And from the ever-thickening They Sure Don’t Make Em Like That Anymore file, comes this 1930 photo of a Violet Ray gas station with a soaring tower to attract the attention of passing motorists. According to one website I found, Violet Ray gasoline was introduced in 1928 by General Petroleum. They distinguished their product by coloring it violet. I don’t know how successful the gimmick was, but I’ll give them points for creativity. I only know that this gas station was on N. Cahuenga Blvd in Hollywood, which means it could have been anywhere north of De Longpre Ave. With those hills in the background, I’d say it was probably somewhere near where the Hollywood Fwy now cuts across the northern edge of Hollywood.
Jim L. says: “THis beautiful gas station appears to be along the Cahuenga Pass at Barham Blvd. I am pretty sure that the two houses on the hill belonged to the Frederick Blanchard estate. For years, the driveway was where one turned onto Barham from the 101 and was overgrown with weeds and fenced.”
Daniel N says: “Here it is, left center. Looking northeast over US 101/Cahuenga Blvd at Barham Blvd, circa 1930.”
What a beautiful gas station. Look at that architecture!!! Just stunning.
What a shame we have lost so many of those type of buildings with that Spanish flair. No reason I can see that they could not duplicate it today!!!
The point where that dern freeway terminated for some years. Everything on the north sector held its’ own until they whacked through that terrain too. Funny how people move to a place because it’s so scenic only to result in destruction of all of it to accomodate everyone.