In this photo we’re looking west along Wilshire Blvd from the corner of Manhattan Place, which is just a block or two west of Western Ave. It was taken in 1942, so the people here were bracing themselves for war. Gasoline wasn’t rationed until early 1943, so the motorists here were still probably taking it for granted. My favorite part of this photograph is the billboard. “Enjoy Southern California DESMOND DRESSED.” That was the slogan for Desmond’s, which was an upscale men’s clothing store.