Evening shot of a cable car on Powell Street with passengers, February 29, 1968
San Francisco's iconic cable cars aren't just a beloved tourist attraction. They are a symbol of the city's unique history and ingenuity. And they’ve appeared on two United States postage stamps. Let's take a journey through the history of these tributes and see how they came to be.
The first ride: the 1971 cable car stamp
The first cable car stamp was released in 1971. It was an 8-cent historic preservation stamp honoring the San Francisco cable cars. It showed the cable car's charm and was a small tribute to the city's past.
This stamp came at a time when national historic preservation efforts were gaining momentum. In 1964, San Francisco's cable cars were named the first moving National Historic Landmark. In 1971, San Francisco voters mandated that the city continue to operate cable cars and guarantee a certain level of service.
The 1971 cable car stamp was more than just a stamp; it was a celebration. The U.S. Postal Service held a special ceremony in Union Square to recognize the stamp's debut. The celebration was attended by the United States Postmaster General, Mayor Joseph Alioto and Supervisor Dianne Feinstein. This event highlighted the enduring popularity of the cable cars. It also showcased their importance to San Francisco's identity.
Cable car postage stamp unveiling with Supervisor Dianne Feinstein and Mayor Joseph Alioto in Union Square, February 28, 1971
A new fare: the 1988 cable car stamp
Seventeen years later, cable cars made a triumphant return to the world of postage. In 1988, a simple 20-cent stamp featured the cable car. It was part of the "Transportation coils" series, which were stamps created between 1981 and 1995 that came in rolls used in mailing machines.
A legacy
These two cable car stamps served as more than just a means of postage. They are miniature works of art that capture a piece of San Francisco's history. They remind us of the ingenuity of the cable car system, its cultural significance and its enduring appeal. Plus, these stamps offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's past.