The 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire provided the next major opportunity for Lawrence to demonstrate the Captive Airship’s special capabilities. The people of San Francisco had endured a major earthquake and suffered the largest fire in the history of the country. Their beautiful city was in ruins. Lawrence realized that the true magnitude of the disaster could be documented only on the huge curved plates of his airborne panoramic camera. The news from San Francisco convinced him he could make a photographic record the likes of which the world had never seen.
Finally, a use for those old BART cards with $.30 on them… handy for when you get wasted at Blondie’s, miss BART home, and forget your bike lock combination. I saw it happen, and shrieked and giggled like a little girl at how easy and fast it was. More photos and info after the jump.