ROAD TRIP 1940
Coastal Scene, Oregon. Credit: Stanley Brede, 1940
I looked at this album a lot, growing up. I know these images well, but only now do I realize they are more than a random collection. When taken all together, a roadmap emerges; a hint of a story, apparently a carefree road trip adventure for a young man with a car and some time to spare. Though I don’t remember him ever talking about it, it seems that, in 1940, Stan drove from Calgary to San Francisco, where The Golden Gate Exposition was underway. There are no shots of him or any travelling companions, so I don't know whether he made the trip solo or with friends. The photographs he took along the way were beautifully mounted in a portfolio album which I think he may have submitted to the RCAF School of Photography in Ottawa.
A sampling from the album. Some smaller photos are cropped for formatting. Click on them for a more complete view.
Logan Pass/Glacier National Park/Montana. Credit: Stanley Brede, 1940
Crater Lake, Oregon. Credit: Stanley Brede, 1940
Highway Bridge, Multnomah Falls, Oregon. Credit: Stanley Brede, 1940
Oregon Coast Near Marshfield. Credit: Stanley Brede 1940
Golden Gate International Exposition, Treasure Island, San Francisco. Credit: Stanley Brede 1940
The 80 ft. statue Pacifica (above left), symbolizing The Pageant of the Pacific (the trade theme of the exposition) and statues in The Monk’s Garden (above right) were prominent attractions at this World’s Fair. The recently built Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge were also commemorated. It’s hard to believe Stan would not have photographed the iconic bridges while in San Francisco.
A blend of of Asian and Western architecture and sculpture (above) symbolized San Francisco’s role in linking Eastern and Western commerce.
DeYoung Museum Pathway/Golden Gate Park. Credit: Stanley Brede, 1940
This is the only photograph in the San Francisco group indicating Stan went exploring in the city proper.