Patmars Drive-In & Motel

Patmars was located at 949 N. Sepulveda Boulevard in El Segundo, California.  "Before" picture is from a postcard with postmark dated August, 1949.  A 1954 AAA Directory shows the Patmars Motel had 14 units.

Before (1949)

After (2012)

                                                                                            

          

Pico Rivera: Pico Rivera Historical Museum

The Pico Rivera Historical Museum offers visitors a tour of Pico Rivera's colorful past through its collection of photographs, documents and objects.

The museum is housed in what used to be a train depot built circa 1887, one of the few original depot buildings remaining in the country. It is operated by volunteers of the Pico Rivera History and Heritage Society.   Group and school tours are welcome and may be arranged by appointment.

Address:

9122 E. Washington Blvd.
Pico Rivera  CA
90660

Phone  Number:

 (562) 949-7100

 Hours:

Tuesdays, Thursdays,
and first Saturdays of the month:
12:00 p.m. to 04:00 p.m.

                                                                          

Link: 

Pico Rivera Historical Museum 

Downtown Los Angeles: Modernization

Before:  Fremont Hotel (1902 - 1955)

After:  Private Parking Lot

For more information regarding the sometimes sordid history of the Fremont Hotel check out the On Bunker Hill  research at:

On Bunker Hill: The Fremont Hotel, Part One

On Bunker Hill: The Fremont Hotel, Part Two

Downtown Los Angeles: USC's Walking Tour

The Geography Department of the University of Southern California (USC) started posting a free-to-the-public walking tour online in 1993.  Since its inception the site has been carefully maintained and updated.  This is an outstanding bare-bones tour of significant architectural landmarks in the Downtown Los Angeles area. 

There is a printable map for each of the seven neighborhood districts covered in the USC tour.  Descriptions are provided for key sites depicted on the maps. 

Dearden's Department Store is one of the many buildings included in the Fashion District section of the USC Walking Tour.

USC's Downtown Walking Tour

Thanks USC!

San Pedro: Home to the Oldest Book Store in L. A.

                                                                   

Despite it's modest appearance Williams' Book Store is a true survivor.  Over the years its doors have managed to stay open through the ups and downs of the financial markets, a changing society and neighborhood transitions. Like a scrappy underdog this establishment has been able to pick itself up and keep going no matter how hard times got.  Sometimes the source of this tenacity has been nothing  except sheer determination.  Long live Williams' Book Store!

Established in 1909.  Williams' is the oldest,  
continuously operating book store in Los Angeles.

                                                               

Drop by and be a part of Los Angeles history.  Custom orders are available if they don't have the book(s) you're looking for.                                    

Another historic San Pedro site, the Warner Grand Theatre, is across the street.  There are several good restaurants within an easy walking distance.   

Note:  The local Farmers Market is held weekly on Friday from  9 a.m. to  2 p.m.  The book store is open during the Farmers Market.  However, there's no street parking on the block where Williams' is 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.  Plan accordingly.                             

                                                                                                                                                     

                                                      

Address:
                                           

443 West 6th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

Phone:

(310) 832-3631

Link:

Williams' Book Store