[thecodont]

Aside, it’s hard to fathom the rockstar level that ships like the Titanic and the Lusitania had on the general public at the time. These were impressive engineering marvels and they were merchandised out on postcards and children’s toys etc... A friend of mine was able to hunt an old building area over on the San Mateo peninsula years back and they were holding his buddies kid by the feet through holes in the floor to examine the area underneath. The kid came up through one hole with a perfect condition childs sand pail and scoop emblazoned with the Lusitania and details of the ship.

I do believe that was a building (pink) in Belmont that was being demolished for the railroad grade separation for Caltrans, at Ralston Avenue and Old County Road. Sometime between 1995 and 1998.

I saw the guy holding up that bucket. He said it had to do with the Spanish-American War.

Building used to be a butcher's shop. Among other artifacts, they also came up with some old receipts for the store.

[Axenolith]

This was where the new Police station went in. That park adjacent to it coughed up a pile of seated liberty coinage to my friend and a few guys he hit it with frequently. It used to be where the SF wealthy would daytrip to picnic and camp around the 1860/70’s. He said he never found a penny there (IH or Large cents) from that era, it was always silvers, including 3 cent pieces (fish scales is the slang for em) and half dimes.

I should hit that place again sometime myself...