Francel.net

Golden Gate and Bay Bridges

admin — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:11:58 +0000

Harry Francel, welder, Golden Gate Bridge construction

Harry Francel’s first job on the Golden Gate Bridge was to weld the beacon light base plate on the San Francisco tower. Following that one-day solo job, he then worked welding deck rebar.

Deck work during construction of the Golden Gate Bridge

Deck work, Golden Gate Bridge construction

Golden Gate Bridge

Harry Francel, left, and welding crew, Bay Bridge construction

Welders, San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge construction

Harry served as a Bay Bridge derrick operator starting in August 1933, working on foundations on the east side of Goat (aka Yerba Buena) Island. He then worked on welding deck rebar on the suspension bridge.

Harry, left, and Bay Bridge welders

Bay Bridge welders

Getting around

admin — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:44:34 +0000

Harry Francel, Arizona 1930, with 1927 Studebaker Dictator

Coming to California: Donner Lake, August 1933, in a 1928 LaSalle convertible he had recently purchased for $245.

Olive, dog and Harry

Harry and his brother, with a 1918 Standard truck.

Harry built a little camper for his 1960 Chevy.

Pacific Bridge Company Shipyard

admin — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 21:23:20 +0000

Mrs. Ruby Stroube, a 40-year old mother of three, wins Pacific Bridge Company Shipyard's "Girls' Welders Contest." July 14, 1943.

A page from "The Bridge," a Pacific Bridge Company Shipyard newsletter, 1944

A sampling of work history

admin — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 21:02:42 +0000

The first page from Harry's work history record. In 1915 Detroit, he was a Punk.

The second page from Harry's work history. In 1919, he was a Waterfront bum.

The 1930s: "No work to be had. Banks broke! Me too!" However, major bridge and dam work was soon to follow.

Lots of welding, and teaching others to do so.

Other bridges

admin — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:43:40 +0000

Welders on High St. Bridge, Oakland, 1939

Harry Francel's welder on High St. Bridge, Oakland, 1939

High St. Bridge, Oakland, 1939

Harry Francel, Eel River, U.S. 101, Humboldt County, 1940.

Harry Francel bridge work, 1956. This may be the Dumbarton rail bridge.