Category Archives: Downtown

William Parker, Part 3

Posted on June 19, 2007 by lmharnisch

June 19, 1957 Los Angeles This will be fascinating reading to anyone interested in the LAPD in the 1930s and ’40s, but never forget that it is told from the viewpoint of one man: William H. Parker. I wish I … Continue reading →

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William Parker, Part 2

Posted on June 18, 2007 by lmharnisch

June 18, 1957 Los Angeles Part 2 of Paul Weeks’ series on William H. Parker. Page 1 Page 2 Daniel Webster’s speech is here (search for Captain Joseph White). The Bible passage is a little more problematic. It echoes Psalms … Continue reading →

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10 Fwy

Posted on June 17, 2007 by lmharnisch

And you know what? It wasn’t even on Page 1. June 17, 1957Los Angeles Part 1 Part 2

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William Parker, Part 1

Posted on June 17, 2007 by lmharnisch

  June 17, 1957 Los Angeles I’m extremely pleased to be able to present Paul Weeks’ series on Los Angeles Police Chief William H. Parker.  Weeks did a first-rate job with a subject who wasn’t especially cooperative. Although Parker realized … Continue reading →

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Matt Weinstock

Posted on June 15, 2007 by lmharnisch

June 15, 1957 It can now be revealed that a dark plot against the Stanfords by the Uclans–an offshoot of the feuding between the two universities as a result of PCC [Pacific Coast Conference] penalties–has been inadvertently thwarted. Not long … Continue reading →

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Future shock

Posted on June 14, 2007 by lmharnisch

  June 14, 1957Los Angeles Sometimes predictions for the future are simply painful to read. The people living in 1957 were prolific in sketching out hopeful plans. Some of them were foolish (I think we can safely eliminate the atomic-powered … Continue reading →

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Traffic forecast

Posted on June 13, 2007 by lmharnisch

They said it: City Councilman Edward R. Roybal: Chavez Ravine is "the worst possible place for a major league park." Roybal said he favored Wrigley Field or a location in East L.A., predicting that putting a baseball stadium in Chavez … Continue reading →

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Frank Gehry, please note

Posted on June 12, 2007 by lmharnisch

  Downtown Los Angeles: Huge, efficient and beautiful with 52-story skyscrapers and subways, the hub of a developed area stretching from the Mexican border to Pismo Beach. Part 1 Part 2 Email me

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John Fante file

Posted on June 9, 2007 by lmharnisch

March 5, 1980 Page 1 Page 2

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John Fante file

Posted on June 8, 2007 by lmharnisch

Aug. 8, 1933 The Los Angeles Examiner scooped The Times on John Fante. Read the story from Aug. 7, 1933. Thanks to Richard Schave.  

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John Fante file

Posted on June 7, 2007 by lmharnisch

Oct. 25, 1953Los Angeles    

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John Fante update

Posted on June 6, 2007 by lmharnisch

Richard Schave, one of my friends from the 1947project, writes that Councilman Herb Wesson has become involved in the situation regarding the John Fante building at 826 S. Berendo, and is seeking a historical marker for the structure. Stay tuned…. … Continue reading →

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Matt Weinstock

Posted on May 17, 2007 by lmharnisch

May 17, 1957 Anyone who does any downtown strolling can’t help noticing the parade of shabby gentlemen lost in misfortune and alcoholism. Most of them are obviously drifting aimlessly and hopelessly. But many of them, beneath their ragged clothes, are … Continue reading →

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Out of the past

Posted on May 10, 2007 by lmharnisch

  Alpine Street between Figueroa and Bunker Hill, about 1952. Back row, from left: Dickie V., Richie Trevino Front row, from left: Gilbert Ortiz, Eddie Ortiz, Rachel Razo. Photo courtesy of Gilbert Ortiz.

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Old convict

Posted on May 2, 2007 by lmharnisch

May 2, 1957 Los Angeles Police officers had a kindly affection for old "Toothpick Charlie." At 93, the dapper, neatly dressed man known as James J. Fitzpatrick, James Hennesy and James Flannery had been  working his cons since before they … Continue reading →

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He was no Cupid

Posted on April 26, 2007 by lmharnisch

April 26, 1957 Los Angeles  Albert Duarte, 20, was tired of hearing the noise made by the wrecking crews day after day as they demolished a building at 1st and Hope streets. So he got a 5-foot bow and shot … Continue reading →

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Dear Mr. O’Malley

Posted on April 19, 2007 by lmharnisch

April 19, 1957 Los Angeles Dear Walter, We all know that the lease on Ebbets Field expires in 1959. How would you like a nice 78-acre parcel in Flushing Meadows, 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan, for the Dodgers? Forget this … Continue reading →

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The case of the new courthouse

Posted on April 15, 2007 by lmharnisch

April 15, 1957 Los Angeles The Times features the new courthouse rising at 1st Street and Hill in the Civic Center.  After cataloging  the materials (Italian  marble,  red granite from Texas  and ceramic veneer from Springfield, Calif.)  The  Times’ Ray … Continue reading →

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The Education of Mrs. Snethen

Posted on April 10, 2007 by lmharnisch

April 10, 1957 Los Angeles By Larry Harnisch Mrs. Andrew Snethen, 39,  of Lakewood (remember this is the era when married women had no first names), a recent arrival from Omaha, Neb., had never been to downtown Los Angeles, had … Continue reading →

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Random Shots From Our 12-Bore

Posted on March 9, 2007 by lmharnisch

March 9, 1907Los Angeles The Insanity Begins Led by I. Newerf and J.B. Dudley, the automobile owners of Los Angeles are fighting a new city ordinance that bans parking within 40 of downtown intersections. Newerf, the West Coast representative of … Continue reading →

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