June 17, 1908

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Alas, I can’t find any photos of the original Thomas taxicabs that debuted in Los Angeles in 1908. The Western Motor Car Co. put this Chalmers-Detroit into service in Los Angeles in 1909.


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ere we have a truly historic moment: Los Angeles’ first taxicab. In fact, it’s the first taxicab west of Chicago, The Times says. The taxis proved so popular that the Western Motor Car Co. quickly expanded its service.

Earle C. Anthony of Western Motor Car "believes the time has come to put on our streets an efficient service which will meet the wants of theatergoers and others who wish the kind of rapid transit that streetcars cannot give," The Times says on Feb. 14, 1909.

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times
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