Here’s a view of something we rarely see anymore: a row of very individual mom-and-pop stores: a shoe store, a pants (and shirts) store, a barber, and a radio repair store. And on the far right, that “Co.” belonged to an Owl Drug Co drugstore (which you can see HERE.) I was able to track down the address for Fond’s Pants: 655 Main St, downtown Los Angeles. And you’ve got to love the Fond brothers’ prices. I wonder what the difference was between their $2.85 and their $3.85 pants. And let’s take a moment to appreciate that building with all its fancy decoration. From the 1936 Ford and the 1937 Chevrolet, I’m putting this photo at circa late 1930s.

I (semi) take back what I said about never seeing a row of mom-and-pop stores. The 1930s building is gone and a not-unattractive building now stands in its place. And in that building is a line of small business. They don’t have the individuality of the stores from the vintage photo, but it’s nice to see Angelenos trying to make a go of it. This image is from April 2022.

**UPDATE** – SF Historian says: “It’s actually the same building (Board of Trade) but the lower facade was extensively remodeled in 1962 when it was purchased by Bank of America. The upper portion of the building, including a griffin on the corner, remains intact.”

Joe M says: “The facade looks different but the building is still there. Those businesses had to move due to redistricting. The life scene at the shoes and pants store can be appreciated today just one block over on 7th and Los Angeles as salesmen promote their fashion wares. Lastly, they are standing directly across from the world famous and haunted Cecil Hotel. I believe the Board of Trade Building opened in 1929.”