The Golden Gate Bridge cost $35 million (1937 dollars) to build and was finished ahead of schedule and under budget. Good luck making that happen today.  The Golden Gate Bridge cost $35 million (1937 dollars) to build and was finished ahead of schedule and under budget. Good luck making that happen today.  Nineteen men survived falling from the Golden Gate Bridge during its construction. The unlikely brotherhood became known as the 'Halfway to Hell Club,' an allusion to the fact they were caught by the safety net suspended below the bridge during construction.  Seen here are six of the members of the Halfway to Hell Club.  Nineteen men survived falling from the Golden Gate Bridge during its construction. The unlikely brotherhood became known as the 'Halfway to Hell Club,' an allusion to the fact they were caught by the safety net  In 2005, a van headed for a farm in Healdsburg came to a sudden stop, catapulting its cargo through a window and onto the bridge pavement near the toll plaza. That cargo? An ostrich.  "It should never have happened," said the driver of the van, Ronald Love, told the Chronicle at the time. "The ostrich's butt broke the window. You never would think an ostrich could fit through a little window, but she did."  After 10 minutes of wrangling, CHP and a tow truck driver helped Love to escort the ostrich into a nearby garage. The ostrich was not injured, but it did have a hell of a story to tell its bird friends.  In 2005, a van headed for a farm in Healdsburg came to a sudden stop, catapulting its cargo through a window and onto the bridge pavement near the toll plaza. That cargo? An ostrich.  If you’d like your ashes scattered from the bridge someday, that’s unfortunately illegal. It’s a misdemeanor in California to “willfully” drop or throw anything from a toll bridge.  If you’d like your ashes scattered from the bridge someday, that’s unfortunately illegal. It’s a misdemeanor in California to “willfully” drop or throw anything from a toll bridge.  The busiest day ever for the bridge was Oct. 27, 1989, 10 days after the Loma Prieta earthquake. With the damaged Bay Bridge out of service, tens of thousands of drivers were forced to take the Golden Gate to get in or out of San Francisco. On Oct. 27, 162,414 cars went over the bridge, a number that has never been topped.  The busiest day ever for the bridge was Oct. 27, 1989, 10 days after the Loma Prieta earthquake. With the damaged Bay Bridge out of service, tens of thousands of drivers were forced to take the Golden Gate to  One of the most persistent urban legends about the bridge is actually true: The U.S. Navy did try to get it painted black with yellow stripes. They were concerned ships would hit the bridge and block the crucial shipping lane. Luckily, the bridge planners went with a high-visibility orange color, now known the world-over as International Orange.  One of the most persistent urban legends about the bridge is actually true: The U.S. Navy did try to get it painted black with yellow stripes. They were concerned ships would hit the bridge and block the  The 50th anniversary celebration of the bridge’s opening led to some dramatic photos (which may have popped up on your social media feeds recently as alleged “protest” photos). The bridge was closed to automobile traffic for the celebration on May 1987, and nearly one million people showed up for the bridge crossing. Poor crowd control led to 300,000 people on the span at once and the bridge actually flattened out in the middle under their weight.  Analysis showed no permanent damage had been done, but bridge officials now know the limits of pedestrian traffic.  The 50th anniversary celebration of the bridge’s opening led to some dramatic photos (which may have popped up on your social media feeds recently as alleged “protest” photos). The bridge was closed to  Pedestrian access didn’t used to be free. From 1937-1970, a sidewalk fee was charged via a coin turnstile.  Pedestrian access didn’t used to be free. From 1937-1970, a sidewalk fee was charged via a coin turnstile.  In 2009, CHP had to stop a rider on horseback who was crossing the bridge to San Francisco. Horses are not allowed on the bridge due to safety concerns.  "We had him turn around and exit the bridge, and he had someone pick him up with a trailer," said bridge district Sgt. Bill Sangregory.  In 2009, CHP had to stop a rider on horseback who was crossing the bridge to San Francisco. Horses are not allowed on the bridge due to safety concerns.  "We had him turn around and exit the bridge, and he had  The bridge witnessed one of history’s most destructive secrets when on July 16, 1945, the USS Indianapolis passed through the strait on its way to Hawaii and Tinian Island beyond. On board were the uranium and other major components used to create the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima a month later.  The bridge witnessed one of history’s most destructive secrets when on July 16, 1945, the USS Indianapolis passed through the strait on its way to Hawaii and Tinian Island beyond. On board were the uranium  The bridge is no stranger to protests. In 1996, actor Woody Harrelson and eight other protestors climbed onto the south tower with banners to protest the logging of redwoods in Humboldt County. Traffic was mired for hours. Harrelson was levied with a $1,000 fine.  The bridge is no stranger to protests. In 1996, actor Woody Harrelson and eight other protestors climbed onto the south tower with banners to protest the logging of redwoods in Humboldt County. Traffic was  The James Bond flick ‘A View to a Kill’ features an iconic scene of Bond tussling with a foe on the north tower of the Golden Gate. Filmmakers had hoped to drop a dummy off the bridge to approximate the loser’s plummet down into the water below, but the District Board of Directors nixed their plan.  "With all the problems we have with suicides on this Bridge, I think this is a bum idea," said board director Quentin Kopp.  The James Bond flick ‘A View to a Kill’ features an iconic scene of Bond tussling with a foe on the north tower of the Golden Gate. Filmmakers had hoped to drop a dummy off the bridge to approximate the  Another movie had issues filming on the bridge. In 1959, the crew for Stanley Kramer’s ‘On the Beach’ were filming a submarine passing under the bridge from the west sidewalk. Unfortunately, the morning fog was so thick that the sub couldn’t be seen. The submarine cruised laps while the crew waited for the fog to dissipate; behind them in Marin, traffic was building as the morning commute began. By 9 a.m., the fog was still thick and the traffic was at a stand-still for a mile back.  Another movie had issues filming on the bridge. In 1959, the crew for Stanley Kramer’s ‘On the Beach’ were filming a submarine passing under the bridge from the west sidewalk. Unfortunately, the morning  As beloved as it is now, there were voices against its construction. One loud voice was that of the Southern Pacific Railroad company, which filed a lawsuit to try to stop the bridge from being built because it threatened to eradicate its lucrative ferry business. They had reason to fear the bridge; when the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate opened in the 1930s, Southern Pacific ferry service dwindled down until it was eventually permanently shuttered in 1958.  As beloved as it is now, there were voices against its construction. One loud voice was that of the Southern Pacific Railroad company, which filed a lawsuit to try to stop the bridge from being built because it  San Francisco legend Johnny Mathis’s brother, Clem, was hired as a toll taker on the bridge in 1961.  San Francisco legend Johnny Mathis’s brother, Clem, was hired as a toll taker on the bridge in 1961.  Snow’s a rare thing in the Bay Area, but it has graced the iconic bridge in recent history. It snowed on the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge on Jan. 22, 2010.  It also snowed one to two inches on San Francisco streets in Feb. 5, 1976, seen here.  Snow’s a rare thing in the Bay Area, but it has graced the iconic bridge in recent history. It snowed on the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge on Jan. 22, 2010.  It also snowed one to two inches on San  High winds have closed the bridge three times in its history. Once on Dec. 1, 1951 (69 mph), once on Dec. 23, 1982 (70 mph) and Dec. 3, 1983 (75 mph)  High winds have closed the bridge three times in its history. Once on Dec. 1, 1951 (69 mph), once on Dec. 23, 1982 (70 mph) and Dec. 3, 1983 (75 mph)  Love the Golden Gate Bridge? Click ahead to see historic pictures of its construction.  Two towers of the Golden Gate Bridge under construction before the installation of the strait in 1936.  Love the Golden Gate Bridge? Click ahead to see historic pictures of its construction.  Two towers of the Golden Gate Bridge under construction before the installation of the strait in 1936.  1936 - A bridge worker looks across to the San Francisco tower as cables are spun for the Golden Gate Bridge.  1936 - A bridge worker looks across to the San Francisco tower as cables are spun for the Golden Gate Bridge.  The Marin tower of the Golden Gate Bridge upon completion in 1935.  The Marin tower of the Golden Gate Bridge upon completion in 1935.  The Golden Gate Bridge under construction on September 24, 1936.  The Golden Gate Bridge under construction on September 24, 1936.  For the roadway construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, Strauss insisted on the addition of the $130,000 safety net.  For the roadway construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, Strauss insisted on the addition of the $130,000 safety net.  Final stage of construction with decks being extended outward from both Golden Gate Bridge towers.  Final stage of construction with decks being extended outward from both Golden Gate Bridge towers.  November 9, 1936 - The Golden Gate Bridge under construction.  November 9, 1936 - The Golden Gate Bridge under construction.  Cable formers kept the 61 main cable bundles in vertical rows on the Golden Gate Bridge.  Cable formers kept the 61 main cable bundles in vertical rows on the Golden Gate Bridge.  Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge on January 10, 1937.  Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge on January 10, 1937.  The Golden Gate Bridge under construction.  The Golden Gate Bridge under construction.  Ed Stanley drives the golden rivet to mark the completion of the $35,000,000 Golden Gate Bridge spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay, Ca., April 29, 1937. Holding the rivet is Ed Murphy and leaning over them is Joseph B. Strauss, chief engineer of the project.  Ed Stanley drives the golden rivet to mark the completion of the $35,000,000 Golden Gate Bridge spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay, Ca., April 29, 1937. Holding the rivet is Ed Murphy and leaning over  Opening day of the Golden Gate Bridge, 1937. Pedestrians walk on the bridge, while planes fly between the North and South Towers.  Opening day of the Golden Gate Bridge, 1937. Pedestrians walk on the bridge, while planes fly between the North and South Towers.  Pedestrians walk across the Golden Gate Bridge on May 27, 1937.  Pedestrians walk across the Golden Gate Bridge on May 27, 1937.  Golden Gate Bridge opening day photo taken from the north tower on May 27, 1937.  Golden Gate Bridge opening day photo taken from the north tower on May 27, 1937.  Photo of chain being cut on the opening day of the Golden Gate Bridge.  Photo of chain being cut on the opening day of the Golden Gate Bridge.  Grand opening of the Golden Gate Bridge on May 27, 1937.  Grand opening of the Golden Gate Bridge on May 27, 1937.  Auto parade on the opening day of the Golden Gate Bridge, heading southbound.  Auto parade on the opening day of the Golden Gate Bridge, heading southbound.  May 27, 1937: San Rafael High students run through the early morning fog -- among the first pedestrians on the newly completed Golden Gate Bridge. (Chronicle file)  May 27, 1937: San Rafael High students run through the early morning fog -- among the first pedestrians on the newly completed Golden Gate Bridge. (Chronicle file)  Aerial photo of Golden Gate Bridge with fog in Marin taken on an unknown date. The Chronicle library envelope says it was shot on opening day, but there is no foot traffic and minimal vehicle traffic on the bridge.  Aerial photo of Golden Gate Bridge with fog in Marin taken on an unknown date. The Chronicle library envelope says it was shot on opening day, but there is no foot traffic and minimal vehicle traffic on the  Portrait of the Golden Gate Bridge "Halfway to Hell Club," a group of men who had fallen off the bridge but were saved by the safety nets.  Portrait of the Golden Gate Bridge "Halfway to Hell Club," a group of men who had fallen off the bridge but were saved by the safety nets.  The bridge photographed on Nov 20, 1946.  The bridge photographed on Nov 20, 1946.  June 25, 1950 - The "High Crew" - Bottom Row: Hale Sharrett, Daniel Galvin, Owen Dittman, James Delfino, Frank Anderson. Standing: John King, Bill Gavre, Gerald Cuff, Harry Fogle, Foreman James Mix.  June 25, 1950 - The "High Crew" - Bottom Row: Hale Sharrett, Daniel Galvin, Owen Dittman, James Delfino, Frank Anderson. Standing: John King, Bill Gavre, Gerald Cuff, Harry Fogle, Foreman James Mix.  March 21, 1956 - Speeches and band music were the order of the day inside the old Waldo Tunnel, but outside, cannon boomed, jet fighters swooped and an Army M-47 tank roared around. It was all part of the ceremony opening the new tunnel, which doubles Marin approaches to the Golden Gate Bridge.  March 21, 1956 - Speeches and band music were the order of the day inside the old Waldo Tunnel, but outside, cannon boomed, jet fighters swooped and an Army M-47 tank roared around. It was all part of the  Members of San Francisco Ballet pose beneath the Golden Gate Bridge on the eve of the first Far East Tour (1957).  Members of San Francisco Ballet pose beneath the Golden Gate Bridge on the eve of the first Far East Tour (1957).  Jan 9, 1975 - Afternoon sunshine at Ft. Baker as two fisherman fish for crab on a dock with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.  Jan 9, 1975 - Afternoon sunshine at Ft. Baker as two fisherman fish for crab on a dock with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.  April 13, 1976: Toll collector Bill McKeon -- wearing what looks like a Mayberry issue uniform -- stands next a carpool lane sign on the Golden Gate Bridge. (Clem Albers / The Chronicle)  April 13, 1976: Toll collector Bill McKeon -- wearing what looks like a Mayberry issue uniform -- stands next a carpool lane sign on the Golden Gate Bridge. (Clem Albers / The Chronicle)  June 3, 1980 - Golden Gate Bridge during rush hour. When it gets slow, it really gets slow.  June 3, 1980 - Golden Gate Bridge during rush hour. When it gets slow, it really gets slow.  May 1, 1981 - Dave Aguilar is arrested for scaling the South Tower of Golden Gate Bridge as protest of offshore oil drilling.  May 1, 1981 - Dave Aguilar is arrested for scaling the South Tower of Golden Gate Bridge as protest of offshore oil drilling.  July 11, 1982 - Surfers enjoy high waves under the Golden Gate Bridge.  July 11, 1982 - Surfers enjoy high waves under the Golden Gate Bridge.  Feb. 20, 1986 - Test lighting of the Golden Gate Bridge South Tower.  Feb. 20, 1986 - Test lighting of the Golden Gate Bridge South Tower.  Oct 6, 1986 - A blanket of fog came in on the Golden Gate Bridge late in the afternoon.  Oct 6, 1986 - A blanket of fog came in on the Golden Gate Bridge late in the afternoon.  April 5, 1987 - Golden Gate Bridge shot from the top of the South Tower.  April 5, 1987 - Golden Gate Bridge shot from the top of the South Tower.  May 19, 1987 - Golden Gate Bridge as seen from the Marin side, late in the afternoon light.  May 19, 1987 - Golden Gate Bridge as seen from the Marin side, late in the afternoon light.  May 24, 1987 - Shot from the South Tower facing south down onto the roadway overlooking a mass of people at the 50th anniversary celebration for the Golden Gate Bridge.  May 24, 1987 - Shot from the South Tower facing south down onto the roadway overlooking a mass of people at the 50th anniversary celebration for the Golden Gate Bridge.  May 24, 1987 - One of the vessels in the boat parade with the South Tower in the background.  May 24, 1987 - One of the vessels in the boat parade with the South Tower in the background.  Elizabeth Schneider, 7, draws "Happy Birthday Bridge" on a highway bump.  Elizabeth Schneider, 7, draws "Happy Birthday Bridge" on a highway bump.  Thousands of people gather at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge for the 50th anniversary celebration on May 24, 1987.  Thousands of people gather at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge for the 50th anniversary celebration on May 24, 1987.  Dec. 18, 1988 - A view of the Golden Gate Bridge from a boat below it. This is the south tower and we are looking toward S.F.  Dec. 18, 1988 - A view of the Golden Gate Bridge from a boat below it. This is the south tower and we are looking toward S.F.  Jan 3, 1989 - Toll desk Sgt. Richard Ebert looks out at the traffic approaching the toll plaza.  Jan 3, 1989 - Toll desk Sgt. Richard Ebert looks out at the traffic approaching the toll plaza.  July 1, 1991 - Back when $3 was needed to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.  July 1, 1991 - Back when $3 was needed to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.  Feb 25, 1992 - The views were terrific as a tourboat did a U-turn just outside the Golden Gate Bridge. Both tourists and commuters alike were treated to spring-like weather even as the sun set in the west.  Feb 25, 1992 - The views were terrific as a tourboat did a U-turn just outside the Golden Gate Bridge. Both tourists and commuters alike were treated to spring-like weather even as the sun set in the west.  June 4, 1993 - Boats gathered at the Golden Gate Bridge to protest the shutdown of the salmon fishing.  June 4, 1993 - Boats gathered at the Golden Gate Bridge to protest the shutdown of the salmon fishing.  Fireworks over the Golden Gate Bridge, looking back from the Marin Headlands, on July 4th, 2006.  Fireworks over the Golden Gate Bridge, looking back from the Marin Headlands, on July 4th, 2006.  The evening fog curled up in a ball like cotton candy as a near full moon cast a broad beam of light that spread over The Golden Gate Bridge .May 7, 2009.  The evening fog curled up in a ball like cotton candy as a near full moon cast a broad beam of light that spread over The Golden Gate Bridge .May 7, 2009.  Bicycle riders takes the West side sidewalk across the bridge.  Bicycle riders takes the West side sidewalk across the bridge.  The full moon set seemingly on the deck of the Golden Gate Bridge during Wednesday commute hour (6:35am) seen from Treasure Island on September 26, 2007.  The full moon set seemingly on the deck of the Golden Gate Bridge during Wednesday commute hour (6:35am) seen from Treasure Island on September 26, 2007.  The comet Hale-Bopp is seen low on the horizon Wednesday evening, March 26, 1997 looking northwest over San Francisco's Golden Gate bridge. This photo was made with a 300mm lens exposed with a lens opening of F2.8 for 15 seconds on 800 ASA film pushed one stop.  The comet Hale-Bopp is seen low on the horizon Wednesday evening, March 26, 1997 looking northwest over San Francisco's Golden Gate bridge. This photo was made with a 300mm lens exposed with a lens opening of  Fog engulfed the bay where only sites of the Golden Gate bridge can be seen at the highest points of Marin Headlands.  Fog engulfed the bay where only sites of the Golden Gate bridge can be seen at the highest points of Marin Headlands.  The Golden Gate Bridge south tower framed the morning crescent shaped moon perfectly as viewed from the Marin headlands of Sausalito. 4/5/05  The Golden Gate Bridge south tower framed the morning crescent shaped moon perfectly as viewed from the Marin headlands of Sausalito. 4/5/05  The morning rains stirred up the ocean at Bakers Beach as heavy dark rain clouds moved in over the hills of Marin and the Golden Gate Bridge. 4/7/05  The morning rains stirred up the ocean at Bakers Beach as heavy dark rain clouds moved in over the hills of Marin and the Golden Gate Bridge. 4/7/05  The morning commute over the Golden Gate bridge was lit with north and south bound traffic. 4/7/05  The morning commute over the Golden Gate bridge was lit with north and south bound traffic. 4/7/05  The sun casts a late afternoon shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge south tower on the bay. 4/26/05  The sun casts a late afternoon shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge south tower on the bay. 4/26/05  A high pressure system developing off the coast creates a golden sunrise at the bridge.  A high pressure system developing off the coast creates a golden sunrise at the bridge.  Early morning fog whips the top of the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge on May 8, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif.  Early morning fog whips the top of the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge on May 8, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif.  The September low hugging fog slowly makes its way under the Golden Gate Bridge seen at Fort Baker during sunrise.  The September low hugging fog slowly makes its way under the Golden Gate Bridge seen at Fort Baker during sunrise.  The sun rises over the Golden Gate Bridge seen from the Marin Headlands.  The sun rises over the Golden Gate Bridge seen from the Marin Headlands.  Seen from the Marin headlands rising over the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge was both the crescent moon and the planet Venus pairing up within minutes of each other during the morning twilight on March 5, 2008.  Seen from the Marin headlands rising over the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge was both the crescent moon and the planet Venus pairing up within minutes of each other during the morning twilight on March  Just the tops of the tallest building of the San Francisco skyline was visual just before sunrise as viewed from the Marin headlands looking through the Golden Gate Bridge.  Just the tops of the tallest building of the San Francisco skyline was visual just before sunrise as viewed from the Marin headlands looking through the Golden Gate Bridge.
We should all look this good at we approach our 80th birthday. 79 years ago Friday, a party kicked off to mark the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge.