Tag Archives: Downtown Los Angeles
A three-wheeled Kelsey Motorette outside the Automobile Club of Southern California’s headquarters at 8th and Olive Sts, downtown Los Angeles, 1912
I have to tip my hat to this pair of intrepid motorists. The vehicle they’ve parked outside the headquarters of the Automobile Club of Southern California is a circa 1911 Kelsey Motorette. I don’t know why these guys thought a … Continue reading
Reuben G. Simons / Wiltcie B. Ames home at 2433 S. Flower St, downtown Los Angeles, 1910
Like most downtown areas of large cities, downtown LA is a jungle of high rises, offices, stores, and parking lots. It’s nice to be reminded every now and then of how it used to be, and this photo gives us … Continue reading
Looking north up a bustling Broadway from 5th St, downtown Los Angeles, circa 1908
This photo looking north up Broadway from 5th St shows that circa 1908 downtown LA was a lively and bustling place—and also a bit dangerous. Ducking around the streetcars are those new-fangled horseless carriages on roads with neither lanes nor … Continue reading
Looking at the Los Angeles Times building at First and Spring Sts from the grounds of LA City Hall, downtown Los Angeles, on May 4, 1939
When this photo was taken on May 4, 1939, the Los Angeles Times building at the corner of First and Spring in downtown Los Angeles had been open for four years. The Art Deco building had quickly become an iconic … Continue reading
Looking southeast along Fifth St toward the Biltmore Theatre and Hotel on the corner of Olive St, downtown Los Angeles, circa mid-1920s
Following on from yesterday’s 1964 photo of the demolition of the Biltmore Theatre, I’ve been sent this photo taken from much the same angle, but much earlier. From the get-go, the Biltmore was one of the premiere theaters in Los … Continue reading
Looking southeast along Fifth St toward the demolition of the Biltmore Theatre on the corner of Olive St, downtown Los Angeles, 1964
Attached to the Biltmore Hotel at the intersection of Fifth and Olive Sts in downtown Los Angeles, Biltmore Theatre was a popular venue for live shows from 1924 to 1964. But the opening of the Music Center a few blocks … Continue reading
Looking north up the 600 block of S. Broadway, including Schaber’s Cafeteria, Desmond’s, and See’s Candies, downtown Los Angeles, circa 1928
In this circa 1928 photo, we’re looking north up the 600 block of S. Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. We can see signs for Desmond’s (men’s clothing), Schaber’s Cafeteria, and See’s Candies. Look at the detailing on all that decoration … Continue reading
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Tagged Broadway, Downtown Los Angeles, Restaurants, Stores and Shopping
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Washington Gardens Chutes Amusement Park, with Chutes Water Slide Chutes Theater, corner of Washington Blvd and Main St, south of downtown Los Angeles, circa early 1900s
When I first saw this circa early 1900s photo of the Washington Gardens Chutes Amusement Park, with a rollercoaster, Chutes Water Slide, and Chutes Theater, I assumed it was at the beach. Probably Santa Monica or Venice. So imagine my … Continue reading
A close up of the marquee of the RKO Hillstreet Theatre at 801 S. Hill St, downtown Los Angeles prior to demolition in 1965
In 1922, RKO opened their Hillstreet Theater at 801 S. Hill St on the southwest corner of 8th St. It operated as both a movie theater and a vaudeville house and lasted until the summer of 1965. Normally, I’d be … Continue reading
A view of the gardens beside Santa Fe Railway’s La Grande station at Santa Fe Ave and 2nd St, downtown Los Angeles, circa 1890s
Most photos I’ve seen of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway’s La Grande station at Santa Fe Ave and 2nd St, in downtown LA were taken, understandably, facing the front entrance. So it’s nice to see a different angle. … Continue reading