Unfinished History
When the Japanese surrendered in August, 1945, a raucous celebration began in San Francisco that didn't end for three days. As the booze flowed and the party continued, violence broke out and dozens were injured.
Bonfire on Market Street, August 15, 1945.
Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
Intersection of Market and Mason, August 18, 1945.
Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
Crowd overturns newspaper delivery truck, August 15, 1945.
Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library