Daily: 10 A.M.–5 P.M.
Closed on Tuesdays
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
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Visual Materials
This collection contains 131 black-and-white photographs (including some duplicates) of views of building exteriors and streets scenes in Old Chinatown and neighboring residential and industrial areas of downtown Los Angeles, California, that were taken prior to the demolition of the area beginning on December 23, 1933, to make way for the Los Angeles Union Station railroad terminal. The photographs consist of eye-level street views focused on the area of downtown Los Angeles, around Apablasa Street (spelled Apalabasa or Apalabassa on the images), that was bordered by Alameda Street to the west, Aliso Street to the south, Date and College Streets to the north, and Lyon to the east. The views include images of industrial and commercial areas; retail storefronts; warehouses; manufacturing; utility and railroad buildings; houses and apartments with balconies; dirt streets and alleys; children; automobiles; and dilapidated and vacant buildings. The signage on retail buildings often reflects the Chinese and Hispanic heritage of residents and shop owners in the area. The photographer is unidentified, but presumably the photographs were created to aid in planning for the project, perhaps as part of the process of determining property valuation.
photCL 502
Visual Materials
View of the backs of brick buildings on Napier Street in Old Chinatown, Los Angeles. A painted sign advertises State Loan Office. There are barrels lining the sidewalk and a parked automobile.
photCL 502 (68)
Visual Materials
View of attached two-story brick buildings on Napier Street in Old Chinatown, Los Angeles. A paneled truck advertising Hop Yuen Hand Laundry is parked on street.
photCL 502 (66)
Visual Materials
View of Napier Street in Old Chinatown, Los Angeles, with automobiles and pedestrians. An Arden Milk truck is parked at the left of photograph. The Los Angeles Hall of Justice is visible in the background.
photCL 502 (64)
Visual Materials
View of brick buildings lining Napier Street in Old Chinatown, Los Angeles, with automobiles and pedestrians. The Los Angeles Hall of Justice is visible in the background.
photCL 502 (61)
Visual Materials
View of brick one-story buildings lining Napier Street in Old Chinatown, Los Angeles, with automobiles and pedestrians. The Los Angeles Hall of Justice is visible in the background.
photCL 502 (77)
