Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-08-17
UTILIZING OLD STREET CARS.
Are Used rs Houses I'm n San Francisco
District.

FROM IN" Scientific American.
1t was reserved for some original genius
in San Francisco to discover a method for
the utilization of ancient and out-of-date
street cars. There was once a limited de-
mand for these articles from young and
ambitious communities that wanted to in
auSurate a street railway system of their
own and We're willing to buy rolling stock.
even secondhand, provided the cost was
low enough, but the change in the metro
polftan systems. first from horse or mule
power to cable roads, and afterward to the
employment Of electricity as the motive
power. together with general demand
from the public for improved cars. left SO
large number of the old-fashioned kind
on hand that the companies were at a loss
what use to make of them. To break them
up into firewood seemed to be the only dis
position possible. The supply was infinitely
greater than the demand.
An Italian immigrant in San Francisco
solved the problem. He had purchased lot
of land but had no money left with which to
build a dwelling. Observing several of the
old cars in store he bought one for $40 and
had it transported to his land, where at
small cost, he built a small addition to it,
and provided very comfortable home for
the family. This example was followed by
others. and in various parts Of San Fran
cisco there may be found discarded street
cars doing duty dwellings, barns, wood
and outhouses, that are not only substan-
tial, but at the same time economical and
highly picturesque.
There Is a little settlement just outside
the city where the large majority of the
structures were once street cars. it Is To-
Gated at the ocean beach on the shore end
of Golden Gate Park. What community Of
interest prompted the beginning Of this
unique settlement is not known. The fact
that the lands are of small value and not
likely to be acquired for public uses in
many years probably had it's influence
though the situation. close to the resound-
ing ocean and bordering upon a largely
frequented boulevard. had attractions for
many. There are perhaps fifty OF these
car dwellings in the little settlement, many
of them fitted out with considerable ele-
gance and numerous conveniences They
are arranged upon a general plan, afford
ing their occupants the widest views all
fronting the sea. Streets ntersect, at right
angles. and plank walks are laid so as to
give pedestrians access to their homes
without Wading through the deep sands.
Few of these cars have been adorned with
a coat of paint. The exteriors are gener-
ally intact. and the conspicuous signs de-
noting the route over which the cars once
perambulated are not oblterated.
Some methods are used in the adornment
OF these curious resorts. Many of them are
covered with vines. most have galleries ex-
tending around the front and sides. The
roofs of some are arranged as lookouts,
and awnings drop over the windows. There
is considerable space for storage below the
cars while other cars acquire additional
room by little extensions In some in
stances one car is raised above another,
and sometimes the cars are laid upon other
buildings, thus giving extra story. The
platforms of the cars are often trans
formed into balconies and bay windows
with the aid of the carpenter and glass
filter, and afford points of observation pro-
tected from the cold winds, besides giving
extended views of sea and land.
The arrangement OF the interiors of these
dwellings is highly ingenious, the necessi-
ties of the case requiring the utmost econ
omy of space, the average sleeping car
suggesting the model. Half a dozen per-
with lodgings in one of them. Ventilation
is always assured.
While there are many families perma-
nent residents of "Cartown." the larger
number occupy the vehicles as others do
the house boat, giving opportunities for
original methods of entertainment and d.
version for themselves and friends. Con-
fined and restricted as these dwellings are
there is compensation in the fresh ocean
breezes which here blow right from the
sea, besides the enjoyment of a health
giving environment. History and romance
have been ransacked in providing names
for these car villas suitable to the face
tious idiosyncrasies of their various own
ers. In "Cartown' the "ylla Miramar"
and Chateau Navarro adjoin the modest
restaurant and more conspicuous bar.
There are many kinds of trades pursued
In this odd settlement, restaurants and
bars being most numerous. "Cartown" is
an interesting spot for the visitor, not only
on account of its individual attractions
but as demonstration of the problem of
what can be done with street cars that
have outlived their usefulness.