In this circa 1937, we’re standing on Wilshire Blvd—we know that from the Wilshire Special streetlights. The view is looking northeast from west of Figueroa St toward downtown LA. Back then, the skyline of that part of downtown was dominated by the building on the left, which was one of the most beautiful skyscrapers LA ever had, the black and gold terra cotta-clad Richfield oil building. But also catching my eye is that pair of signs saying “10.” I assume they’re signs for parking. I wonder how long 10 cents bought you. (Source: LA Public Library)

That 1937 view looks quite different now. This is roughly how it looked in June 2024.