I’ve been doing some research on the OpenSFHistory site, cross referencing their pics with my map to see how many of these signs can be traced through the historic photographic record of the city. Specifically, I’ve been looking at their Vista Views Map which features, as the name suggests, big sweeping photos of the city at large. My goal - to find an image, or images for my book that really show the scope of earthquake devastation and help explain the uneven nature of recovery in the Tenderloin. Basically, a visual origin point that explains in one fell pixelated swoop how we ended up with so many secret signs hidden on the backs and sides of buildings.

And I did!