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Hollywood’s first 50 years, until the freeway changed the landscape forever


House of Westmore: Hollywood’s Salon of Beauty
In 1935, brothers Monte, Ern, Perc, and Wally Westmore opened their luxurious beauty salon on Sunset Boulevard.
May 15, 2024


Woman’s Club of Hollywood
An institution since 1905, the Woman's Club of Hollywood built its first clubhouse on Hollywood Boulevard.
Mar 9, 2024


Hollywood's First Ballroom
The Hollywood Roof Ballroom was located on Vine Street, right in the heart of Movieland.
Jan 5, 2024


The Mandarin Market (1929-1982)
The most unique place to shop in Hollywood was the Mandarin Market, characterized by pagodas, red lacquer roof, and hand-carved dragons.
Oct 10, 2023


Hollywood Goes to the Dogs
Balto dog food's latest menu was introduced in Hollywood with a week of free lunches in April 1934.
Aug 25, 2023


Franciscan Motor Hotel
The Hollywood motel opened in 1949 on Highland Avenue.
Jul 27, 2023


Hollywood Canteen
During World War II, servicemen on liberty passes in Los Angeles could stop by the Hollywood Canteen on Cahuenga Boulevard for a night of...
Jun 4, 2023

Pierce Brothers Hollywood Mortuary
What better location for a funeral home … than directly across the street from Hollywood Cemetery, now known as Hollywood Forever. The...
Oct 19, 2022


Garden Court’s Primrose Path (1917-1984)
Anyone could live like a movie star at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard: the Garden Court Apartments. Opened in 1917 to accommodate players in...
Sep 29, 2022


Hollywood Wedding Chapel (1918-1960s)
Kathryn Baird Sullivan realized her long-cherished dream to “launch brides and grooms happily on their marital ways” when she turned her...
Sep 3, 2022


Esther Ralston’s Beauty Salon
Who wouldn’t want to look like a Hollywood star? Esther Ralston—“The American Venus”—cashed in on her famous face in 1931 with an...
Sep 3, 2022


The Rise and Fall of NBC Radio City
NBC Radio City was one of Hollywood’s largest projects of the 1930s—and spectators were invited to watch its construction at the...
Sep 2, 2022
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