17 



of a retaining wall to hold back the till. The huge quantities of material dumped into 

 the Bay were constantly being washed out by wave action, shoaling the wharves and 

 causing disastrous settlement in those portions first placed. The latter effect was 

 largely due to the fact that whole blocks of buildings had been hurriedly constructed 

 on the new fill without adequate pile foundations. 



This situation brought a general realization that such a condition could not con- 

 tinue, and that a seawall must ultimately be built along the waterfront line. The 

 project was actively discussed in the early 50's, but while it was generally acknowl- 

 edged as necessary, no action was taken for many years because of the great expense 

 involved. It was a foregone conclusion that the wall would eventually be built, cutting 

 off all access by ship to wharves constructed within its line. It soon became apparent, 

 also, that the irregular wharves extending beyond the bulkhead line must ultimately 

 be rearranged according to some definite plan. Thus it was demonstrated that the 

 structures could not be built for permanency, even had materials and necessary funds 

 been available. The condition is mentioned because it is typical of harbors in process 



'mm 



^~A£^if-r;*sr. 



:^S5v 



Fig. 7. An early wharf. Telegraph Hill in l)ackgrounii. About 1S60. 



of development, where no final plan has been determined, and where whar\-es are 

 likely to have a comparatively short economic life. This phase is discussed in detail 

 under the subject of economic life of structures (p. 60). 



Meanwhile waterfront development of territories elsewhere around the Bay began 

 in a limited way. Some small wharves were built at Oakland and a ferry service was 

 inaugurated to San Francisco. No deep water wharves were constructed there until 

 1863. 



In San F"rancisco the "Golden Era" of the first several years was followed by a 

 period of financial depression, starting in 1854, particularly in those branches of 

 industry which had been overdeveloped in the first flush of prosperity; and one of the 

 greatest problems presenting itself was the maintenance of the great number of wharves 

 which had started to collapse because of decay and borer attack. Ft-om this time on, 

 records relate the difficulties experienced with these structures, requiring renewal 

 which amounted to complete replacement every four or five years. This condition. 



