Often, when we look back to the 1930s, tales of the Great Depression and its many hardships dominate the memories of those who lived through the decade. However, in our present-day predicament with a world-wide pandemic keeping us sheltered in place, wouldn’t a cool dip in the San Rafael Canal with family and friends be a joy and a blessing during these warm summer months. It was possible in years past when development of the area was minimal and access to the canal was free and easy. The structure in the rear belonged to the Camgros Gravel Co. of San Rafael, “Agents for Russian River Sand & Washed Gravel” according to the advertisement on the side. Camgros Gravel was founded by Simon Camgros in 1924 who owned a large portion of the land just east of today’s Highway 101 near the canal. In its early years, the company shipped building and paving materials by barge from locations around the bay up the canal to San Rafael and eventually had two ready-mix cement plants in the area.
Work, however, does not seem to be on anyone’s mind in the photograph above. Entire families have driven their automobiles right up to the canal’s edge, spread their towels and are enjoying the bright sunny day both in and out of the water. There is even one youth atop the wooden structure, contemplating a jump into the water from that dizzying height. Although there is no date or photographer listed, the cars and apparel place this photograph sometime in the early 1930s. There is also the name of a San Rafael photography studio, Gasberg Studio, in the right-hand corner, a business that was on Fourth St. between C and D streets from 1910 well into the 1960s.
(Originally appeared as History Watch article in the Marin Independent Journal)