In this 1968 photo, we’re looking west along Wilshire Blvd outside the Brown Derby restaurant at Alexandria Ave. It’s a shame that the sign is blocking our view from seeing the hat-shaped roof, but it’s interesting to know that at some point they added “Original” to the sign. In the background, we can see the signs for the about-to-be-built bland office tower that replaced the wonderfully atmospheric Chapman Park Hotel. But at least the tower of the Wilshire Christian Church (known today as Oasis Church) at Normandie Ave is still with us.
Roughly the same view in November 2021:
Yes I remember the Brown derby with that iconic top-hat
I also remember the shooting of Kennedy in the kitchen at the Ambassador hotel.
Hmm. Well, doesn’t that current photo just say all you need to know about the state of L A today…
Sadly, yes.
Hi,Joel.
You seem to have something on your mind.
Why don’t you just say it?
Gordon
The current photo shows so many things about L A of today — the loss of positive forward thinking architecture (notice the “newer” buildings are just bland boxes with no personalities) that applies to todays destruction and removal of some of what’s left of beautiful (yes, some neglected) homes and buildings. The over-building of basically just spaces to live and work in over embracing our legacy of some of the most unique and original architectural styles in the world is shameful. The buildings we have, and are getting now do not evoke any kind of positive thinking and energy, resulting in blight and same-ness. Hard for any of us to comprehend, but in it’s time, Wilshire Blvd was THE shining example of what Los
Angels was and could be. Now… all anybody thinks of Wilshire is the 4wd necessity of trying to drive down it. And, yes, the cart full of stuff left alone by a homeless is the cherry on top of mindset of the leadership of L A.
My sister and I grew up on Alexandria, a way north of this, between Hollywood and Franklin, but had left before this photo was taken. Looking at the picture over my shoulder, my sister said, “I put that dress away. When the Germans march out, I’ll wear it again.” (She’s read “All the Gin Joints.”)
Tell your sister I said “Hi!” and “Thanks!”