3004 and 3059 on the P Line
This fascinating image from an unknown photographer is dated June 10, 1939 – nearly 77 years ago to the day! – but we are unsure of the exact location. The banner reading “Tony Sein” also indicates it denotes a Spanish-language radio station, and our guess is this is Hill Street downtown. Can you help? Please leave your thoughts in the comments, and when we receive a consensus, we’ll modify this content.
Steve Crise Collection
UPDATE: From Ralph Cantos:
Re: the photo of 3004… Paul Kakaza is correct. the photo of the 3004 is at First & Main Sts. The PE cars operated on First St for just one block between Main and Los Angeles Sts. The PE tracks on San Pedro St crossed the P line tracks at First & San Pedro, but there was no turn outs. The PE cars turned north off of First St to Aliso St and the east. The tracks on San Pedro joined the PE tracks at Aliso St. and then headed over the LA River and on to the Northern District lines.. Sorry for the bad info. One last note. just about every building in that photo along east First St as far as the eye can see, are now gone. – Ralph
Thanks to all who have commented and nailed this location instantly! You are why we do this site!
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There appears to be a service blockage of some sort.
The location is East First Street in Los Angeles. The dual gauge track was also used by the PE Sierra Vista and the Pasadena lines along with the LARY P line at this time. In fact, the fourth car in this lineup is a PE 600 class car.
Thanks, Duncan!
The buildings are too small for hill St. The Chop Suey signon the left and especially the partial “MIYA??” sign say First St. I would bet that the Miya?? sign is Miyako. A common name for restaurants or hotels in Japanese.
Thanks For The Memory
I’m 75 and still like to remember
View looks east from First & Main. At the bottom of the photo is the guard rail for the standard gauge track curving from Main Street.
Thanks, Paul!
According to the 1939 Los Angeles phone book this is in front of the Hispano Broadcasting Company, Tony Sein mgr., located at 105 E. 1st Street. The Miyako Hotel in the backround on the right is located at 258 E. 1st Street.
Thanks, Joe!
Found a photo of the same street on USC Digital Library WEB page Dick Whittington Photography Collection, 1924-1987, titled “First Street between Main Street and Los Angeles Street on First Street”.
Here is the link http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15799coll170/id/22052
to Gary M: Wow, what great job in finding that photo. Clearly shows the dual gage with the PE turning off.