In this colorful photo, we’re watching an electric LA Transit Lines trolley coach (a successor to the LARY streetcars) approach the intersection of 5th and Hill Sts in downtown Los Angeles. However, I’m more interested in the background – specifically that bold red sign for Union Cigars. You still see tobacco stores around LA, but of course back then they would have been a much more common sight. (And no vaping!) I also can’t help but admire that beautiful detailing on the corner building, especially the paneling along the top of the ground floor. And get a load of those gorgeous Juliet balconies. Hardly essential, but don’t they add to the building’s splendor? I wonder if the people who worked in those offices ever used them. I’ve been told the gray Chevrolet behind the black Ford looks to be circa 1953, so let’s call this photo circa mid-1950s.
Source: jericl cat on Flickr
This is roughly how that view looked in June 2024. Good news! The Juliet balconies have survived. I must have walked past this building 100 times and never noticed them!
For once I must say that the 2024 photo is much nicer looking than the old one. Much cleaner looking without all of the signage. I can’t stand all the clutter on buildings as it takes away from the architectural beauty of the building itself.
I said that right off the bat! The 2024 photo looks sleek as compared to the clutter back in the day. It actually looks like a shot from New York City. That said, yes, I agree with Martin. Cigarettes and cigars. Hollywood made smoking very fashionable, cigar stores all over the place. George Burns, Milton Berle, Groucho Marx, many other celebs of the day always seen with cigars. Lucille Ball, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford etc.. seen with cigarettes. Of course, never to forget Fred MacMurray with his pipe or Edward G. Robinson.
I agree, Tom. I think the vintage photo looks very 1950s New Yorky, too.