Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

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.

News

What the Cahuenga Pass Looked Like Before the 101 Freeway

CahuengaPass1911.jpg
Cahuenga Pass in 1911 | Photo via the Museum of the San Fernando Valley, Gift of Gary Fredburg 2008

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.

On Sunday at LA Heritage Day, when over 60 local historical groups gathered at Heritage Square, one of the most crowded booths was from the Museum of the San Fernando Valley. The museum's president, Jerry Fecht, displayed hundreds of historical postcards drawing people to see what their Valley home looked like before massive development.

Fecht mentioned he had a blog that he's been running since March of 2007. It's a treasure trove of visual beauty and history of the Valley. The above one particularly piqued our interest. It's the Cahuenga Pass between what now Hollywood and the Universal City area where the 101 Freeway and Metro Red Line subway runs below. The photo shows the construction of the Pacific Electric Railway (yes the Red Car system) expanding towards the Valley. That was 1911, not even 100 years ago.

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.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today