wnp71.0008

Jones & McAllister

January 1, 1912

Hibernia Bank Building (1892) and (right) the Hibernia Office Building (1908). Architect Albert Pissis designed the bank building that was exceptional at the time for its classical grandeur and order. San Francisco Landmark 130. The Hibernia Office Building was built by the Hibernia Bank (designed by William Helbing) in 1908. In 1913 it was remodeled into the Hotel Boyd, which it has remained ever since. The auto appears to be a steam-powered 1911 White model GA coupe.[B-18] [G810 B-018] (GGNRA/Behrman GOGA 35346)

from: Peter Field email: pfield1@comcast.net message: The Hibernia Office Building was built by the Hibernia Bank in 1908. In 1913 it was remodeled into the Hotel Boyd, which it has remained ever since. The auto appears to be a "1911 White model GA coupe. White was known in the pre-1910 era as the greatest and highest quality steam powered car in the world. Even President William Taft owned a White. By 1911, the internal combustion engine was largely the favored type of engine used in motorcars, so White decided to make the transition from steam to gasoline power for their cars. The first gasoline powered model was the GA, mechanically copied from a Delahaye that White had purchased at the New York motor show." So a more likely date for this photo is 1911 or 1912.