7th & Broadway, 1942

1928, Los Angeles - 7th and Broadway (1928)

In 1928, the intersection of 7th and Broadway was a bustling retail and entertainment hub in downtown Los Angeles. Department stores like Bullocks and The Broadway drew large crowds of shoppers, while nearby theaters showcased vaudeville acts and silent films. The sidewalks were packed with pedestrians, and streetcars rumbled past classic 1920s automobiles. This intersection captured the vibrancy and glamour of LA’s booming downtown, where commerce and culture thrived in equal measure.  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.

1930s, Looking north up Broadway from 7th Street, Downtown Los Angeles.  Thank you to Bruce Dunseth.  

1938, We’re looking north up Broadway in downtown Los Angeles from 7th Street. According to the caption for this photo, those crowds of Angelenos packing both sides of the street came to see President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was 1938, which was the year of the mid-terms and apparently Roosevelt actively campaigned for candidates who were more supportive of New Deal reform. So I assume that’s what was happening here. In the background, we can see the blade sign for the Palace Theatre at 630 S Broadway, which was the third Orpheum Theatre to open in downtown LA. (Source: Noirish LA).  Thank you to Martin Turnbull.  

1942, Streetcar stop at Broadway and 7th Street Downtown Los Angeles.  The view is looking south toward the Loew's State Theater.  Thank you to the Forgotten Splendour. 

1942, Between 6th and 7th Streets, Pedestrians Pack the Sidewalks Along Car-Filled Broadway. Various Stores and Movie Theaters Are Seen, Los Angeles (1942).  Thank you to Historic Los Angeles USA.

In 1942, Broadway between 6th and 7th Streets was a lively commercial district, where neon-lit theaters, department stores, and bustling sidewalks defined the downtown experience. Pedestrians, dressed in wartime-era fashion, packed the sidewalks, weaving between storefronts and movie marquees advertising the latest Hollywood films. Streetcars and automobiles shared the road, creating a dynamic urban scene. Despite World War II’s ongoing challenges, Broadway remained a vibrant entertainment and shopping hub, serving as a gathering place for Angelenos seeking a brief escape from the realities of war.

1943, 7th & Broadway.  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles, USA.  Posted on Friday, November 29, 2024.

Looking down to the intersection of Broadway and 7th Street from the Loew’s State Theatre, Downtown Los Angeles (1943)

In 1943, a view from Loew’s State Theatre captured the bustling intersection of Broadway and 7th Street, a center of downtown activity. The theater was one of many on Broadway, each competing for attention with bright neon signs. Busy with shoppers, moviegoers, and street vendors, the area reflected the vibrancy of downtown Los Angeles in the 1940s. This intersection was lined with grand department stores, theaters, and cafes that catered to a diverse crowd. Loew’s State Theatre was a prominent landmark, part of the thriving entertainment scene that drew people to downtown day and night.

1947, Looking West Through the Intersection of 7th Street and Broadway, Los Angeles (1947)

In 1947, the intersection of 7th Street and Broadway was a bustling commercial hub in downtown Los Angeles. Department stores, theaters, and restaurants lined the streets, catering to a steady stream of shoppers and tourists. Classic post-war automobiles filled the intersection, while pedestrians navigated crosswalks beneath grand marquees advertising films and live performances. This vibrant intersection epitomized the energy of mid-century downtown LA, where commerce and entertainment thrived.  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.  Posted Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

1950s, 7th & Broadway, Downtown Los Angeles.  Posted on Monday, January 27, 2025.  Thank you to Bruce Dunseth.

1951, Looking down Broadway from 7th Street with large crowds on the sidewalks, Los Angeles. Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.  Posted Monday, February 10, 2025.

In 1951, Broadway remained one of the most bustling streets in downtown Los Angeles, lined with department stores, theaters, and restaurants. This view from 7th Street showcased a lively urban scene, with crowds of shoppers, office workers, and moviegoers filling the sidewalks. Neon signs and marquees lit up the street, advertising the latest films and fashion sales. The energy of Broadway in the early 1950s reflected the city’s post-war boom, where prosperity and entertainment went hand in hand. The street’s reputation as a commercial and cultural hub remained intact, drawing people from all over the city.