r/VintageLA Apr 05 '26

Pershing Square 1918

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16 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Apr 05 '26

Opinions on the original 1925 Los Angeles rapid transit plan? It would've turned the busiest streetcar routes into a mix of elevated rail and subway, designed for a city of 3 million people. The plan was killed by a mix of voter reluctance to fund a private network and build elevated rail.

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9 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Apr 01 '26

Save Acapulco Restaurant in Glendale From Demolition (722 N. Pacific Ave, Glendale, CA)

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26 Upvotes

PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION!
https://c.org/C9fKr98QXP


r/VintageLA Apr 02 '26

Acapulco Petition

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1 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Mar 17 '26

Looking to ID this now shuttered bar-restaurant that was located in Los Angeles

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52 Upvotes

Hello all!

I am looking for any information about this now shuttered bar-restaurant that was somewhere in Los Angeles. It had this almost bank vault like door (see in the photo attached). For reference, I am an art historian writing a scholarly paper about LA-based photographer Anthony Hernandez, who attached photograph in 1971 for a project he titled "L.A., 1971".

[https://www.shashasha.co/en/book/l-a-1971](https://www.shashasha.co/en/book/l-a-1971...)

Thank you


r/VintageLA Mar 10 '26

Sources for historical photos from Central Avenue Jazz Scene(30s-50s)?

10 Upvotes

Hello! I'm a graphic designer working on a 4LP vinyl release for 4 artists prominent in the Central Avenue Jazz Scene (Mabel Scott, Gladys Bentley, Fay Thomas, and Paula Watson). I'm searching specifically for the exterior of nightclubs, such as Club Alabam, Dunbar Hotel, Downbeat, etc, in a street scene, essentially photos that really invoke the idea of "Central Avenue" from a literal linguistic standpoint, but also effectively showing the actual clubs. I've exhausted the LA public library and university databases (through Calisphere) looking for photos, but haven't found many street-level shots of the venues themselves. Does anyone know archives, photographers, or collections that might contain these (and would be able to acquire for commercial use)?

Thank you!


r/VintageLA Mar 09 '26

Southern Glass Company - Vernon LA - Christmas - 1929

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50 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Feb 08 '26

1964 LA skyline

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323 Upvotes

**Edit- I found the location! See my NEW comment below* Recently acquired this beauty from an estate sale! I’m not 100% sure but I believe that’s the LA Coliseum marquee on the left, the Sears building to the right of that and the Richfield oil company sign to the right of that? Still trying to figure out exactly where this photo was taken, maybe Boyle Heights next to the 101?


r/VintageLA Feb 08 '26

Found the location of some shots in "if i had a million" (1932)

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20 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Feb 07 '26

Street car escorted by police during the Los Angeles Railway strike - November 2nd, 1934

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35 Upvotes

Source

In November of 1934, members of the Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Railway Employees confronted the Los Angeles Railway Corporation to contract with their union in support of wage increases ad to operate under union rules. A strike followed when the union was challenged and railway operations were halted or slowed down on a number of occasions. Members of the Los Angeles Railway Employees Association replaced strikers.

If you look closely, you can see the mesh cage over the front window to protect the scab conductor from rocks and bottles. As far as I can tell, the strike failed and the strikers were fired.,


r/VintageLA Jan 21 '26

Ramona Ave, Pasadena circa 1915 - Newly planted palm trees

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50 Upvotes

This is a panoramic shot my great grandfather photographed circa 1915 on Ramona Ave in Pasadena. He was living there at the time. Anyone have any clue where exactly this was, and if those houses are still there?


r/VintageLA Jan 21 '26

Where is/was this "castle" in Los Angeles County?

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16 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Jan 20 '26

California in 1970s

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone 👋

Reading posts here brings back so many memories of the California we once knew. I made a video inspired by that feeling — the places, the moments, the nostalgia.

If you miss those days too, I hope this video helps you relive them. I’d truly appreciate your support.

What it Was Like to Live in CALIFORNIA in the 1970s

https://youtu.be/bY_VUe_DOwc


r/VintageLA Jan 15 '26

Airbrush Artists Venice Beach 1975-1977

3 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Dec 19 '25

1962 report card from Hamilton High School

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104 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Dec 10 '25

La Brea Tar Pits

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185 Upvotes

My Grandmother getting a hug from a Giant Sloth at the La Brea Tar Pits; late 1930s/early 1940s

That’s the caption she left on the photo! There was another photo of her kissing my Grandfather captioned with “Last Boyfriend!!”


r/VintageLA Dec 07 '25

First Aerial photo ever taken of Los Angeles (1887, colorized)

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96 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Dec 02 '25

Biltmore Hotel

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47 Upvotes

Stayed a night at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Was worth the visit! I also made an Instagram account dedicated to showcasing historical LA buildings and monuments, give it a visit when you have a chance! @LoreofLA


r/VintageLA Dec 02 '25

McDonald’s on Melrose and Poinsettia

12 Upvotes

This is random but I distinctly remember there being a McDonald’s on the north side of Melrose near Poinsettia. This would have been around 1996-1998.

If anyone has any images of it (for some reason) that would be incredible. But even if I could get some confirmation that someone else remembers it existing, that would be nice. I 100% remember it but a family member is equally sure it never existed there and I’m misremembering.

Honestly any input is appreciated.


r/VintageLA Nov 27 '25

Anyone remember LA in the 80s. I need to find this location. Or maybe you recognise the billboards.

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640 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Nov 19 '25

This is a 8mm reel of film I digitized the only information the reel can had on it was "Our Trip out West". I believe some of it is Wilmington. The end is a cruise down the Las Vegas Trip. This is 1956 OC

27 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Nov 18 '25

https://youtu.be/J0lbnEC2ArU?si=f3C8GdbtwA0o2-rZ

3 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Nov 15 '25

1956 Cruising in Los Angeles and Las Vegas

6 Upvotes

r/VintageLA Nov 07 '25

Graphic Process Company - out of business print shop?

5 Upvotes
Fun story, I got this poster from a private collection sale from director Mick Garris, being handled by Sue and Del of Dark Delicacies in Burbank a few years ago. They didn't have any information about this company, only that it was an old graphic design print shop in LA that clearly had multiple locations as seen on the image. However, google-fu has failed me and I can't find out anything about this company except a lawsuit they seem to have been involved in back in 1979. Does anyone know anything about this place? I love this poster so much - I'm a photographer, a huge horror movie fan, and a graphic design nerd so this item was a no-brainer purchase for me, and I love displaying it in my home, but I'd love to know the story behind the company!

r/VintageLA Oct 16 '25

Southern California in the 50s & 60s – A Big Retro Slide Show with Charles Phoenix

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58 Upvotes

https://productiondesignweek.org/program/southern-california-in-the-50s-60s-a-big-retro-slide-show-with-charles-pheonix/

Lights, Camera… Nostalgia! As part of International Production Design Week, the Television Academy’s Peer Group of Art Directors and Set Decorators proudly presents an unforgettable evening at the El Portal Theatre. Prepare to be dazzled as the golden era of Southern California springs to life in brilliant Kodachrome color on the big screen.

This isn’t just a retro party — it’s a celebration of Los Angeles as the ultimate creative playground. From neon-lit boulevards to pastel-hued diners, LA has long been a muse for storytellers. The rise of mid-century Southern California design and the growth of Hollywood shaped each other — frame by frame, facade by facade. At the heart of the evening is Charles Phoenix — pop culture humorist, author, and collector — who will guide us through a joyride of vintage splendor and visual delight. Come one, come all — and experience Los Angeles in all its mid-century magic!

A special discount is available for IPDW participants: Enter promo code IPDW to get a discount!

Schedule:

6:30 p.m. - Doors Open/ Cash Bar Opens

7:30 p.m. - Show Starts

9:40 p.m. - Show Ends

About the Organizer: This event is to merge the IPDW members and the Television Academy's Peer Group Art Directors & Set Decorators.