This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
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.
Here Are Some Vintage Los Angeles Clown Photos So That You Will Have Pleasant Dreams
What you probably need to get you through your day is a gallery of vintage clown photos from Los Angeles, right?
Clowns are a special thing. They're supposed to lighten our moods, but a lot of time, they just terrify us. Some have suggested that this might be due to something called the "uncanny valley." This when we're presented with something that's not quite lifelike or human enough, and it causes an unpleasant sensation. This is applied often to robots, but perhaps the exaggerated features and garish faces of clowns cause the same cringe. Or maybe it's because a lot of us have never recovered from seeing Stephen King's It as children.
The clowns in these photos from the Los Angeles Public Library span the 20th century in L.A. and range from professional circus clowns to hobbyists.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
