Progressive Era: 1890–1920s: Effects of 1906 Earthquake
Click image to zoom in.Or view larger version. Untitled. 1906. Unknown photographer. Photograph. Collection of Oakland Museum of California.
This photograph shows two men holding signs reading, “I am a junk thief” and “So am I.” Shown behind the two men is a row of uniformed men standing guard. These two men got off easy considering Mayor E. E. Schmitz, issued a shoot-to-kill order for anyone found looting after the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire.