In this circa 1928 photo, we’re looking north up the 600 block of S. Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. We can see signs for Desmond’s (men’s clothing), Schaber’s Cafeteria, and See’s Candies. Look at the detailing on all that decoration above See’s sign and embedded in the building and along the top of the Schaber’s building. And don’t miss the sidewalk. It was quite common on those days for businesses to lay terrazzo in eye-catching patterns to attract the attention of passers-by with the hope of luring them inside. A lot it is still around and would probably work better nowadays with everyone staring down at their phone.
Remarkably, the three-arched building that Schaber’s occupied is still with us AND in great shape. This image is from January 2024.
But looks like that marvelous sidewalk is gone. Too bad!
Anyone–
What is that decorative object near the curb with the eagles on top?
Good question! I really don’t know and now I’m intrigued!
That is very unique. Looks like a sign at the top with a large P and smaller A on the left side. All I can make out. More writing on the bottom. In between is a rectangular section. Did it display something or maybe it opened, like the old police call boxes, but by whom and for what, I can’t imagine.
Someone just posted this on my Facebook page:
It’s a sign for the Palace Theater next door at 633 S Broadway fka as the Orpheum. I used to walk by every day for two years when I attended school down there.
I’ll always click for See’s Candies!
When I was a little kid, the only shopping center near us was in the Crenshaw area, and I always think of the terrazzo flooring outside The Broadway department store. I loved the shiny specks of mica (?).
Yes! Always click for See’s!
Yes! Those chips of mica always made those terrazzo sidewalks dazzle!