Category Archives: Transportation

Woman Learns to Drive in 30 Minutes!

Posted on June 26, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Typeface fans, this is for you.   Vilma Stech, who learned to drive a Peerless in 30 minutes, is one of the "fair chauffeuses" in Los Angeles, The Times says. There are at least 150 women in Los Angeles who … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, Transportation | 1 Comment

Nixon Rejects ‘Liberal’ and ‘Conservative’ Labels

Posted on June 21, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 21, 1960: E.W. Darby of the Chicago Sun-Times says  Vice President Richard Nixon is "impatient with such labels" as "conservative," "liberal" or "progressive conservative." "I think it is difficult to categorize people in public life with terms like … Continue reading →

Posted in Freeways, Politics, Richard Nixon, Transportation | 2 Comments

Landslide Closes Hill Street Tunnel

Posted on June 13, 2010 by lmharnisch

  A landslide closes the Hill Street tunnel, which was demolished when the “nose” of Bunker Hill was removed in June 1955.  June 13, 1910: Police find that the athletic burglar who was caught the other day has refined tastes … Continue reading →

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Panama Canal Nearing Completion

Posted on June 12, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 12, 1910: Work continues on the Panama Canal, an example of American ingenuity, where the slogan is “1915 or Bust.” Also on the jump, a Times editorial against picketing by strikers.  The Times’ staunch opposition to picketing will … Continue reading →

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Introducing the Sabra!

Posted on June 7, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 7, 1960: A car made in Israel? Are you serious? The dealer says the fiberglass-bodied car with a 36-horsepower Ford engine will do 65 mph. Over a cliff, maybe. ps. According to the Wikipedia entry (I know, I … Continue reading →

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LAPD Sets Up Speed Trap on Grand Avenue

Posted on June 7, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 7, 1910: The 20% grade of Grand Avenue is a popular place for car salesmen to show customers the speed of their vehicles. In fact, Grand is such a perfect test track that the Police Department has set … Continue reading →

Posted in Downtown, LAPD, Transportation | 2 Comments

Matt Weinstock, June 6, 1960

Posted on June 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

   The miracle auto of tomorrow! No driver! No traffic! No accidents! June 6, 1960: A fellow named Don gets a phone call from a woman selling cemetery plots and asks some tough questions.  DEAR WAITRESS: There are no 'disgraceful' … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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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