~ The William Swain Photo Collection ~

Native San Franciscan William Swain has spent a great deal of time collecting, restoring, and retouching old photos of the Fox that he has gathered through the years. It is truly an amazing effort of love. We have included the black and white originals, as well as the retouched color versions.

Bill indicates that the pictures were "recomposed by taking various elements from several pictures each, using the best details, then painting and adding certain elements (furniture, lighting fixtures, rugs, etc.) to enhance the view." He also used recollections from his childhood, as well as from the 1960's, to apply proper colors.

Swain's association with the theatre began with several visits he and his sister made to the palace with their nanny in the 1930's. Later, his parents played golf with Paul Carson, one of the local radio organists (Bridge to Dreamland and One Man's Family). He often performed on the Fox mezzanine Moller organ during intermissions. Walt Roesner, the Musical Director for the theatre, was even an acquaintance of Swain's mother. Swain says his connection to the Fox and its organ engendered in him a fascination with pipe organs, especially the Fox Wurlitzer; this, in turn, led him to form an organ company in the 1950's.

We are happy that Bill has agreed to share his efforts with us!

.........The William Swain Photo Collection:.............

~ Outside Entrance ~ Ticket Booth Market Street Entrance ~ Lobby Scenes ~ Grand Staircase Main Lobby View to the Main Staircase West Wall Lobby East Wall Lobby Upper Mezzanine Lobby ~East Wall~ Upper Mezzanine Lobby ~West Wall~ Outer Lobby Vestibule Ceiling Outer Vestibule as seen from Main Lobby Lobby Candelabrum Mezzanine Hallway Upper Hallway View View to the Lobby Promenade View ~ Auditorium Scenes ~ Auditorium View Front Curtain Walt Roesner Orchestra Stage View from 5th Balcony Wurlitzer Organ Console Lower Balconies South Loges North Loges Auditorium Stage Northwest View from 5th Balcony North Wall Loges Balcony Scene Diamond Horseshoe Foyer ~ Lounges ~ Men's Smoking Room Men's Smoking Room Men's Smoking Room Men's Smoking Room Upper Mezzanine Smoking Room Women's Lower Smoking Lounge Women's Balcony Lounge Ladies with Tapestry Women's Balcony Lounge Women's Balcony Lounge Women's Cosmetic Lounge Women's Cosmetic Lounge Women's Mezzanine Parlor Balcony Parlor Art Deco Room Moorish Lounge