Tag Archives: MacArthur Park
William Penn Hotel, 2208 W 8th St, Los Angeles, 1929
Built in 1928, the William Penn Hotel at 2208 W 8th St, Los Angeles always catches my eye whenever I drive past it. To me, it looks like it’s been plucked out of some centuries-old East Coast city and plopped … Continue reading
An automobile loses control at the corner of 6th and Alvarado Streets, downtown Los Angeles, May 5, 1948
One Los Angeles driver had a bad day on May 5, 1948, when their car plowed into a streetlight out front of the Westlake Drug Store at 600 S. Alvarado St on the corner of 6th Street. This intersection is … Continue reading
Looking south down Alvarado St at Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, circa late 1930s
This circa late 1930s photo proves that modern-day Angelenos haven’t been the only ones who had to put up with heavy traffic. In this circa late 1930s shot, we’re seeing an Alvarado St clogged with automobiles and streetcars. According to … Continue reading
Looking northwest along Wilshire Blvd as it curves through Westlake Park (later MacArthur Park), Los Angeles, circa 1934
Until 1942, LA’s famous MacArthur Park to the west of downtown Los Angeles was known as Westlake Park. In this circa 1934 photo we see a practically empty Wilshire Blvd as it winds its way through the middle of the … Continue reading
Very high altitude aerial photograph of Los Angeles, circa late 1920s
There are plenty of vintage aerial photos of Los Angeles, but I don’t think I’ve seen one from such a great height as this one taken probably in the late 1920s. That cluster of buildings near the center is downtown … Continue reading
Looking west along Wilshire Blvd toward MacArthur Park (then Westlake Park) at Alvarado St, Los Angeles, 1940
Wilshire Blvd has long been an important east-west cross-town thoroughfare for Los Angeles, and in places quite scenic, like this stretch, for instance. In this photo, we’re looking west along Wilshire from Alvarado St just outside of downtown. All those … Continue reading
Color photograph Wilshire Blvd cutting through MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, circa 1950s
In this photo we’re treated to a color view of Wilshire Blvd heading east toward downtown Los Angeles, cutting through MacArthur Park. Until 1942, the park was known as Westlake Park, but was renamed MacArthur Park in honor of General … Continue reading
Aerial view of Wilshire Blvd from MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, circa 1930s
In a view that I can only assume was taken from an aircraft, we’re looking east along Wilshire Blvd after it passes through MacArthur Park, makes a 45-degree turn, then heads due west. We can see the striking tower of … Continue reading
Los Angeles Railway yellow car on the “R” line passing MacArthur Park, circa 1940s
Along with the Red Cars criss-crossing Los Angeles’s streetcar network, there were also the Los Angeles Railway Yellow Cars. Their system had 25 lines, designated with numbers and letters. We can see that car #1317 was on the “R” line … Continue reading
Afternoon peak hour heading east along Wilshire Blvd through Westlake Park and into downtown Los Angeles, circa 1937
Looks like it’s afternoon rush hour, circa 1937 with three lanes of Wilshire Blvd heading from downtown through what was then called Westlake Park. (It wouldn’t be renamed MacArthur Park until 1942.) That little white road sign between the two … Continue reading