Los Angeles is a city known for its recklessness with the past, especially its historical architecture. Fortunately, one of the buildings that has escaped the wrecking ball of progress is the Central Library in downtown L.A. This photo was taken on July 31, 1925 while construction was in progress, and – miracle of miracles – it survives to this day. It was, in fact, threatened with demolition, but a group of concerned and outraged citizens banded together to prevent its demise. Out of that was born the Los Angeles Conservancy which is now the biggest organization of its type in the country.