Tag Archives: Los Angeles
Looking through layer of thick smog across downtown Los Angeles to City Hall, 1958
I’m going to think of this picture next time I grumble about having to get my car smog-checked. This was looking across downtown L.A. toward City Hall shows us how dire the smog problem was by 1958. It makes me … Continue reading
Norma Desmond’s mansion in “Sunset Boulevard” (1950) at 641 S. Irving Blvd, being demolished in 1957
Here’s a slice of Hollywood history for you. This Norma Desmond’s mansion in “Sunset Boulevard” (1950) in the process of being demolished in 1957. In the movie, Norma’s address is 10086 Sunset Boulevard but in reality, the house wasn’t on … Continue reading
8800 block of Wilshire Boulevard (near Robertson Blvd), 1940
This is what the 8800 block of Wilshire Boulevard looked like back in 1940 (near Robertson Blvd.) Those infant palm trees are now four stories high, and Wilshire probably hasn’t been that empty since before the war.
Grand opening of the Wilshire Boulevard causeway through Westlake (now MacArthur) Park, 1934
This is a shot of the grand opening of the Wilshire Boulevard causeway through Westlake (now MacArthur) Park, 1934. Although perhaps “grand” might be overstating it. Looks like someone strung up a line of flags and hardly anybody showed up. … Continue reading
First automobile in Los Angeles, 1897
The car culture of Los Angeles started with this jaunty vehicle. This is from 1897 and is the first automobile in Los Angeles. It was built by the guy who’s driving it, a Mr. J. Philip Erie. In the backseat … Continue reading
Daredevils playing tennis above Los Angeles – October 25, 1925
Get a load of these crazy daredevil wingwalkers playing tennis above Los Angeles, October 25, 1925. Just as interesting, get a load of all that empty land. Come to think of it, it’s probably good there’s hardly anybody down below—I’d … Continue reading
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Tagged Aerial photographs, Airports Aircraft Airlines, Los Angeles
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The Ambassador Hotel Hotel entrance, Wilshire Blvd (color, 1968)
I normally stick to photos taken in the era I write about—up to the late 50s because the Garden of Allah Hotel was open 1927 to 1959—but even though this one was taken in 1968, I wanted to post it … Continue reading
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Tagged Ambassador Hotel, Color photo, Hotels, Los Angeles, Wilshire Blvd
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Looking down on traffic at Wilshire Blvd & Western Ave from the Pellissier Building (Wiltern Theater), 1933
There are plenty of photos of the wonderfully Art Deco Pellissier Building which houses the glorious Wiltern Theater at Wilshire Blvd and Western Ave. But I don’t think I’ve seen the view from the top of the Pellissier Building. This … Continue reading
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Tagged Aerial photographs, Los Angeles, Theaters, Wilshire Blvd
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View of the Hollywoodland sign from south, 1930
I wish I knew where this photo was taken – I’d look up the address to see either of these lovely homes were still around. All I know is that it was taken in 1930 in some location with a … Continue reading
Leimert Theatre, Leimert Park, Los Angeles, 1933 – “Any Seat 20¢ Any Time”
With a soaring tower like this one, the Leimert Theater at 3341 W. 43rd Place in Leimert Park (near Culver City) must have really stood out. This photo was taken in 1933, a year after it opened, when their motto … Continue reading