Han Nelson, a Swedish immigrant, was one of the primary builders of Westwood Park. His grandson, Nelson Foss, generously donated Hans’ neighborhood construction photo album to the Westwood Park Association to ensure that this historical record of his grandfather’s work would be preserved and made available for all to appreciate and enjoy.

1917 San Francisco: Advertisement for New Homes in Westwood Park

From the Prelinger Archive, this film shows new home construction in the Westwood Park tract, circa 1920.  Scenes include buying tickets at the Balboa movie theater (Ocean and Faxon Avenues) and “modern” buses on Ocean Avenue. Included in the film are clips of adjoining neighborhoods such as Balboa Terrace, Ingleside Terraces, St. Francis Wood and Westwood Highlands (originally called Woodcrest).