SAN CARLOS here we come...
Southern Pacific Commuter Rail - 1940-1959. San Carlos commuters took train to Third and Townsend Station with short walk to financial district.
History
Taking a walk back in time over four decades (1940-1980) when restaurants were few and far between as the downtown was a quiet place with local residents supporting a variety "mom-and-pops", including five family-owned drug stores in 1950 with a population of 14,371, less than half of current (30,499).
There were no watering holes on downtown Laurel Street until the City Council approved the Orchid Room in the 1950's over some objections about it creating a precedent.
During the 1950's and for about 10 years, many of the shops on Laurel Street would close at 5:00 and reopen from 7:00 to 9:00 on Thursday evenings. Bank of America along with American Trust and Savings (later acquired by Wells Fargo) were the only two banks on Laurel Street.
