's weather is listed at the top of the sheet.
Sampled.
Folder F3780:103-110.
10. CARQUINEZ AND ANTIOCH BRIDGE PURCHASE RECORDS. 1923-1932, 1937.
Physical Description: 8ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized into the following categories in the following order and chronologically thereunder: survey and preliminary study,
American Toll Bridge Co. Exhibits, and diaries and field books.
Records relating to the purchase by the State of the Carquinez and Antioch bridges, and the Martinez-Benicia Ferry Company
from the American Toll Bridge Company.
Survey and Preliminary Study (1939-1941)
Scope and Content Note
- reports on the condition of the two bridges (including photographs); estimates of the cost of repair and maintenance; projections
of probable earnings; historical valuations; traffic projections; and photostatic copies of key documents such as deeds and
permits.
American Toll Bridge Co. Exhibits (1923-1938)
Scope and Content Note
- earning statements of bridges and Rodeo-Vallejo Ferry Co., rates of return, historical and reproduction cost figures, estimates
of increased automobile traffic and revenues, and construction plans.
Diaries and Field Books (1923-1932, 1937)
Scope and Content Note
- of the construction of the Carquinez and Antioch bridges, and of the access road and pier slips of the Martinez-Benicia
Ferry Co. - containing daily descriptions of work completed, soundings, test piling listings, surveys, and frequently diagrams
and sketches.
Division of San Francisco Bay Toll Crossing
Folder F3780:111:
11. ADDITIONAL TOLL CROSSING REPORT. October, 1949.
Physical Description: 1 Vol.
Scope and Content Note
Final report of an investigation carried out by the Division of San Francisco Bay Toll Bridge Crossings into a plan for a
Southern Crossing of San Francisco Bay between Tennessee and Third Streets in San Francisco and Fifth Street and Central Avenue
in Alameda, proposed by consultants to the Assembly Fact-finding Committee on Tideland Reclamation and Development in Northern
California, Related to Traffic Problems, and Relief of Congestion of Transbay Crossings. Contains a description of proposed
plans, analysis of the projected capacities of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and various other proposed crossings,
projected revenues from the proposed Southern Crossing, a description of suggested changes to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay
Bridge to increase its capacity, and conclusions. Includes charts, graphs, maps, and diagrams.
Folder F3780:112-125.
12. PUBLIC RELATIONS FILE. 1948-1959.
Physical Description: 14ff.
Scope and Content Note
Organized into the following categories in the following order: correspondence placed first, arranged chronologically; and
press clippings placed thereafter organized alphabetically by subject and chronologically thereunder.
Correspondence (1948-1958),
Physical Description: 3ff.
Scope and Content Note
press releases of the Division of Highways; speeches; articles; pamphlets; and letters received and copies of replies sent
to newspapers and magazines regarding the construction and maintenance of San Francisco Bay Bridges, a proposed Southern crossing
of the Bay by a bridge, the opening of the Richmond and San Rafael Bridge, the geology of San Francisco Bay, and the possible
role of a Southern crossing in the Reber plan for damming San Francisco Bay.
Press Clippings (1948-1954, 1956-1959),
Physical Description: 11ff.
Scope and Content Note
a collection of all articles appearing in Bay Area newspapers, in magazines, and in professional journals dealing with the
construction and maintenance of Bay Area bridges.
Subjects dealt with include: rapid transit planning; the organization of the Bay Area Authority and the elimination of Key
System trains from the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (all filed under General); a proposed Southern crossing of the Bay;
the completion of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge; and the reconstruction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
PUBLIC WORKS-BRIDGE DEPT. SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND BAY BRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHS
Box Box 1
West Bay, San Francisco Viaduct, San Francisco Viaduct Fill, Pier #1, Pier #A, Pier #B
Box Box 2
Pier 2, Pier 3, Pier 4 Vol I & II
Box Box 3
Pier 4(cont), Pier 5, Pier E-2, Pier E-8, Pier E-9, Pier 6, Pier 24, Harbor, Miscellaneous
Box Box 4
West Approach, West Portal, East Portal, East Approach, Pilot Tunnel #1-#5, Miscellaneous Pilot Tunnels, North Tunnell Wall,
South Tunnell Wall
Box Box 5
Arch, Tunnel, Y.B. Pier #1-#4, West Anchor Arm, E-1 (pier)
Box Box 6
E-1 Pier (cont), West Cantilever Arm, East Anchor Arm, East Cantilever Arm, Span Anchorage W1, Tower W2
Box Box 7
Tower W3, Tower W5, Tower W6, Span W4-W5, Pier E-3, Pier E-4
Box Box 8
Pier E-5, Pier E-6, Pier E-7, S.F. Anchorage Vol. 1
Box Box 9
S.F. Anchorage Vol 1 (cont), Pier E-10, Pier E-11, Pier 3-12, Pier E-13 thru Pier E-22, Miscellaneous Piers (East Bay crossing,
Army dock), Y.B. Anchorage/Disposal Chute
Box Box 10
Y.B. Anchorage/Disposal Chute (cont), Y.B. Viaduct/West Approach, Y.B. Viaduct/East Approach, North Anchorage Tunnell, South
Anchorage Tunnel, Center Anchorage
Box Box 11
South Cable-Saddle W2, North Cable-Saddle W3, South Cable-Saddle W3, North & South Cables-Saddle W5, South Cable-Saddle W6,
North Cable-Saddle W7, Misc., Continuous Spans Pier #1, San Francisco Anchorage, 288 ft. Spans, 288 ft. Spans/Misc., 288 ft.
Spans/Spans E-9, 288 ft. Spans/Spans E-10
Box Box 12
288 ft. Spans/Span E-11 thru E-21, Span W1 thru Span W7, Y.B. Viaduct
Box Box 13
Y.B. Anchorage, North Catwalk, South Catwalk, Misc. Catwalk, Stiffening Truss, West Suspension Span, East Suspension Span,
West Bay, North Cable-Saddle W1, South Cable-Saddle W1, North Cable-Saddle W2, Span Y.B.-1 thru Span Y.B.-4
Box Box 14
Y.B. Spans, Spans Y.B.-1, E-1, 288 ft. Spans E-22, East Bay Crossing, Cantilever Span, Suspended Span, 500 ft. Spans, Span
E-4 thru Span E-8
Box Box 15
Misc. (Piers, deck, bracing, grit plant), Pier E-23 & E-23A thru Pier E-27 & E-27A, Pier E-28 thru E-39, Misc., Lower Deck,
East Approach, East Bay Crossing (East & West Anchor, East & West Cantilever Arm) Continuous Spans, Spans A-W1 thru 34
Box Box 16
Center Anchorage, East Suspension Span, Span W-4 thru W-7, 288 ft. Spans, 500 ft. Spans, Span E-4 thru E-8, West Bay Crossing,
Tower W2, Tower W3, W5, Tower W6, Y.B. Spans, East Bay Crossing, E. Bay Crossing-Cantilever Spans, Toll Plaza, Electrical
Work
Box Box 17
Electrical Work (cont), Tunnel Lining, Y.B. Island Garage, On Ramp, Off Ramp, Essex Street Roadway, Harrison Street Roadway,
Cellular Structure, Fifth Street Plaza, Harrison Street Regrade, Rincon Hill Regrade, Truck Off Ramp, S.F. Approach
Box Box 18
S.F. Approach (cont), Distribution Structure B Line, B N Line, A N Line, S A Line, N Line, S B Line, S Line, N C Line, C S
LIne, N M Line
Box Box 19
M S Line, General, Misc., BN & SB Lines, SA & SB Lines, AN & SA Lines, N & S Lines, MN & CS Lines, CS & NC Lines, MS & CS
Lines, NM & MS & N Lines, San Pablo Underpass, Folger Avenue Underpass, Misc.
Box Box 20
Misc. (cont), Block 3720 R-1A, Central Views P1 - 1A, Y.B. Anchorage, West Approach
Box Box 21
West Portal, Tunnel, East Approach, Y.B. Viaduct, Pier Y.B.-1, Pier Y.B.-2, Pier Y.B.-3, Pier Y.B.-4, Pier E-1, Misc.