While still on the mythical quest for pics of the Texaco station at Figueroa and Sunset, Tom Donovan's station, I found a pic of a Flying A station at the same corner, the northeast corner of that intersection from 1935. Better than nothing. Not nothing. Thank you to LA City History Past Perfect Online.
1935, Flying A gas station was located on the northeast corner of Sunset and Figueroa, the same corner where Ton Donovan's Texaco station was.
Flying A Gas Station on the northeast corner of Sunset and Figueroa. This is one of several hundred photographs taken by city engineers in preparation for street improvements for better access to the Arroyo Seco Parkway (now Pasadena Freeway) that would be built in 1939-40 by a combination of city engineers and state highway division engineers.
1935, This Standard Oil Station was located directly across the street from Donovan's at the northwest corner of Figueroa and Sunset, where Evans Adult School is located today. Thank you to the Los Angeles City Historical Society. Its caption reads,
Standard Oil Gas Station, northwest corner of Sunset and Figueroa. This is one of several hundred photographs taken by city engineers in preparation for street improvements for better access to the Arroyo Seco Parkway (now Pasadena Freeway) that would be built in 1939-40 by a combination of city engineers and state highway division engineers.
The 1964 song, "Boots of Spanish Leather" was written by Bob Dylan. Griffith recorded and released her version of the song in 1993.
This detail about her is heartbreaking,
Griffith's high school boyfriend, John, died in a motorcycle accident after taking her to the senior prom. He inspired many of her later songs. She was married to singer-songwriter Eric Taylor from 1976 to 1982. In the early 1990s, she was engaged to singer-songwriter Tom Kimmel.
which puts these lyrics into a different kind of light. Though the song was written by Dylan and not Griffith, she repurposed the lyrics beautifully to form a message to the young man who lost his life following their prom.
Just carry yourself back to me unspoiled From across that lonesome ocean
Griffith, the youngest of three siblings, was born in Seguin, Texasand grew up inAustin, where her family moved shortly after her birth.Her mother Ruelene was a real estate agent and amateur actress; her father, Marlin Griffith, was a graphic artist and barbershop quartet singer.Griffith began her music career at age 12, singing in a local coffeehouse.When she was a teenager her father took her to seeTownes Van Zandt. At 14, she performed her first professional gig at the Red Lion Cabaret in downtown Austin.Her debut album,There’s a Light Beyond These Woods, was released in 1978; the cover was designed by her father.
Oh, I'm sailing away, my own true love I'm sailin' away in the mornin' Is there something I can send you from across the sea From the place where I'll be landin'?
There's nothing you can send me, my own true love There is nothin' I'm a-wishin' to be ownin' Just carry yourself back to me unspoiled From across that lonesome ocean
Oh, but I just thought you might want something fine Maybe silver or golden Either from the mountains of Madrid Or from the coast of Barcelona
If I had the stars of the darkest night And the diamonds from the deepest ocean I'd forsake them all for your sweet kiss That's all I wish to be ownin'
Oh, I might be gone a long ole time And it's only that I'm askin' Is there something I can send you to remember me by? To make your time more easy passin'?
How can, how can you ask me again? Well, it only brings me sorrow For the same thing I would want today I would want again tomorrow
Oh, I got a letter on a lonesome day It was from his ship a-sailin' Sayin' I don't know when I'll be coming back again It depends on how I'm feelin'
If you, my love, must think that away I'm sure your mind is a-roamin' I'm sure your thoughts are not with me But with the country where you're goin'
So take heed, take heed of the western wind Take heed of stormy weather And yes, there is something you can send back to me Spanish boots of Spanish leather
Hollywood and Highland was a bustling intersection in 1945, known as the heart of the Hollywood entertainment district. Surrounded by theaters, restaurants, and hotels, this area attracted tourists and locals looking for a taste of glamour. In the 1940s, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre were already legendary landmarks here, capturing the essence of the movie industry. This corner was also a hub for nightlife and live performances, reflecting Hollywood’s reputation as the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Hollywood and Highland has remained a defining location for film history and tourism.
By 1944, the Bradbury Building had already earned its reputation as one of Los Angeles' most iconic architectural landmarks. Built in 1893, the building's unique Romanesque exterior stood out among the modern structures rising around it. Its ornate ironwork, stunning atrium, and skylit interior made it a favorite filming location for movies and TV shows. Located at 304 S. Broadway, it was a centerpiece of downtown Los Angeles’ architectural heritage. The Bradbury Building's enduring design and timeless beauty made it a celebrated landmark in LA's rapidly modernizing cityscape.
In 1965, 5th Street looking southwest toward Flower showcased downtown Los Angeles during its post-war transformation. The area featured a mix of sleek office towers and older buildings, representing the city’s growth as a business center. The street was alive with activity, with cars lining the road and pedestrians navigating the sidewalks. This view highlighted the balance between modern development and the city’s historic urban fabric.
1965, Olive Street Near 4th Street on Bunker Hill, Los Angeles (1965)In 1965, Olive Street near 4th Street offered a glimpse of Bunker Hill amidst its redevelopment. The area, once known for its Victorian mansions, was being transformed into a modern commercial and residential district. Some remnants of the old neighborhood remained, juxtaposed with new construction projects. This corner symbolized the changing face of Los Angeles as it moved toward modernization while grappling with the loss of its historic character. Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.
1951, The A. L. Bath Building on the Southeast Corner of 5th and Hill Streets, Los Angeles (1951)
In 1951, the A. L. Bath Building on the southeast corner of 5th and Hill Streets stood as a prime example of mid-20th-century commercial architecture in downtown Los Angeles. This multi-story structure housed offices and retail shops that catered to the bustling downtown business district. Streetcars and classic 1950s cars moved along the streets, while pedestrians filled the sidewalks heading to nearby theaters, shops, and restaurants. This corner reflected the vibrant urban energy of a downtown that was both historic and modernizing. Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.
1930, Scenic view of the Colorado Street Bridge showing the length of the bridge as it curves across the ravine. Part of the Vista del Arroyo Hotel can be seen through the arches. Thank you to the Water & Power Museum.
1931, View of the Colorado Street Bridge, looking southeast. The new Vista del Arroyo Hotel addition is seen on the right. Water & Power Museum.
c1939, Aerial shot of the Vista del Arroyo bungalows. Thank you to Picryl.
1941, A couple in their room at the Vista del Arroyo Hotel with a view of the Colorado Street Bridge, 1941. Thank you to Losangeles Guy.
1937, Vista del Arroyo Hotel pool and bungalows in front of the Colorado Street Bridge. Thank you to Calisphere.
1937, Vista del Arroyo Hotel cabanas. Thank you to Calisphere.
1940, Vista del Arroyo Hotel and the Arroyo Seco Bridge, aka, Colorado Street Bridge. Thank you to Yesterdaysprint.
1938, Partial view of Vista del Arroyo Hotel from underneath the Arroyo Seco Bridge. Thank you to Calisphere.
1939, Looking Across the Congested Intersection of 6th and Olive Streets, Showing Pershing Square, Los Angeles (1939)
In 1939, the intersection of 6th and Olive Streets near Pershing Square was one of the busiest parts of downtown Los Angeles. Trolleys, buses, and classic 1930s sedans competed for space in the crowded streets, while pedestrians hurried across crosswalks. Pershing Square, a key public space in the heart of downtown, provided a place for relaxation, protests, and public gatherings. Lined by hotels, banks, and department stores, this intersection was a hub of commerce and daily life in LA. The congestion at 6th and Olive illustrated the growing pressures of urbanization and the city's rapid economic development. Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.
1963, 6th Street & Olive St., looking east toward Spring St. in Downtown Los Angeles (1963).
In 1963, looking east along 6th Street from Olive Street showcased downtown Los Angeles as a bustling business district. Mid-century office buildings and older brick structures lined the street, reflecting the city’s layered architectural history. Buses and sedans filled the road, and pedestrians moved between retail shops and corporate offices. This view captured a dynamic downtown where commerce and daily life intersected in the heart of Los Angeles. Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.
1938, Looking West Toward Spring Street from the Corner of 5th and Main Streets, Los Angeles (1938).
In 1938, the view west toward Spring Street from 5th and Main Streets revealed the vibrant heart of downtown Los Angeles. The streets were lined with department stores, banks, and theaters, catering to the needs of a bustling urban population. Classic 1930s cars and trolleys filled the streets, while pedestrians crowded the sidewalks. Spring Street, known as the Wall Street of the West, housed many of LA’s financial institutions, reflecting the city’s growing importance as a business hub. This view captured the energy and optimism of pre-war downtown LA. Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.
I used to hear this song before I was in high school. I remember one summer afternoon walking on the elbow of Fish Canyon across the street from Colleen Black.
Walker said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. While in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" to conceal his true identity from the police. Mr. Bojangles had been arrested as part of a police sweep of indigent people that was carried out following a high-profile murder. The two men and others in the cell chatted about all manner of things, but when Mr. Bojangles told a story about his performing dog who was killed by a car, the mood in the room turned heavy. Someone else in the cell asked for something to lighten the mood, and Mr. Bojangles obliged with a tap dance.[2][3] The homeless "Mr. Bojangles", who was white, had taken his pseudonym from Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878–1949), a black entertainer.[4]
Walker's voice doesn't match that of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Jeff Hanna.
1980, "Make a Little Magic," with Nicolette Larson, 1952-1997, whose voice was better than the songs that she was known for. Neil Young's 1978 "Lotta Love" is a sweet song, but doesn't really showcase her beautiful voice. "I Only Want to Be With You" does a better job of showcasing her voice. "Lotta Love" got so much airplay. 1978 I was still working at Colamco in San Dimas. It was the year that Sean died from drowning out at the SG Riverbed.
Colorado Lagoon was located in Belmont Shores in Long Beach.
On February 28, 2022, Dan wrote,
Yes, our Dad did take us to the Colorado Lagoon. We stopped going after someone from our family spotted what appeared to be feces floating. And, yes, there was a platform from which people would jump or dive. It was a popular destination as it was always crowded, as I recall.
1937, Warner Brothers Studios, located at 5800 Sunset Blvd in Hollywood from 1919 to 1935. Wikipedia explains,
By 1937 Warner had closed the Sunset Boulevard studio and the property had been converted into a bowling alleyand "sports center". TheLos Angeles Timesreported on the conversion of the historic studio . . .
In 1912, the view west on 6th Street from Main Street captured a city in the midst of change. Brick buildings with decorative facades housed businesses and offices, while electric streetcars ran along tracks in the center of the road. Pedestrians strolled along the wide sidewalks, passing by bustling storefronts. This snapshot reflected the growing economic activity of downtown Los Angeles, as it solidified its place as a regional commercial hub.
1941, Main Street between 6th Street and 7th. M & S Cafe, Star Loan Office, Big Nickel Coffee and Donut.
1941, Wow, Martin Turnbull covers a lot of ground. Incredible that he's got a couple of shots of this scene. Turnbull writes,
1954, View of the 400 Block of South Main Street, east side; shows stores and shops at sidewalk level of three-story brick building, from right to left: Los Angeles Loan (446 S. Main), Lone Star liquor and wine, Roxy Loan Office (438 S. Main), Shoe Store, Earl's Clothes shop; curbside automobile at right, street railroad tracks in the foreground. Los Angeles; ca. 1954. Thank you to Library California.Gov.
1937, Looking North on Olive at 7th, Los Angeles (1937)
In 1937, looking north on Olive Street at 7th Street revealed a dynamic downtown intersection filled with life and activity. Office workers, shoppers, and streetcar commuters filled the sidewalks as they navigated the bustling shopping district. Department stores, theaters, and high-rise office buildings lined the streets, reflecting the city’s economic growth during the 1930s. Streetcars shared the road with classic sedans, highlighting the coexistence of public transit and car culture. This view captured the rhythm of daily life in downtown Los Angeles, a place where business, leisure, and transit intersected in a thriving urban environment. Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.
1942, The East Side of 1st Street in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles (1942)
In 1942, the east side of 1st Street in Little Tokyo was a bustling center of Japanese-American life in Los Angeles. Lined with small businesses, cafes, and specialty stores, it served as a vital hub for the local community. Restaurants offered traditional Japanese cuisine, while gift shops displayed imported goods from Japan. The onset of World War II, however, would bring dramatic change as Japanese-Americans were forcibly relocated to internment camps. This view of 1st Street captured the vibrant cultural heart of Little Tokyo just before this upheaval, highlighting a thriving community that would later rebuild and endure. Thank you to Historical Los Angeles, USA.
1938, In this view of 5th Street across Olive St in downtown Los Angeles, we’re treated to the sign of the long-gone Biltmore Theatre. Attached to the Biltmore Hotel, the theater was a major stop on the national touring circuit. (Erlanger was a theatrical syndicate similar to Shubert.) This photo was taken in 1938 when “Room Service” was playing—the same “Room Service” that was made into a Marx Brothers movie at RKO. The Biltmore Hotel still exists, but an office tower replaced the theater after the Los Angeles . . . Thank you to Martin Turnbull.
1951, The Northeast Corner of 5th and Olive Streets, Los Angeles (1951)
By 1951, the northeast corner of 5th and Olive Streets in Los Angeles provided a glimpse of a thriving downtown neighborhood. The area featured a mix of early 20th-century buildings with intricate architectural details and newer post-war structures. Nearby Pershing Square offered a green escape amidst the urban density. Cars and buses crowded the streets, while professionals, shoppers, and tourists navigated the sidewalks. This intersection was a snapshot of downtown Los Angeles at a time of transition and growth. Thank you to Historical Los Angeles, USA.
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