Tag Archives: Pasadena
Three men and a police officer inspect a new type of traffic signal installation, Pasadena, California, 1928
In all the vintage photos I’ve posted over the last 10+ years, I don’t recall seeing a traffic signal that looked like this one in Pasadena in 1928. With that black chord hanging from above, I assume the signal was … Continue reading
Pasadena Public Library, 285 East Walnut St, Pasadena, California, 1930
Being the destination of choice for winter-fleeing Easterners, Pasadena also offered its residents this large and graceful library at 285 East Walnut St. And with the lot across the street empty, there was also easy parking for all those practically … Continue reading
Pasadena Athletic Club, 425 E. Green St, Pasadena, 1926
And from the “They Sure Don’t Built ’em Like That Anymore” file comes the Pasadena Athletic Club at 425 E. Green St, corner of Los Robles St. I couldn’t find when it was built, but this photo is from 1926, … Continue reading
Art Deco bowling alley, billiards hall, and Recreation Grill café at 970 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, circa 1929
When I think of bowling alleys, I think of bright colors, flashing lights, quirky mid-century Googie-esque architecture. I never think of geometric Art Deco towers. This beautiful combination bowling alley, billiards hall, and café (called the Recreation Grill) opened at … Continue reading
A convoy of horse-drawn Tally-Ho carriages take Angeleno tourists from Los Angeles to the Altadena Junction, circa late 1890s
I don’t have a lot of information on this photo, but from what I can piece together, it appears to be from the late 1890s when the Tally-Ho carriages would take groups of locals and tourists from Los Angeles (which … Continue reading
Night shot of the Shopping Bag market, possibly at 3100 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta, circa late 1930s
There are few things more striking than a well-lit night shot of a store that uses neon effectively. This photo came with no caption so I’m not 100% of its location. However, a follower of mine on Facebook found the … Continue reading
Don Lee Cadillac and LaSalle car dealership on the northwest corner of Green St and El Molino Ave, Pasadena, California, 1927
In a photo reminiscent of the one I posted last week of Donahue Real Estate on Wilshire Blvd, this one also reminds us of how many unique and beautiful commercial buildings Los Angeles had. The Don Lee Cadillac and LaSalle … Continue reading
Motorist poses for a photo at the western end of the Colorado Street Bridge, Pasadena, California, 1918
This smiling motorist seems very happy to pose for this photograph of him and his shiny new automobile (does anyone know what make it is?) as he sits at the western end of the Colorado Street Bridge heading into Pasadena. … Continue reading
Elsa and Albert Einstein check out the Germany float at the 1932 Tournament of Roses parade, Pasadena, California, 1932
Of all the people I’d expect to be checking out floats in Pasadena’s annual Tournament of Roses parade, Albert Einstein wouldn’t have been high on my list. Nevertheless, here he is with his wife Elsa, who looks like she’s been … Continue reading
Vroman’s Bookstore at 60 E Colorado St, Pasadena, California, 1905
On November 14, 1894, Adam Vroman opened his bookstore at 60 E Colorado St (now Blvd) in Pasadena. And now, 128 years later, it is still running and can claim lay claim to being Southern California’s oldest and largest independent … Continue reading