160 mile auto trip
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These six photos each measure 5×7 inches. Written on the back of the first one is “Taken at 8th & Market Sts before the 160 mi Auto Trip.” On the back of each of the rest is handwritten “Taken while on 160 mi auto trip”. In front of the fourth one is “Taken in front of the home of”, with that bit of information maddeningly left blank. These came from a box of photos that mostly had pictures from the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. The intersection of 8th and Market Streets is a central one in San Francisco, though I haven’t quite figured out if that’s where this was taken. And even if so, where else did they go? How many cars did they need? How long did it take? Was it purely a sightseeing trip, or was there some other agenda? Who are these men, and why did so many agree to travel together? I’m assuming that’s 160 miles round trip? Was it there and back, or did they make a big loop? The fifth photo appears to overlook a body of water that might be San Francisco Bay, or might be something else entirely. Perhaps somebody recognizes the structure in the last photo? The inscription “…the dry land springs of water…” is a bit of the Biblical passage Isaiah 41:18, suggesting to me that the structure might have to do with water or natural springs, but beyond that I’m stumped. It’s all a mystery, but a fun one, and I enjoy these pictures.
Pics of Then 
I’m guessing the tall building in the third photo is the Call Building without its pretty cap – it’s one of the few buildings of any size that survived the 1906 earthquake and fire, but the “cap” was taken off during old renovations, and it was renovated again more recently so it’s barely recognizable in modern times. This article probably has some clues about the water temple in the final photo: https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/Pulgas-Water-Temple-Hetch-Hetchy-water-Crystal-14992239.php
Oh, yes, thanks, Jenn! I think you’ve nailed it, especially that water temple, which I had never even heard of. Sometimes I try to gather all the facts before posting a picture, but this is an example of when it’s better to just put it out there and let my knowledgeable readers help out. 🙂
Given the inscription it seems like it’s the Sunol Water Temple rather than the one down the peninsula: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunol_Water_Temple
I might have to try to visit one or both of these at some point.
A fun set of photos! It speaks to the imagination indeed. 😄
Glad you like them, too!