Gable car no. 5 was shabby indeed. She'd been stripped of
her seats, headlights, and even her musical bell. Her faded gold-and-red
paint was peeling.
Built around 1890, the one-time queen of San Francisco's Presidio
and California line had survived the earthquake of 1906, the horse
less carriage, and two world wars. Now she was up for auction.
For the past few years San Francisco has been steadily eliminating
its gay cable cars; buses are more efficient. Where once a maze of
cable existed, now only 10 miles of track and 17 cars remain. Col
lectors are picking up the sidetracked hill-climbers, paying as much
as $3,000 apiece.
Old No. 5 went on the auction block along with five sleek jobs. The
well-groomed cables each went for around $2,000. Finally, officials
opened the lone bid on No. 5. It was for $51. submitted by Bill
McCready, a Forest Grove, Ore., lumberman. Other buyers wanted
McCready's lowly offer tossed out, but it was ruled legal. So now
old No. 5 is being restored to her former grandeur for an honored
spot in McCready's transportation museum.
colorful San Francisco cable cai
d at the end of Its run.
first Forest Grove rider.
feet wide, 10 feet high.
I. Here s a
2. Waving from the window of old No. 5. an Oreaonlan becomes its
ttgej- ""---.. 3. Ready for the 700-mile trip to Oregon. No. 5 is 30 feet long, 8
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