Author Archives: Martin Turnbull

Looking west along 3rd and Spring St past Desmond’s toward Angels Flight and the 3rd St tunnel, downtown Los Angeles, 1903

In this 1903 photo, we’re looking west along 3rd St. in downtown Los Angeles. On the left, we can see a sign for Desmond’s. They later evolved into a one of the nicer men’s clothing stores, but they started out … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

View of the television studio crew and audience for during the production of “I Love Lucy,” Los Angeles, circa 1950s

Have you ever wondered what Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley were looking at when they were shooting “I Love Lucy”? I have very little information to share about this, and I’m not even sure it’s a … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 3 Comments

The Bryson Block on the northwest corner of Spring and 2nd Streets, downtown Los Angeles , circa 1900

The Bryson Block was, at least to my mind, the most beautifully ornate Victorian-era (opened circa 1888) commercial building in turn-of-the century downtown Los Angeles. It is featured here in this circa 1900 photo in its location on the northwest … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Night view looking west from Ivar Ave along Hollywood Blvd decorated for, and renamed Santa Claus Lane for, Christmas, circa 1945

Here’s a parade I’d love to have seen just once: the annual Santa Claus Lane Parade down Hollywood Blvd. Beginning in 1928, Hollywood Blvd was dubbed “Santa Claus Lane” each December (primarily to boost shopping) and decorated with electric lights … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

Three streetcars worth of tourist stop at the corner of Hollywood and Cahuenga Blvds to visit the De Longpre Art Gallery, Hollywood, 1905

A large proportion of the passengers who rode the streetcars of early Los Angeles were prospective property buyers or tourists. And one of the big tourist attractions in early Hollywood was the estate of French artist, Paul De Longpre. It … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

A streetcar runs along Hollywood Blvd (then Prospect Ave) past a strawberry patch near Highland Ave, Hollywood, 1905

In this 1905 photo, we’re looking east along Hollywood Blvd, then known as Prospect Ave. The streetcar at  the center of the image is about to pass the Hollywood Hotel on the corner of Highland Ave. These days, of course, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The original Hollywood High School building at the corner of Sunset Blvd and Highland Ave, Hollywood, circa 1905

In this photo we’re looking at the original building that housed Hollywood High School at the corner of Sunset Blvd and Highland Ave. We’re looking north and in the background we can see the Hollywood Hills. This incarnation of the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Looking east across Vine St toward the Capitol Records building under construction, Hollywood, circa 1955

Most photos of the iconic Capitol Records building are taken from the Hollywood and Vine intersection looking north, so this photo makes for a nice change. In this one, we’re looking east across the parking lot of the El Capitan … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

The Goodyear blimp parked at the Culver City airport at Jefferson Blvd at Mesmer Ave, Culver City (undated)

Most of us only get to see the Goodyear blimp when it’s floating thousands of feet over our heads. So this (undated) shot gives us a better idea of its actual size. Now that I can see if up close, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Looking east along Wilshire Blvd from west of Fairfax Ave toward the May Co. department store under construction, Los Angeles, 1939

The May Co. department store opened its flagship building on the northeast corner of Wilshire Blvd and Fairfax Ave in 1940. (If anyone knows the specific date, I’d love to have it. (**UPDATE** This store opened on September 7, 1939 … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment