This shot from 1928 is more of a “slice of yesteryear life” showing how packed the sidewalks of Broadway was in downtown Los Angeles. 731 S. Broadway was home to a store called College Boot Shop, which looks like specialized in kids school shoes. It must have been a big market because they also had stores at 251 and 524 Broadway. Maybe Broadway is so busy because it’s the end of summer and people were getting in their back-to-school shopping. I’m also intrigued by “The Paris Store” two doors down. I’m guessing they sold fancy clothes, but I’d love to see their window display.
Here is 731 Broadway in September 2021. Somewhat less convivial, isn’t it?
I can’t get enough of your “slice of yesteryear life” during the 30’s and 40’s. I enlarge them as much as the resolution allows and examine everything from the faces to the details of fashion and minutiae of the era. Many thanks. I check your site every day. My compliments.
Thank you, David. I’m happy to know you get as much joy out of them as I do. I find that if you look long enough there’s something interesting to find.
I can attest from personal experience that in the 1940’s and even the 50’s the sidewalks downtown were thick with people as shown here. Everyone went there to shop, and the buildings were fully occupied on all the floors above the ground floors unlike today.
I do love these pictures that show us life from decades ago. Like David, I zoom in to look for the details; it’s fascinating to see the people and the different styles. The blonde lady at the bottom center is intriguing in that she’s the only woman I could spot who isn’t wearing a hat. She also seems to be looking directly at the camera, and therefore looking directly at us.
Any idea what the fabric “things” hanging over the center of the street are?
Those flag/bunting/thingies usually appear for major holidays, like the 4th of July or if there’s a big celebration like a parade for a visiting dignitary (the President or maybe a way hero) so I suspect something like that was going on.
My grandfather ran College Boot Shop back then; he kept selling shoes until the 60s. Also, I found online a reference to the Paris Shop via a vintage advertising brochure currently offered for sale (there’s a photo of the brochure on the website) “featuring women’s fashions including Silk Frocks, Easter Hats, Spring Coats, and Sportswear, along with pricing. In 1895 John Joseph Haggarty opened the New York Cloak and Suit House, a small, exclusive women’s clothing store. He did so by securing a building on Broadway, in the center of the Los Angeles business district, and there laid the foundation for one of the most successful businesses in the commercial history of the city. Having become an esteemed leader in the industry after just a few short years, he expanded his business with the opening of Paris Cloak and Suit House. He and his wife made annual trips to New York and Paris to bring the current fashion trends to the West Coast. When this venture had proved a success, due in large measure to his expert knowledge of the business, Haggarty purchased a controlling interest in another large house known as the Paris Cloak and Suit House. Into it he brought, besides capital, the wide experience and natural business ability which had made him a success in life. He was regarded as one of the shrewdest business and one of the most accomplished buyers in the foreign and domestic markets.”