Open Shutter to the Past: San Francisco in Pictures – Cows in Glen Park (1909)

“Valborg C. Tietz, owner of picture below. The lady pictured was my mother-in-law: Elise Beneke, who later married Alexander William Tietz in 1910. Her husband Alexander Tietz was crushed by 2 railroad cars at the Santa Fe yards in 1920, where he worked. He was taken out beyond the ‘Three-mile Limit’ where he was found. There never was anyone charged with throwing the wrong switch. The family was paid $9000 for his death by the Santa Fe R. R. She never re-married, and lived with her son Wilhelm or ‘Bill,’ who was my husband. We married in 1955. She lived with us for 25 years, and died at age 86 in 1976. This picture was taken of her in the Glen Canyon, where there was a dairy for years. The cows were quite tame, as you can see. The Good Brothers owned the dairy.”

“ca. 1910. originally part of the San Miguel Rancho, by the 1890’s there were several dairies located in the Glen Park Canyon. (Loaned by Mrs. Tietz)”.

Poor Mr. Tietz.  I’m kind of curious how you can be crushed by not one, but TWO railroad cars, but I think it’s unlikely that I really want to know. 

I hope you have a safe and happy weekend!  And be sure stay away from railroad cars.