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


Secret Streamline Moderne on Hollywood Boulevard
In 1935, Morgan, Walls, and Clements gave 6363-69 Hollywood Boulevard a modern facelift.
Aug 29, 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


Tom Breneman’s Breakfast in Hollywood
In the 1940s, millions of Americans started each day with “Breakfast in Hollywood,” broadcast live from host Tom Breneman’s restaurant.
Aug 20, 2023


The Jade on Hollywood Boulevard
On any given night, you could rub elbows with Hedy Lamar or watch Peggy Lee perform.
Aug 17, 2023


Ivar House: A Garden in the Heart of Hollywood
Just steps from the bustling Boulevard, Orsina Gray created a tranquil outdoor dining atmosphere surrounded by fruit trees.
Aug 15, 2023


Bell & Howell’s Hollywood Headquarters
The Art Deco building, by architect Marshall P. Wilkinson, was a showroom, service plant, and research facility for cinematographers.
Aug 1, 2023


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


Chapeaux de Mode: Hollywood Hat Shop
The most beautiful hats on Hollywood Boulevard could be found at Chapeaux de Mode.
Jun 20, 2023


Frigidaire’s Hollywood Showroom
In 1930, Frigidaire established its Hollywood showroom at Hollywood Boulevard and McCadden Place.
Jun 13, 2023


Hollywood Bowl’s Muse of Music
The start of the 1940 Hollywood Bowl season was heralded with the dedication of The Muse of Music, “a symbol of the arts within.” Located...
Jun 10, 2023


Opening Night at Pantages Theatre
The Pantages Theatre formally opened on June 4, 1930 with the premiere of MGM’s The Florodora Girl starring Marion Davies. Hundreds of...
Jun 6, 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


Earl Carroll Theatre: Hollywood’s Entertainment Palace
Earl Carroll built Hollywood’s premier entertainment palace for his princess: singer-dancer-actress Beryl Wallace—whom he immortalized...
May 26, 2023


6-Year-Old Marilyn Monroe at the Hollywood Bowl (Photo Exclusive)
In 1933, little Norma Jean was selected by her elementary school to be one of the children who form the event’s “living cross.”
Apr 7, 2023


The Curse of Cahuenga Pass
Could there be buried treasure at the Hollywood Bowl? More so, did its curse kill at least 10 men? The lore of the loot dates back to...
Feb 25, 2023

The Crossroads of the World
In Hollywood, the Crossroads of the World intersect at Sunset Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue. Built in 1936, the multi-national...
Feb 5, 2023


Miss Hollywood 1939
On Dec. 29, 1938, Iris Waltrip was crowned Miss Hollywood! The 18-year-old high school senior—who was actually from Glendale—unanimously...
Dec 29, 2022
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