Tag Archives: San Fernando Valley
El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, 1942
For as long as I can remember, that the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood has always been a live theater but back in 1942, it was playing a pretty good double bill: Paramount’s Take a Letter, Darling with Rosalind … Continue reading
Warner Brothers – First National Pictures Studios, Olive Ave, Burbank, 1936
This photo of the Warner Brothers – First National PicturesStudios on Olive Ave in Burbank was taken in 1936, the year that movies produced there were no longer either Warner or First National but were all credited as Warner-First National. … Continue reading
The Pumpkin building in all its incarnations, 3611 Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, 1927 to 1957
Mimetic architecture—a novelty style in which the designs mimic the purpose or function of the building—was a very popular thing in LA during the first half of the 20th century. Most of them didn’t last long, mainly because they weren’t … Continue reading
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Tagged Hotels, Nightclubs, San Fernando Valley, Stores and Shopping
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The backlot of Universal Studios, Universal City, California, circa late 1920s
This is a shot of the backlot of Universal Studios. Without a specific film or automobile to help us date it, it’s hard to pin down the year. The land is so sparse that I’m guessing it’s probably only a … Continue reading
A Pacific Electric Red Car travels through the Cahuenga Pass, Los Angeles, 1940s
As much as I love the old-fashioned feel of black-and-white and sepia photos, there’s something so alive and real about color vintage photos. In this one from the 1940s, we’re treated to a glimpse of a Pacific Electric Red Car … Continue reading
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Tagged Cahuenga Pass, Color photo, Freeways, San Fernando Valley, Streetcars
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Cahuenga Pass looking south from the San Fernando Valley into Los Angeles, circa 1928
In this photo we’re looking south along the Cahuenga Pass as (not very many) motorists make their way out of the San Fernando Valley. Before the advent of the Hollywood freeway in the 1950s, the road through the Cahuenga Pass … Continue reading
A crowd of listeners outside Collins’ Radio Shop at 223 South San Fernando Blvd in 1926, listening to the World Series, Burbank, California, 1926
In this age of smartphones and Spotify and headphones, listening to audio entertainment has become an individual thing. We can easily forget that less than 100 years ago, it was very much a communal experience. This photo shows us a … Continue reading
Royal Albatross gas station at Ventura Blvd and Laurel Canyon Blvd, Studio City, 1939
This Royal Albatross gas station used an actual aircraft to catch the eye of passing motorists—and I’m sure it worked! It was at the corner of Ventura Blvd and Laurel Canyon Blvd in Studio City, which is a prime position … Continue reading
Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills in the San Fernando Valley
For those of you not familiar with LA geography, Ventura Boulevard is the main drag that runs the length of the San Fernando Valley. These days, it is one, long, 18-mile continuous stretch of stores, malls, offices, restaurants, gas stations, … Continue reading
The first Red Car from Los Angeles to North Hollywood, December 16, 1911
December 16, 1911 was a big day in the life of people who lived in the San Fernando Valley: it was the first time a Red Car traveled from Los Angeles to North Hollywood. The line opened up convenient access … Continue reading