The Paul Baffico Rebuilding the San Francisco Cable Car Line Color Slide Collection contains 3,324 color slides documenting the repair and rebuilding of San Francisco’s cable car system during the period of October 12, 1982 to June 18, 1984, taken by professional engineer Paul Baffico. The slides, either Ektachrome or Kokochrome, are arranged in chronological order. The photographic archive is accompanied by Baffico’s detailed description and explanation of the work or action in every slide.

Paul Baffico was born in 1951 and is a native of San Francisco, California. In 1965 Baffico joined the Carpenter’s Union and became an apprentice carpenter. In 1969, he finished the apprentice program and became a Journeyman Carpenter. Baffico worked for several large contractors in the construction industry until 1984 when he became a construction manager. Photography had always been a hobby for Baffico and photo documentation is his preferred style for his work.

1 carton with 3,324 color slides

The photographer retains all copyright. All requests for permission to publish from photographs must be submitted in writing to the Photo Curator. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

The collection is available for use during the San Francisco History Center's Photo Desk hours.