In this photograph, we have the Los Angeles headquarters of an organization the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. It was founded in 1874, the stated purpose of creating a “sober and pure world” by abstinence, purity, and evangelical Christianity. Its constitution called for “the entire prohibition of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage. This shot was taken in 1890, by which time it was the largest organization of women in the world. Their HQ was called Temperance Temple and stood at 301 N. Broadway at Temple Street in downtown LA. (That’s the horse-drawn Temple St Cable Railway trolley passing out front. It took commuters as far as Angelino Heights.) So I’m guessing that October 28, 1919 – the introduction of Prohibition – was a big day for these women. I wonder if they threw a party to celebrate their victory. And if they did, what did they serve? I’m guessing nothing stronger than sarsaparilla.

If I’ve got the corner right (northwest) that location now houses the County of Los Angeles’s Central Heating and Refrigeration Plant. (i.e. it’s LA’s air conditioning unit!) Photo taken June 2017: