The massive brick building located at the junction of
Mason and Washington Streets is San Francisco's only surviving cable car
barn. Although the building's main function is as a powerhouse and barn,
it also houses a small museum which offers insight into the inner workings
of the cable car system as well as historical tidbits regarding cable cars.
On the upper level there is a balcony which offers a view of the huge
wheels over which the continuous loops of cables are revolving. It's quite
an impressive sight, especially when you realize that the entire cable car
system is run from here (the signs above the huge wheels read "California"
"Mason" "Hyde" "Powel", the only remaining cable car lines). The museum's
exhibits include the Car No 8, the only survivor of San Francisco's first
cable car line, which began operation in 1873. The museum also includes
explanatory displays, historical tools and photos. Downstairs you can take
another look at the "sheave" (wheel) room where the thick steel cables
enter the building before being routed up to the main sheaves. Address:
1201 Mason St. at Washington.
