With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
These 25 Images Show 1950s Southern California In Glorious Kodachrome
Charles W. Cushman's documentary-style photographs have "developed a near cult-like following" since being digitized by Indiana University in 2003. The Chicago businessman took 14,500 images between 1938 and 1969, capturing a vanishing America in vivid Kodachrome color slides. What made the amateur photographer's work particularly noteworthy was his early adoption of color film. When Cushman started shooting on Kodachrome in 1938, the film had only been available in 35mm format for two years, and use of it wouldn't be widespread until after World War II.
The prolific amateur photographer traveled across the country on many road trips, including a 1952 sojourn west to California. He spent almost the entire month of February in Southern California, capturing the coast, mountains and downtown Los Angeles in glorious Kodachrome. Cushman clearly had a great fondness for the state, and returned a number of times throughout the 1950s. His gorgeous slides showcase not just a bygone Los Angeles, but also the nature of the surrounding region in dazzling Kodachrome hues.
Related: Video: Cruise Down The Sunset Strip In The Early 1950s
Photos: The Charming Mid-Century Dingbats Of Los Angeles
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump. -
The university says the compact, as the Trump administration called it, could undermine free inquiry and academic excellence. -
This is the one time you can do this legally! -
Metro officials said it will be able to announce an opening date “soon.”
Best of LAist