Feb. 27, 1936: This week, Times artist Charles Owens and columnist Timothy Turner visit the Baker Block, one of the huge gingerbread buildings that flourished in downtown Los Angeles, like the Hall of Records.

The Baker Block, at Main and Arcadia, was demolished in 1942 after being occupied by Goodwill Industries for many years.

Behold, the hand of progress: Main and Arcadia, site of the Baker Block, via Google Street View.