In 1909, Ida Hancock, the widow of Major Henry Hancock (owner of Rancho La Brea, which included the La Brea Tar Pits), built a 23-room home that she called Villa Madama on the northeast corner of Wilshire Blvd and Vermont Ave. This shot is from 1930, when the place only had 8 more years in existence before it was razed. These days, you’d never know something so grand ever existed there.
The same view in March 2020. Quite a difference, isn’t it?
When I look at that picture immediately think of Handcock son’s tragedy.
https://paradiseleased.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/bertrams-last-drive-the-arlington-hotel-tragedy/amp/
Oh wow, Matt, I hadn’t heard that story before.
So sad. “Key’s to the kingdom” heir apparent killed over a hotel upgrade –
Too bad about those cool old houses.
Does the house next door have newsstand in front of it?
Interesting story. Thanks for sharing.
Too bad about those cool old houses.
Does the house next door have newsstand in front of it?
That’s what it looks like, doesn’t it, Rich?