There are several things I like about this photo taken December 1953 on the southeast corner of Hollywood and Cahuenga Blvds: the vibrancy of the color (which means it’s probably Kodachrome), the two-light semaphore traffic signal, and the metallic Christmas trees decorating Hollywood Blvd. This photo (looking north up Cahuenga) shows more clearly how snow was painted on them, which probably looked funny to people back east buried under two feet of actual snow.
This is roughly how that view looked in July 2024.
The bank building across Hollywood Blvd. is still there. Looks like a chilly, crisp day…the sky is a brilliant winter blue.
Yes, you’re right – that’s exactly how that day looks, doesn’t it? These days everybody would be in puffy jackets!
That is quite a wild coat the lady is wearing. Shows that some fashion doesn’t really change much over time. It would look right at home in late-60’s Haight-Ashbury. Thanks Martin, for another great color photo of Christmas Past in Hollywood!
Good timing..was just thinking about this street because that bus station is seen in an episode of Route 66 during season 1 (1961). That’s the Trailways station with the Fred Harvey restaurant attached. Santa Fe Trailways was controlled by the railroad’s parent and ultimately became part of the well known Continental Trailways system that competed with Greyhound Lines. The parking for Tick Tock was just next to it, across from the restaurant’s frontage.
Catch those vintage STOP/GO lights! They were around for years and would clang when they changed! A lot turn up in old movies. Nearby, at 6433 Hollywood Blvd is the famous Pacific Hollywood Theater building which has gone through lots of renovations. By the way, this was Carol Burnett’s old neighborhood as a kid! She grew up on Wilcox Avenue, raised by her grandma and worked there. It was called the Warner Brothers Theater. Carol often mentions the place, and where she got the bug to get into acting. I work over at Warner Brothers, and everything is Burbank. They rarely mention this site (because its not on the studio tour obviously), but should because it’s historical. Thanks Martin for the CHILLY photo!
The “AUTO CLUB SO CAL” stop sign is also interesting with its reflectors on the word STOP and the red light that probably originally flashed on and off. This sign would have predated the semaphore STOP/GO and its lights and was simply left there when the new one was installed. Before the City installed control signs and signals on corners, the Automobile Club of Southern California made and installed traffic signs. This is one of those early AAA stop signs still backing up the traffic light. The Automobile Club also posted helpful signs on major highway streets giving direction and mileage to other California cities from the location of the sign.
Interesting note, Alan. I have to tell, those old STOP/GO signs are now collectables! Some restaurants and country clubs have them around for show and they cost a pretty penny. Kind of reminds you of telephone booths.
How things change. Martin’s photos are just wonderful.
You are absolutely correct. I have one in my garage. And years ago when my family owned The Auto Buff Books & Collectibles in Sherman Oaks we sold several of them. They are a little piece of our history mosaic.
You are absolutely correct. I have one in my garage. And years ago when my family owned The Auto Buff Books & Collectibles in Sherman Oaks we sold several of them. They are a little piece of our history mosaic. Before AAA put up stop signs if there was a pole (telephone, power line, or just one sunk) at an intersection, it was painted red to let drivers know they were supposed to stop. We keep advancing.
I believe the lower light was part to the semaphores, probably being on in overnight hours when traffic dropped and the green/red aspect and positional blades were not needed. That would make it an absolute signal (must stop/proceed with caution) for any approaching vehicle during those hours. The Stop sign was added for extra care with the lens ring placed outside and fixed down to trap the sign. Behind all of that is a California Highway 101 sign (Union shield shape) as Cahuenga was the connection down to Route 66 on Santa Monica Boulevard before the Hollywood Freeway was extended.
I LOVE that grey1947 Plymouth or Chrysler business coupe in the lower left corner. When I was in the Army in 1966 I bought one for $50. No reverse gear, however.