1930s Footage Stories

In 1936, California was a bustling state with a thriving railroad industry, and there were many interesting things happening with the people who built the train tracks.

One of the most notable events of that year was the completion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, which was constructed by thousands of workers over a period of four years. The bridge, which opened to traffic on November 12, 1936, was the longest bridge in the world at the time and a major engineering feat.

In addition to the Bay Bridge, there were many other railroad projects underway in California during 1936. The Southern Pacific Railroad was working on a massive expansion project that would connect Los Angeles with San Francisco and other major cities in the region.

The workers who built these railroads were a diverse group of people, including immigrants, African Americans, and Mexican Americans. Many of these workers faced difficult working conditions and low pay, but they were determined to build the railroads that would help California grow and prosper.

Despite the challenges they faced, these workers were able to accomplish remarkable feats of engineering and construction. They built some of the largest and most complex railroad systems in the world, connecting cities and towns across California and beyond.

The legacy of these workers can still be seen in the railroads and bridges that crisscross California today. They left behind a lasting contribution to the state's infrastructure and helped shape the growth and development of California into the thriving state it is today.

In 1937, New York City was a hub of activity, with many interesting events and developments taking place throughout the year. Here are a few notable things that were happening:

1. Construction of the Lincoln Tunnel - The Lincoln Tunnel, a major transportation link between New York City and New Jersey, was under construction in 1937. This massive engineering project involved excavating a tunnel under the Hudson River and was a significant feat of engineering for its time.

2. The Hindenburg Disaster - On May 6, 1937, the German airship Hindenburg caught fire and crashed in New Jersey while attempting to dock at the Naval Air Station in Lakehurst. The disaster was a shock to the world and received widespread media coverage.

3. The opening of the Museum of Modern Art - The Museum of Modern Art, one of the most influential art museums in the world, opened its doors to the public in November 1937. The museum's inaugural exhibition, "Cézanne, Gauguin, Seurat, Van Gogh," showcased some of the most important works of modern art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

4. The New York City Blizzard of 1937 - In December 1937, New York City was hit by a massive blizzard that paralyzed the city for several days. The storm dumped over 2 feet of snow on the city, causing widespread power outages and transportation disruptions.

5. The launch of the USS Intrepid - On April 26, 1937, the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier that would go on to serve in World War II and the Vietnam War, was launched from the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The launch was a significant event for the city and for the country's military.