The Wasp — 1896 — page 688: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is not a political cartoon but rather a historical article with photographs documenting San Francisco's Market Street development. The text describes how Market Street evolved from early modest structures to becoming lined with impressive buildings erected by wealthy San Francisco capitalists and millionaires. The article highlights the Phelan Building (erected by James D. Phelan, described as a progressive young millionaire) and mentions other major property owners like W. Mackay and J.C. Flood who made significant investments in the street. The two photographs show Market Street in its "early days" (upper image) and "present day" (lower image), visually comparing the street's transformation into a modern commercial thoroughfare with streetcars and substantial architecture.