TR in San Francisco, 1903 / - Victorian era public domain image

The following is a scene-by-scene description of the film: The camera was positioned on the southeast corner of O'Farrell Street and Van Ness Avenue, and pans from north to west to south, and then back to west. [Frame: 0100] The view is north on Van Ness Avenue toward the approaching band and cavalry. Students of Whittier School are in the foreground. [0604] The band passing at left is led by conductor Paul Steindorff. [0900] Following the band are the Cleveland Grays, a noted black cavalry troop, led by Captain Young, the first black graduate of West Point. [1398] After a cut in the continuity of the film, the President's carriage approaches along the west side of the avenue. [1775] Behind cheering crowds rises the Baltimore Family Hotel at Geary Street and Van Ness Avenue. [2042] Students of the Moulder, Laguna Honda, and Oceanside Schools wave from the steps of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral (1891) as the President passes. The cathedral burned in 1962, and the new cathedral (1971) stands two blocks to the west. [2684] The view is west up O'Farrell Street as the President passes, waving his top hat. [2863] Students of Hearst School wave from the steps of Victorian homes. An officer of the 9th U.S. Cavalry follows the Presidential carriage. [3081] The narrow, wooden tower may be a converted windmill. [3312] Following another cut in the film, the return sequence begins. The camera looks south to see students of Rincon and Jefferson schools welcoming the returning presidential carriage. In the background are the towers of St. Ignatius Church on Hayes Street. In the middle at right are some of the mansions along Van Ness Avenue. [4230] The President passes, looking rather tired. Secret Service agents walk with the carriage.
Duration: 2:26 at 15 fps.
One of several films taken during President Theodore Roosevelt's visit to San Francisco on May 12-14, 1903 as part of his presidential tour of the West in 1903.
Photographed: May 12 and May 13, 1903. Location: Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, California.
The Theodore Roosevelt Association film collection catalog, p. 134 indicates the film was taken on May 12, however, other sources indicate that it was taken on May 13. May consist of footage taken on both days.
Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as digital files.
Sources used: San Francisco chronicle, 5/12/1903, p. 16; 5/13/1903, p. 1-8; San Francisco examiner, 5/12/1903, p. 1-4; San Francisco Chronicle. The city San Francisco in pictures, 1961, p. 52; Writers' Program. California. San Francisco, 1940, p. 287, p. 300; The Boston herald, 5/13/1903, p. 11 viewed online via Newsbank/Readix database, June 4, 2014.
The Theodore Roosevelt Association film collection : a catalog / prepared by Wendy White-Henson and Veronica M. Gillespie. Library of Congress, 1986.