Vintage postcards from Tanforan Mall (originally, Tanforan Park Shopping Center) capture the center during its early years as a regional shopping destination. These images reflect its original design, early tenants, and the architectural style that defined its opening era. Postcard 1 —exterior view of Sears Tanforan Mall in the 1970s, showcasing the mall’s exterior with the iconic Sears anchor store. The back of the postcard reads: "Tanforan Shopping Center, the San Francisco Peninsula's most beautiful enclosed Mall." Postcard 2 —Seabiscuit Mid-1970s postcard from Tanforan Mall, depicting the life-sized statue of Seabiscuit—the legendary racehorse who ran at the old Tanforan Racetrack. The back of the card reads: "This life size statue of Seabiscuit is located in one of the many Malls of Tanforan Park to commemorate the historic race track site the Center now occupies. Where former champions once raced, shoppers now enjoy the San Francisco Peninsula's most beauti...
Discover the malls, department stores, and shopping centers that shaped postwar Northern California and the communities that grew around them.