The Story of Sutro Baths

This short video is about Adolph Sutro, a self-made millionaire and former mayor of San Francisco created the Sutro Baths, a public bathhouse a museum.

Video contains:

1. a brief biography of Adolph Sutro
2. a short film of the gigantic slide and bathers at the Sutro Baths.
3. a short film of the Leander sisters dancing on a platform over one of the swim tanks.
4. a short film of one of the two trains that
transport passengers to the Baths.
5. How seawater is transported into the swim tanks.
6. Eric Black exploring the Baths.
Photo and film credits and permissions:
Eric Black
Louis Vincent provided by Peggy Vincent
San Francisco Museum
Early Edison Films, Library of Congress
Historical American Building Survey
Music: Pinnacle Studio, Pinnacle Systems, Inc.
Copyright 2006 Exceleste

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Sutro
• Baths
• San
• Francisco
• Heights
• Adolph

[FullXClip00]

can people still go into the tunnel? i used to go in there when my father used to take me i want to go there again. Is the tunnel safe? like it wont collapse right? hahahaha

[dianaclarke]

As far as I know, yes. But be more cautious during high tide.

[kf6rcktheradioman]

good job, but you did not understand what you were looking at, most get roung. the catch basin was put in 1887,the water that comes out of the tunnel went into the aquarium. the tunnel is 153 feet long and eight feet high. that water did not feed the baths. in the center of the cave is an opening to the sea, in 1987 i went down in to it DON'T GO DOWN IN TO IT IT'S NOT SAFE!!!!! if a big wave comes along your DEAD!!!!! i found steps and a tunnel that was bricked over, that what filled the baths.

[dianaclarke]

Yes, that section is now closed. The water didn't empty from the tunnel into the aquarium.

The tunnel was used for quarrying operations. It was pumped in from a cave during low tide. The cave is closed. There is no access to it.

Thanks for your comment.

[dianaclarke]

I don't know. Sorry.

[Nguli34689]

@dianaclarke That which is closed can easily be opened. Where there is a will, there is a way. Not only that, all of the padlocked and welded doors and gates at the Presidio, Fort Cronkhite, and Battery Alexander can also be opened if one has a mind to do it.

[delosla]

Thank you for this. Very well done! I love the Cutro, I've been fascinated with this placed ever since I first saw the runes in the movie Harold and Maude when I was a kid.

[eojet]

Thank you for documentry, Very informative I always wanted to know more about the Sutro baths. My grandparents used to go in the 1920's and 30's.

[ABTPlumbing]

Great film, thanks for sharing. The Sutro Baths ruins where a favorite hang out for my friends and myself in high school.

[joshtj44]

I visited there in 2001 and I had no idea that I was standing on a piece of great history. I'd love to go back there now that I've seen this. Thank you.

[iamguitarmutt]

Good gilm. I love going there to feel connected to history.

[d7aerozeppelin]

thank you :)

[fish67y]

good intro

[Becquiot]

Though having lived and taught here in France since 1965, I'm originally from Sonoma County. One of my fondest memories was the numerous visits, as a child and teenager, to the combined mechanical, miniature and wax museum, live bird collection and ice-rink with the wonder echo of laughs and bird cries echoed in the huge glass and iron structure, among memories and views of the abandonned baths. Thank you so very much for the wonderful visit to "back then".

[matt9969966]

This is a great report on it. Nicely done!