388 



Popular Science Monthly 



The washstand con- 

 sists of an iron 

 framework sup- 

 ported on rollers 

 running on steel 

 tracks suspended 

 from the ceiling 



of six hundred cars. As shown in the 

 accompanying cross-sectional view, one of 

 the ramps leads from the street level into 

 the lower or basement floor, while another 

 leads from the second to the third floor. 

 Still another ramp, at right angles to the 

 second, serves the fourth or top floor. The 

 maximum grade is fifteen percent. 



Another original idea incorporated in 

 the design of this garage is the method of 

 washing the cars. This is done in the aisle 

 toward which each two rows of cars face 

 A movable washstand is pro- 

 vided, which overcomes many 

 of the difficulties and some of 

 the expense connected with 

 washing the vehicles. 



This washstand consists of 

 an iron framework supported 

 on rollers running on steel 

 tracks suspended from the 

 ceiling and extending the en- 

 tire length of each aisle. 

 Canvas curtains mounted on spring rollers 

 like ordinary window shades are hung from 

 the frame on the sides parallel with the 

 length of the aisle. These protect nearby 

 cars from the splashing. On the other two 

 ends of the frame are hung two banks of 

 electric lights in parabolic reflectors, which 

 are also supported on spring rollers. 



In operation, the car to be washed is 

 pushed straight out into the aisle. The 

 washstand framework is then pulled up into 

 position by means of a rope, the curtains 



Backing a car into its stall. 

 The island platform 

 guides the car into place 



and lights being close, up to the frame so 

 that they clear the top of the car. The 

 curtains are then pulled down to protect 

 the fronts of the cars facing the aisle, the 

 lights are adjusted to illuminate the proper 

 parts, and the vehicle is then washed with 

 hose attached to convenient water taps 

 near the structure columns. 



Among the special conven- 

 iences provided are a large room 

 where owners can make minor 

 repairs on their cars; lockers for 

 each car owner; a restaurant 

 and club-room for chauffeurs; 

 a vacuum system with taps 

 on each floor for cleaning 

 car interiors and the usual 

 gasoline, water and oil pipe- 

 lines with draw-off stations 

 at several points on each 

 floor. 



When Postage 

 Cost Ten Dollars an Ounce 



SAN FRANCISCO has had an interest- 

 ing history. The first settlement dates 

 from 1776. The United States flag was 

 raised over the town in 1846. Two years 

 later the city had an estimated population 

 of twenty thousand, caused by the inrush 

 of fortune seekers. The first regular over- 

 land mail communication with the East 

 was established by pony express in i860, 

 the charge for postage being five dollars 

 for half an ounce. 



