Petulia - Day Trippers
Archie takes his boys out for a day trip, starting with a ferry ride to Alcatraz.
Then ... They are at the ferry terminal at Pier 43 1/2 near Fisherman's Wharf where Archie's two sons pester him while he makes a quick call to Petulia.
... and Now, the ferry to Alcatraz still leaves from here. CitySleuth even arranged for what could be the same ferry boat to be there when he took this photo! (Just kidding, pure happenstance).
Then ... They approach Alcatraz Island, below. The bleakness of 'The Rock' as it was known gives visitors the shudders as they approach. It was a military prison site from 1861 when it housed Civil War prisoners, was extended in 1909 with the addition of the main cell block then operated as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. Notorious inmates during that period were Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz.
... and Now, looking just the same today. Since 1963 it has been a museum and well worth visiting, as Archie did.
Then ... They return to shore and head over to Fort Point, a historic military fort which has stood prominently at the edge of the San Francisco Bay since 1861 (map). Inside the fort the Golden Gate Bridge looms over the fort's venerable lighthouse, in bad shape after being unused since the Golden Gate Bridge was built.
... and Now, the lighthouse tower is in better condition now after major refurbishments.
Then ... Archie and the boys run amok in the fort, having a great old time, allowing director Richard Lester to revisit his madcap moments seen earlier in the Beatles' Help!
... and Now, these visitors have no idea George C. Scott ran by them 45 years ago!
Then ... The kids rush through the officers' quarters on the 2nd tier.
... and Now, this location is a popular photo-snapping destination for today's visitors.
Then ... Dad looks like he's worn out.
... and Now, the fort offers a photo op everywhere you look.
Here's a panoramic perspective of the old fort today at the end of Marine Drive in the Presidio with the lighthouse visible above the roof line. The bridge's steel arch was a late addition to the design, added to allow the fort to avoid the wrecking ball, a commendable decision.