The imposing building at the top of this circa early 1920s photo was the State Normal School located on West 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles where the Central Library now stands. It was where high school graduates were trained to become teachers. The odd name derives from the teaching standards that the school established, which were referred to a “the norms.” Not surprisingly, the hill that the school stood on became known as Normal Hill. That parking lot in the foreground is an auto parts store, which indicates that LA was already becoming a car town by the early 20s.