The Wasp — 1896 — page 686: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is not a political cartoon but rather a feature article with historical photography documenting San Francisco's urban development on Market Street. The article contrasts two photographs of the same street taken decades apart. The earlier image shows low, utilitarian mill and factory buildings; the present-day image displays grand new structures including the Crocker Building, Union Trust, and Hobart Building. The text celebrates San Francisco's architectural progress, noting that "almost every foot of Market street shown in the old view on this page has been rebuilt." The author emphasizes the dramatic transformation from modest commercial buildings to "lofty edifices," presenting this as evidence of the city's enterprise and growth. This is straightforward urban boosterism rather than satire.