Roadside Peek : Historic Sites Southern California 1

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Historic Sites Southern California

This section of Roadside Peek contains images from historic areas within Southern California.

Angels Flight
Los Angeles, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Stop by near the intersection of 4th and Hill Streets and experience a funicular at its best. The Angels Flight railway opened in 1901 and served as a convenient express for shuttling passengers up to Bunker Hill. Alas, The Bunker Hill Renewal Project destined the Angels Flight for dismantling, and after a decade of fighting back protests, was demolished in 1969. However, all good things, especially Angels have a way of returning. The Angels Flight then made its second coming in February of 1996, and was rededicated to serve the Bunker Hill community (actually California Plaza) once more. Each one-way trip will cost you 25 cents, less than the price of a postage stamp.

Beacon Laundry (Closed)
Culver City, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

As mentioned in other areas of Roadside Peek, Culver City is a city/community that is a staunch supporter of historical landmarks (although they did let the Studio Drive-in theatre go). Beacon Laundry, located just a block east of the more famous Helm's Bakery, is a registered historical landmark, with its immense Beacon sign adorning the roof over the sidewalk. The 1931 building, a now closed commercial laundry facility, is currently undergoing renovation. By the spring of 2000, the building will house such uses as home furnishing retailers, and creative and design offices.

Herald Examiner Building (Closed)
Los Angeles, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Sporting Mission-Revival type of architecture, the Herald Examiner Building proudly stands on Broadway in Los Angeles. This 1915 building was declared a historical landmark in 1977 and was the original home of the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, which met its demise in 1989.

Helms Bakery (Closed)
Culver City, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Helms Bakery Building, lying in both Los Angeles and Culver City jurisdictions, has been a cultural landmark for years. Construction of the facility began in 1930. There were eight additions in its first decade, as growth of the bakery business in Los Angeles was terrific. In 1932, the Bakery was designated as the official bread for the 1932 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles and the Bakery and the Helms Family were a part of every family. The famous and recognizable 'coaches' drove the streets of Los Angeles bringing its fabulous baked goods directly to front doors every day. Every school child can recall their tours of the plant and receiving a tiny loaf of bread and miniature paper Bakery 'coach' vehicle.

Unfortunately the Bakery has been closed since 1969 and is now a center for home furnishings and the arts. Over the past 25 years, the commercial reuse of the facility is home to such retailers as the Antique Guild, Homestead House, Dansk Mobile Export, Creative Galleries and Sears HomeLife Furniture. Other arts groups such as the Jazz Bakery and the Gascon Center Theatre have taken up residence. Many Los Angeles and Culver City graphic artists, architects and designers have set up shop in the old general offices of the Bakery. A visual treat to all onlookers, the Helms sign pointed eastward is a not-to-be missed item. There are imminent plans that this rooftop sign will be renovated and restored to its grandeur.

Many thanks to Wally Marks, property owner of the Helm's Bakery/Beacon Laundry locations for history write-up of this historic site.

Cool A Coo (Closed)
Whittier, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Ever grab one the refreshing Cool-A-Coo ice cream sandwiches at a Dodger game and wonder where the tasty dairy/cookie concoction came from? Well, look no more, because here on Hadley Avenue in Whittier is the original Cool-A-Coo ice cream plant. The famous sign above the equally historical building has adorned Hadley and the nearby railroad tracks for decades.

Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The old Los Angeles Convention Center, not to be confused with it's newer 1990's sibling, was home to political national conventions and numerous trade shows in its time. The familiar blocked lettering still adorn the convention walls. This building is still in use and is a Los Angeles landmark, despite the existence of the new convention center.

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