We’re looking east along Santa Monica Blvd toward Western Ave. In the foreground is the Marsh Music Company at 5522 Santa Monica Blvd advertising pianos and radio for rent. Next to them was an optometrist/jeweler who also sold clocks and watches, which makes me wonder if that was common back then? It’s also interesting that even in 1930, when this photo was taken, that parking was restricted to one hour until 6PM (as per the sign on the street light.) On the other side of the street we can see the Security Pacific Bank on the northwest corner. The building is still there and looks gorgeous today.
The bank building at Santa Monica and Western in June 2017:
Look on Skyscraper Noirish LA for color snapshot of Sherri’s Restaurant (MCM style, just east on north side) and an old man standing in front of Thrifty’s Drug (on SE corner) to see that part in the 1960’s era. Hollywood Freeway is cutting through just beyond. The Security Bank building on the NW corner was the final move of Reginald Denny’s Hobby Shop which filled that ground floor. (Had a popular slot car track in there.) John Wayne’s diver’s helmet prop from Wake of the Red Witch (??) was displayed in the windows. Still trying to locate the Ranch or El Rancho market in this area (might have been called Ted’s?) if anyone knows that.
We’re looking east along Santa Monica Blvd toward Western Ave. In the foreground is the Marsh Music Company at 5522 Santa Monica Blvd advertising pianos and radio for rent. Next to them was an optometrist/jeweler who also sold clocks and watches, which makes me wonder if that was common back then? It’s also interesting that even in 1930, when this photo was taken, that parking was restricted to one hour until 6PM (as per the sign on the street light.) On the other side of the street we can see the Security Pacific Bank on the northwest corner. The building is still there and looks gorgeous today.
Look on Skyscraper Noirish LA for color snapshot of Sherri’s Restaurant (MCM style, just east on north side) and an old man standing in front of Thrifty’s Drug (on SE corner) to see that part in the 1960’s era. Hollywood Freeway is cutting through just beyond. The Security Bank building on the NW corner was the final move of Reginald Denny’s Hobby Shop which filled that ground floor. (Had a popular slot car track in there.) John Wayne’s diver’s helmet prop from Wake of the Red Witch (??) was displayed in the windows. Still trying to locate the Ranch or El Rancho market in this area (might have been called Ted’s?) if anyone knows that.
Overdue correction…Reginal Denny Hobby Shop second location was actually up at Sunset on that NW corner.