9th, Main, and Spring Streets converge, downtown Los Angeles, 1948

1948, The intersection where 9th, Main and Spring Streets converge, downtown Los Angeles (1948)

By 1948, downtown Los Angeles had become a commercial powerhouse, with the intersection of 9th, Main, and Spring Streets at its heart. This intersection connected vital economic arteries, surrounded by banks, department stores, and office buildings. Traffic was dense, with post-war cars cramming the streets, and the sidewalks were equally crowded with shoppers and workers. The buildings around this intersection reflected a range of architectural styles, from Beaux-Arts to more streamlined modern structures. The energy of this area exemplifies the fast-paced growth of Los Angeles in the late 1940s, driven by economic prosperity and population expansion.  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles, USA.

6th & Broadway Downtown LA, 1918-1964

1918, A Photograph of Cars Jammed on Broadway and 6th Street in a Peace Celebration of the War’s End, Los Angeles (1918).  Posted Tuesday, January 28, 2025.  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.

In 1918, Broadway and 6th Street became a sea of jubilant Angelenos celebrating the end of World War I. Cars and streetcars clogged the intersection as drivers honked their horns in unison, joining pedestrians who waved flags and cheered in the streets. The buildings were adorned with banners and streamers, reflecting the city’s collective relief and joy. Crowds spilled onto sidewalks, embracing the hopeful promise of a post-war future. This spontaneous celebration captured the unity and resilience of Los Angeles during a historic moment of peace and victory.

1930s, Traffic jam at 6th & Broadway Street in the 1930s.  Thank you to LAPL.

1942, Shoppers crowd 6th & Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles.  The middle of WWII, and look at those coats.  Thank you to LAPL.

1950s, Broadway Avenue, Los Angeles.  Martin Turnbull notes,

What I wouldn’t give for the opportunity to spend an afternoon walking down Broadway in downtown Los Angeles in the late 30s such as what we can see in this photo looking north from 6th St. In this shot alone we can see signs for Le Roy’s, a jewelry company, Kress, a five-and-dime, Swelldom, which sold women’s clothing, and the Los Angeles Theater where the first “Blondie” film is showing. It played in theaters in December 1938 and must have done well for Columbia because 27 more films in the 1950s.  

1964, Los Angeles - 6th and Broadway (1964).  [posted on Sunday, December 22, 2024.]  The Swelldom was a ladies' clothing store with an interesting history.

In 1964, the intersection of 6th and Broadway was a bustling commercial center in downtown Los Angeles. Department stores, theaters, and cafes lined the streets, catering to a mix of shoppers, office workers, and tourists. The sidewalks teemed with pedestrians, while classic cars and buses navigated the busy streets. Broadway’s historic theaters still operated as cultural landmarks, even as the area began to transition with the rise of suburban shopping centers. This intersection reflected the evolving face of downtown LA, where tradition and modernization coexisted.  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles, USA.

Gasometers of Los Angeles

1950, Looking towards downtown LA from where the San Bernadino and Santa Ana freeways merge today, showing streetcars and Gasometers (Gas Holders) that once were prevalent throughout the city.

for more Gasometers around Los Angeles, check these out.  I know I linked to some earlier this year.  Thanks to Jack Feldman for the pic above.  He has others.  

1950, View looking west on Aliso Street toward the Civic Center. Three extremely large natural gas holders stand in proximity to the Friedman Bag Company and Brew 102, with City Hall in the background. This photo was taken just a couple of years prior to the construction of the 101 Freeway where Aliso Street is seen above.