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Hollywood’s first 50 years, until the freeway changed history — and defined the future
Why the Hollywood Sign Once Had a Pool
In the 1940s, Don Lee's experimental television station operated from the top of the Hollywood Sign.
Jun 30
Zebra Room: Town House Hotel’s Exotic Nightclub
Hollywood went absolutely wild for the Zebra Room, a swanky nightclub inside the Town House on Wilshire Boulevard and Commonwealth...
Apr 6
Ciro’s on the Sunset Strip
“The most attractive nightclub Hollywood has ever known” opened its doors at 8433 Sunset Boulevard in 1940.
Feb 22
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
Grand Opening of the Hollywood Roosevelt’s Pool
In 1950, the Hollywood Roosevelt expanded with a million-dollar tropical resort and pool.
Jul 4, 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
House of Westmore: Hollywood’s Salon of Beauty
In 1935, brothers Monte, Ern, Perc, and Wally Westmore opened their luxurious beauty salon on Sunset Boulevard.
May 15, 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
Crane’s Art Deco Showroom
Crane’s Hollywood showroom displayed the latest in modern plumbing.
Jan 23, 2024
Hollywood's First Ballroom
The Hollywood Roof Ballroom was located on Vine Street, right in the heart of Movieland.
Jan 5, 2024
Cinegrill: Roosevelt Hotel’s Film-Themed Hotspot
Hollywood Roosevelt hotspot Cinegrill paid tribute to the motion picture industry of past, present, and future.
Dec 18, 2023
Baine Building: Hollywood’s First Penthouse
Go inside the historic Baine Building and Hollywood's first penthouse at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Whitley Avenue.
Dec 14, 2023
Disney’s Hollywood Hills Campus That Never Was
In 1964, Walt Disney imagined an enchanting 26-acre Hollywood campus for CalArts in the hills near the Hollywood Bowl.
Nov 30, 2023
The Mandarin Market (1929-1982)
The most unique place to shop in Hollywood was the Mandarin Market, characterized by pagodas, red lacquer roof, and hand-carved dragons.
Oct 10, 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
Chapeaux de Mode: Hollywood Hat Shop
The most beautiful hats on Hollywood Boulevard could be found at Chapeaux de Mode.
Jun 20, 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
Hollywood Canteen
During World War II, servicemen on liberty passes in Los Angeles could stop by the Hollywood Canteen on Cahuenga Boulevard for a night of...
Jun 4, 2023
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