Tag Archives: Horses

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

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A new electric streetcar passes an old cable streetcar at the corner of Spring and 1st Streets, downtown Los Angeles, 1896

One name for this 1896 photo could be “Out with the Old, In with the New.” A new electric streetcar is passing an old cable streetcar at the corner of Spring and 1st Streets in downtown LA, looking south. And … Continue reading

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Ten horse-drawn carriages from the Union Ice Company gather at their depot on Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, 1913

These days we take ice for granted. We just open our freezer and there it is. But way back when, ice was a precious resource that had to be renewed often. And so, since 1882, Angelinos had turned to the … Continue reading

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Looking north up a bustling Broadway from around Fifth Street, downtown Los Angeles, circa 1906

Some vintage photos are teeming with so much activity that you can just about hear the commotion. We’re looking north up a bustling Broadway from around Fifth Street in downtown LA. One of the banners stretched across the street reads: … Continue reading

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Looking east down 4th Street from Hill St toward the Grant Hotel, downtown Los Angeles, circa 1890

In this one, we’re looking east down 4th Street from Hill St toward the U.S. Grant Hotel on the corner of Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. The photo was taken circa 1890, and as we can see the three modes … Continue reading

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Horse-drawn carriages lined up along Spring St, between 1st and 2nd Streets, downtown Los Angeles, 1878

Long before Los Angeles became a city of automobiles, it was—like all cities—filled with horse-drawn wagons, carriages, and buggies. It’s the size of those wheels that surprise me. Some of them are nearly as tall as the men are. This … Continue reading

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Photograph of a Vernon T. Mercer “deluxe horse Pullman” van somewhere in Southern California, undated

This photo is a rare instance where can tell you no details. I don’t know where it was taken or when. Neither Google or the online LA City Directories (early versions of phone books) have heard of “Vernon T Mercer.” … Continue reading

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A horse-drawn billboard for Bill Hoppers Blacksmith Shop rolls down Hollywood Blvd just west of Vine St, Hollywood, circa late 1920s

And from the “We Don’t See This Anymore” file comes this shot of what I can only describe as a horse-drawn billboard designed to advertise Bill Hoppers Blacksmith Shop. It does make me wonder how many blacksmiths still existed in … Continue reading

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Angelenos navigate their horse-drawn wagons and carriages through the newly opened Third Street Tunnel, downtown Los Angeles, circa 1901

This circa 1901 photo of the then recently opened Third St Tunnel in downtown Los Angeles reeks with early 20th century, doesn’t it? The opening of the tunnel gave Angelenos a convenient way to get from one side of downtown … Continue reading

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A horse and carriage wait outside the elaborate Glendale Hotel, Broadway, Glendale, circa 1890s

In the late 1880s, the Glendale Hotel opened on Broadway in Glendale. It was built in the popular late-Victorian style – very elaborate with lots of levels and planes and detailing. I don’t have a date on this one, but … Continue reading

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