Home movies provide a unique and personal glimpse into history. They capture everyday moments and events that may not have been recorded by professional cameras, allowing us to see how people lived, dressed, and interacted in the past. Home movies also offer a glimpse into the personal lives of historical figures and ordinary people alike, providing a valuable perspective on the past that can be both informative and entertaining. As such, they are a special and valuable record of our shared history.

1936: California

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.

1937: Bend, Oregon USA

1937 Bend Oregon Road Sign

One interesting event that occurred in Bend, Oregon in 1937 was the construction of the Pilot Butte Canal. This canal, which is still in use today, is a major part of the region's irrigation system and was a significant engineering feat for its time.

The Pilot Butte Canal was built to divert water from the Deschutes River and transport it to nearby farmlands for irrigation purposes. The construction of the canal required the excavation of over five miles of rock and dirt, as well as the installation of various control structures, such as head gates and check gates, to regulate the flow of water.

The construction of the Pilot Butte Canal had a significant impact on the local economy, as it allowed for the expansion of agriculture in the region. This led to increased production of crops such as alfalfa, potatoes, and hay, which were important for both local consumption and export.

The canal also played a role in the development of the local recreation industry. The canal and its associated waterways became popular destinations for fishing and boating, and the construction of parks and picnic areas along the canal helped to further promote outdoor recreation in the area.

Today, the Pilot Butte Canal remains an important part of the irrigation infrastructure of Central Oregon, and the surrounding area continues to be a hub for both agriculture and outdoor recreation.

1937: New York

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1939: San Francisco

1939 was an eventful year in San Francisco, California. Here are some of the most interesting things that were happening:

The Golden Gate International Exposition - The Golden Gate International Exposition, a World's Fair held on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay, opened on February 18, 1939. The exposition featured exhibits from around the world, including displays on science, technology, art, and culture. The fair was a major event in San Francisco's history and drew millions of visitors over its two-year run.

Onset of World War II - In September 1939, Germany invaded Poland, marking the start of World War II. San Francisco, as a major port city and hub of military activity, played a crucial role in the war effort, with many soldiers and supplies passing through the city on their way to the front lines.

The San Francisco Seals baseball team - The San Francisco Seals, a minor league baseball team, were a major draw in the city during the late 1930s. The team, which played in Seals Stadium in the Mission District, featured many talented players and won the Pacific Coast League championship in 1939.

Creation of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park - In 1939, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park was established to preserve the city's maritime heritage. The park includes historic ships, such as the Balclutha and the Eureka, as well as exhibits on the city's maritime history.