I haven’t been able to determine which stretch of Wilshire Blvd this photo was taken on, but wherever it was, it gives us a glimpse into what Wilshire looked like back circa 1927. One big, lovely house after the other, with very little traffic and plenty of places to park. If only it was still like that – wouldn’t it be nice? But can anyone tell me what that little white bump in the foreground was, or what it did?
** UPDATE ** – This photo is of the 3000 block, west of Hoover.
I thought it was a marker to indicate the middle of the road/street but I don’t see any others in the picture so I’m not sure
Maybe a gas Vent opening, or a excess water drain.
It is Wilshire Boulevard west of Hoover Street, centered on 3078 Wilshire. For more information, see: https://wilshireboulevardhouses.blogspot.com/2014/11/3078-wilshire-boulevard-please-see-our.html?m=1
Martin–
That bump in the middle of the street is an early traffic control device. We now call it a “metal mushroom”. It was used to identify an intersection, especially when street lighting was not present. It was also intended to help align vehicles when making a left turn by staying to the left and not turning too fast or too wide. It was later realized that If a vehicle hit one of them the driver would lose control. By 1930 major streets would start to be marked with painted centerlines at which point the metal mushrooms were not longer deemed to be necessary.
Thanks for that explanation, John. Much appreciated.
Such beautiful architecture. Why can’t they build homes like that today ?
I would love to go back in time.
John. They can build houses like that today. People buying new houses don’t want that style. In a few neighborhoods design rules apply, but they are rare.