Lost Bay Area Stories

An Exploration into Obscure Bay Area History

"Big George" and San Joses' first "safety" bike

"Big George" Osen, from the Edenvale neighborhood in San Jose, was the first cyclist with a "safety" styled bicycle. He drew so much...

"Dusty" Lamkin, San Jose Bicycle Pioneer

This photo of A.G Col was part of a accumulation of photographs that were found when cycling was just starting in San Jose around 1884. ...

"Al" on the Steed, San Jose Bicycle Pioneer

This photo of A.G Col was part of a accumulation of photographs that were found when cycling was just starting in San Jose around 1884. ...

"Dick" Moody before he 'dyed'

Starting in the late 1800's, San Jose became infatuated with cycling and bicycle racing. In 1908, the San Jose Mercury decided to...

Ball Signatures of Babe Ruth at Sodality Park

It's impressive that any souvenirs have survived from exhibition games at Sodality Park where Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig played. Leland's...

Forgotten Downtown Sodality Baseball Park

As I've mentioned in other posts, Sodality Park hosted a few legends of baseball such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Ty Cobb. There are a...

When Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb came to San Jose

About 100 years ago, legendary baseball players such as Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb came to San Jose to play at Soldality Park. Here are some...