This view looking north up Spring Street from 3rd St in downtown Los Angeles in 1902 is so alive with turn-of-the-century life, I can almost clip-clop of horses hooves on the asphalt, the clanging of the streetcar bells, and the bustle of all those pedestrians. I do wonder, however, if the owner of the store on the left ever repaired those awnings. Even though he doesn’t look like he’s short of customers, they’re both looking fairly shabby.
This is roughly the same view in February 2021. Compared with the 1902 photo, it’s so dreary and uninteresting that I almost didn’t bother posting it.
Notice that the building on the left with the shabby awning is still there, although somewhat remodeled.
That’s I was sure I had the right angle – the rest of the view is so *completely* changed!
I used to park my car in that structure on the right when my office was moved to 4th and Spring during the earthquake retrofitting of City Hall, circa 1995-98. One of my best friends worked for the company that painted the exterior of that same structure, as well. Not really Los Angeles history, but my history.
The building left standing is the Douglas building, built in 1898. Among its first tenants was Blackstone Dry Goods, which had the entire first floor and basement. You can see “N. B. Blackstone Co.” in the photo. In an 1899 ad Blackstone boasts,
“Our underwear and corset departments are second to none.”
It was a women’s fashion emporium, hence the ladies clustered near the entrance.
Thanks for adding all that interesting info, Deepy. Much appreciated.