I could find scant information about this color photo of a Pacific Electric red car. It was taken on April 13, 1954 as the streetcar was trundling through Beverly Hills. I assume it was running along the Santa Monica Blvd track because those hills in the background look like the Hollywood Hills, which makes sense because the destination sign reads “Hollywood.”
I’m not sure where exactly the vintage photo was taken, but here as Santa Monica Blvd looking east toward Hollywood in May 2024. Note that Google Maps has labeled it as “Historic Route 66.”
Martin, from a past post you have it Santa Monica and Canon. I always like to see posts of the red car. I was a little bit after their time, but my mom loved them, and my grandpa worked for them probably retiring around 54 or 55.
Martin, would you know what building he would have gone to work at, I believe he was a bookkeeper.
Thanks – I enjoy your post daily.
Mark, he most likely worked at the Pacific Electric Headquarters in their 9 story building located at Main and 6th Street downtown LA.
My mother also loved riding the Red Cars when she was a teenager, taking them to work and visits to the beach. Here’s a photo of the PE headquarters, circa 1940s:
https://elserenohistoricalsociety.org/pacific-electric-railway
Thanks Greg, for info and link. I think my mom use to take it to school and later to work, she did not drive till she got married at 27.
As I’ve mentioned before I have a VERY early memory (maybe my earliest) of riding on a red car on Venice Blvd. It was probably the last year of their existence.
Hello Martin…….
I remember when the red car was there……..As I recall, when it was removed, that is when they called the new street, Little Santa Monica……..and still do…….. huh?
Best, Joan Lewis
I noticed on Google Maps that it’s officially called “South Santa Monica Blvd” but I can’t imagine anyone actually calls it that.