top of page
Hollywood’s first 50 years, until the freeway changed the landscape forever
I. Magnin: Hollywood’s High-Class Shopping Experience
In 1923, Hollywood’s latest triumph was I. Magnin, “a beautiful edifice dedicated to the women of this thriving community.”
Nov 11, 2024
Fred C. Thomson Building: The Court of the Olive Tree
Through an archway on Sunset Boulevard is the Court of the Olive Tree, named for the sapling planted here in 1927.
Oct 9, 2024
Cafe Montmartre: Hollywood’s First Nightclub
Uncover the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's golden age at Cafe Montmartre. Discover its star-studded history and iconic celeb clientele.
Jun 13, 2024
Letter to LA City Councilmembers on the Yucca-Vine Tower's HCM Nomination
Support the Yucca-Vine Tower's HCM Nomination before City Council votes on May 31, 2024.
May 28, 2024
Prudence Yarn Shop
In the 1930s, Hollywood women shopped for the latest knit trends at the boutique at 6521 Hollywood Boulevard.
Mar 13, 2024
Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s Clark Mausoleum
Who are the four people inside the $500,000 marble crypt?
Oct 23, 2023
Mysterious Streamline Moderne at Hollywood and Cahuenga
The 90-year saga of the Streamline Moderne at Hollywood and Cahuenga.
Sep 27, 2023
Secret Streamline Moderne on Hollywood Boulevard
In 1935, Morgan, Walls, and Clements gave 6363-69 Hollywood Boulevard a modern facelift.
Aug 29, 2023
The Jade on Hollywood Boulevard
On any given night, you could rub elbows with Hedy Lamar or watch Peggy Lee perform.
Aug 17, 2023
Bell & Howell’s Hollywood Headquarters
The Art Deco building, by architect Marshall P. Wilkinson, was a showroom, service plant, and research facility for cinematographers.
Aug 1, 2023
Frigidaire’s Hollywood Showroom
In 1930, Frigidaire established its Hollywood showroom at Hollywood Boulevard and McCadden Place.
Jun 13, 2023
Hollywood Bowl’s Muse of Music
The start of the 1940 Hollywood Bowl season was heralded with the dedication of The Muse of Music, “a symbol of the arts within.” Located...
Jun 10, 2023
Opening Night at Pantages Theatre
The Pantages Theatre formally opened on June 4, 1930 with the premiere of MGM’s The Florodora Girl starring Marion Davies. Hundreds of...
Jun 6, 2023
Earl Carroll Theatre: Hollywood’s Entertainment Palace
Earl Carroll built Hollywood’s premier entertainment palace for his princess: singer-dancer-actress Beryl Wallace—whom he immortalized...
May 26, 2023
The Curse of Cahuenga Pass
Could there be buried treasure at the Hollywood Bowl? More so, did its curse kill at least 10 men? The lore of the loot dates back to...
Feb 25, 2023
The Crossroads of the World
In Hollywood, the Crossroads of the World intersect at Sunset Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue. Built in 1936, the multi-national...
Feb 5, 2023
Hollywood’s Bright Spot: LA Gas & Electric Corp.
Los Angeles Gas and Electric’s sales office on Ivar Avenue was introduced in 1937 as “another bright spot in the incandescent radiance of...
Jan 9, 2023
Peacock Alley: The Pride of Vine Street
Decades before Capitol Records arrived on Vine Street, the block north of Hollywood Boulevard was projected to be Peacock Alley, a...
Dec 20, 2022
Hollywood Center Motel’s Seedy Past
Over the past century, 6720 Sunset Boulevard has seen murder, prostitution, rockstars … but it all began with a wife-swapping scandal!...
Dec 7, 2022
Gogerty & Weyl’s Forgotten Building
Henry L. Gogerty and Carl Jules Weyl left their architectural imprint all over Hollywood: the Baine Building, Yucca Vine Tower, Hollywood...
Nov 19, 2022
bottom of page