Category Archives: Transportation

5 Killed in Test Flight of Strange, Giant Plane

Posted on June 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 6, 1948: If this plane (a YB-49) looks familiar, it should. Among the five dead crewmen is Capt. Glen Edwards.

Posted in Transportation | 1 Comment

Pomona Boys Die in Crash of Stolen Plane

Posted on June 3, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 3, 1960: James A. McDonald, 14, and his 12-year-old brother, Thomas, of Pomona took their dog and ran away from home, determined to steal a plane – destination unknown. Several months before, someone had caught them hot-wiring a … Continue reading →

Posted in Obituaries, Transportation | 2 Comments

Man Who Hated Cops Dies in High-Speed Chase

Posted on June 1, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 1, 1960: Robert Clarke, 21, is dead and all we really know about him is that he hated cops. He terrorized a Montebello police officer a few days before crashing into a tree during a high-speed chase with … Continue reading →

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Memorial Day, 1910

Posted on May 31, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 31, 1910 : “They were fewer and failing in strength but mighty in spirit. About 150 veterans gathered to pass in an annual review before the generations which have come into existence since the soldiers were mustered out … Continue reading →

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Stubborn Handcuffs Keep Prisoners Out of Jail

Posted on May 30, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Look! It’s Julian Eltinge! May 30, 1910: “Babe” McCain, the bouncer at Turner Hall, brings two prisoners to the police station, but they can’t be booked until McCain removes the handcuffs – which proves to be a problem. And … Continue reading →

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U.S. Launches Spy Satellite

Posted on May 25, 2010 by lmharnisch

    May 25, 1960: The U.S. successfully launches a Midas satellite after a previous attempt failed. The Times editorialized that the satellites would make spy planes such as the U-2 obsolete. Which is why the Midas satellites became space … Continue reading →

Posted in LAPD, San Fernando Valley, Science, Transportation | Comments Off on U.S. Launches Spy Satellite

The Road to Dodger Stadium

Posted on May 24, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 24, 1960: The next time you're in a traffic jam heading to Dodger Stadium, consider the public servants who debated the tract map submitted by the Dodgers for their Chavez Ravine stadium. "People attending such events have to … Continue reading →

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Freeway Trench Cave-In Kills Boy, 6

Posted on May 23, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 23, 1960: Kelly "Randy" Holmes of 2829 Allesandro St. is killed when he is buried under four feet of dirt while playing in a trench for the Golden State Freeway near what is now the interchange with the … Continue reading →

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20 Held in Chinatown Gambling Raids

Posted on May 20, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Notice all the car dealers around 10th (Olympic) and Olive streets.    Olympic and Olive via Google maps’ street view. May 20, 1910: Sgt. Charles E. “Charlie” Sebastian, the future police chief and mayor of Los Angeles, leads another raid … Continue reading →

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Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, May 18, 1960

Posted on May 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 18, 1960: The Board of Education wants to save money by eliminating the “behind the wheel” portion of drivers’ education classes.  “Those opposing the elimination of driver training predict wholesale traffic slaughter if our leaders of tomorrow don't … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Front Pages, Paul Coates, Transportation | 1 Comment

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, May 13, 1960

Posted on May 13, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 13, 1960: Two mothers share their stories on dealing with teenage sons who are so obsessed with drag racing that everything else in their lives is suffering.  

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Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, May 12, 1960

Posted on May 12, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 12, 1960: Paul Coates writes, “He's 18 years old. He uses our freeways and boulevards to prove his prowess, at speeds of 110 mph. Three times, he's almost been killed.” The racer says: “It was Tuesday night. We … Continue reading →

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LAPD’s Cars Are Useless Wrecks

Posted on May 9, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 9, 1910: “The first automobile purchased by the Police Department was an electric patrol wagon. This proved to be a failure, was used but little, and is now stored in the basement of the jail. Then a gearless … Continue reading →

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Bill Stout Reports

Posted on April 28, 2010 by lmharnisch

   April 28, 1960: Bill Stout, a fixture of early Los Angeles TV, looks at how Southern California might fare in a nuclear attack. Stout, who died in 1989 at the age of 62, once said that television news, "in … Continue reading →

Posted in broadcasting, Television, Transportation | 4 Comments

Sydney Ford’s Trip Around the World, 1910

Posted on April 24, 2010 by lmharnisch

   April 10, 24, 1910: Times writer Sydney Ford (Henrietta B. Freeman) embarks on a journey around the world. In Parts 1 and 2 of Ford’s chatty travelogue, she writes about the voyage to Hawaii and sightseeing on Honolulu. I'm … Continue reading →

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Found on EBay – Sawtelle

Posted on April 23, 2010 by lmharnisch

These early 20th century postcards showing Sawtelle, an area of Los Angeles west of the San Diego Freeway and bisected by the Santa Monica Freeway, have been listed on EBay. The top image shows two streetcars on Oregon Avenue and … Continue reading →

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L.A. Mayor Drives Electric Car

Posted on April 10, 2010 by lmharnisch

   Mayor Alexander’s electric car! April 10, 1910: Mayor George Alexander says he’ll still be chauffeured on his official duties but is learning how to drive an electric Waverly phaeton for personal use. The 70-year-old mayor of Los Angeles says, … Continue reading →

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Broadway Traffic, 1930

Posted on April 9, 2010 by lmharnisch

December 1930: Broadway and 3rd Street. The Los Angeles County Transportation Authority Library and Archive is a wonderful source of old photos. Here's one of Broadway at 3rd Street taken in December 1930. The Times Building in the center-right portion  … Continue reading →

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Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, April 6, 1960

Posted on April 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

Prudery Not So Very Practical These Days     Read a report the other day that a French sociologist named Pierre-Louis Weil sees the western world entering upon an era of prudery.     He bases it on the belief that sex … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Paul Coates, Transportation | 1 Comment

Donald Douglas Visits Los Angeles

Posted on April 2, 2010 by lmharnisch

April 2, 1920: "Southern California, with its wonderful climate, splendid labor conditions and remarkable terrain, is certain to come to the front as aviation advances. Not only in the operation of aircraft will Southern California take the lead, but, above … Continue reading →

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