In this wonderfully atmospheric shot, some quick-minded photographer captured a streetcar running through the intersection of 6th and Hill Streets in downtown Los Angeles. Those trees behind it are in Pershing Square, and behind them is the Biltmore Hotel. The hotel opened in October of 1923, so we know the photo dates to at least then. But in general, the photo screams 1920s, especially the hats on the ladies, and I love it that reason alone.
This is how that intersection looked in May 2024. Pershing Square still has some trees, and the Biltmore is still there, but it’s now dwarfed by skyscrapers.
LARy “Sowbelly” operating outbound on the “3”-line from Lincoln Park to Alsace on West Adams running 1924-1930. Line traversed Broadway, S. Hill, and other streets to cross the urban core. In 1931, the line number went over to Central Station and west points running on Larchmont to the terminus. That ended in 1947, going to bus related provisions. [Note the 3 slat lodged in the number box on the right end above the car roof, and the angle of the connected trolley pole to get the direction.] Must have been a lot of great sights to behold along this ride in the jazz age. But you’d have to buy a hat.