In this photo we’re lucky enough to have had someone on hand with a camera, which I doubt would’ve have been too common in 1896. This scene shows us the April 1st opening of the electric railway from Los Angeles to Santa Monica. Judging from the size of the crowd, it looks to have been a highly anticipated event. I’d say there are far more people than there are available seats on the inaugural run. (I was unable to learn where this photo was taken, so if anyone knows, I’d love to hear from you!)
** UPDATE ** – John J. says: “April 1, 1896 on Oregon Avenue [this avenue was later renamed Santa Monica Blvd] Santa Monica. The opening of Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” The 1st car to arrive was no 65 at 3:40 pm with Pete Reel as motorman. Other ‘cars’ followed. Five hundreds guests were entertained! Guns were fired and bands played as General Sherman and Mayor Pratt of Minneapolis were “decorated with floral offerings.””
Thank you for sharing these great photographs. I have family that lived in Los Angeles at that time so I do a lot of research on Los Angeles history. In the attached article, this picture is probably taken 4th street and spring? I would like to say the tall lady in front right was my great great aunt. But I can not validate that. She was the wife of Charlie Jenkins the manager of the Hollenbeck Hotel. They attended many events like this as Chamber members.
Cherie Bell
I can not attach the newspaper article April 1, 1896 Los angeles express