History of Hollywood, CA - Comparing 1943 Photos to What's There Today

Hollywood Bowl; Griffith Observatory; Grauman's Chinese Theater; Hollywood Boulevard; The Brown Derby; and more!
Welcome to View Master Travels! In this episode, we delve into the iconic and fabled tourist destination of Hollywood, California, as depicted in View Master reel 219. Join us as we explore nine different pictures, comparing the past with the present and uncovering the history behind each location.
Hollywood, situated in Southern California, has long been synonymous with the movie and TV industry. Although the industry has shifted, the allure remains, drawing tourists from all over. To guide us on this journey, we obtained a "Handy Guide Map" from 1950, which showcases the points of interest in Hollywood and LA.
Our first stop is the renowned Hollywood Bowl. This open-air amphitheater nestled in the Hollywood hills has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1922. While we couldn't replicate the exact view due to access restrictions, we explored the surrounding area and discovered significant additions, such as a museum and additional buildings.
Moving on, we visit Griffith Observatory, another easily recognizable landmark. From its vantage point atop Griffith Park, we enjoyed breathtaking views of the Hollywood sign and the city. To match the View Master picture, we ventured down a trail on the opposite side to capture the observatory from the back. This site, opened in 1935, houses the third public planetarium in the United States and hosts fascinating exhibits.
Our next destination is Grauman's Chinese Theater. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, we marveled at the resemblance between the present-day structure and the image on the reel. While we couldn't access the elevated view, the theater still retains many iconic features, including the entrance medallion, ornate walls, and the famous ming dynasty lions. We imagined the courtyard filled with people admiring the original signed concrete slabs that have stood the test of time.
Continuing our journey along Hollywood Boulevard, we come across a captivating image captured from an upper floor of the Roosevelt hotel. However, due to a modern black building obstructing the view, we captured our picture at street level. The image reveals a captivating mix of the old and the new. We explore the transformation of the parking lot, the creation of a shopping area with a glimpse of the Hollywood sign, and the Hollywood First National Bank building, which now appears abandoned.
One of the most exciting discoveries is the recreated facade of The Brown Derby. Though the original building is no longer there, we stumbled upon an archway and facade reminiscent of the View Master picture. We speculate that this may be an homage to the legendary restaurant, which opened in 1929. To our delight, we found the original Brown Derby-shaped structure atop a strip mall in Korea town, preserving its historic charm.
Our next destination, the intersection of Vine Street and Sunset Boulevard, has undergone significant changes. The former site of NBC studios, now replaced by a bank, still retains some familiar elements, such as "The Broadway Hollywood" building. We also explore the alternate image from the handwritten reel, which showcases NBC and CBS Broadcasting Studios, with glimpses of the Hollywood Palladium theater and Columbia Square.
A bit of detective work leads us to the "Santa Claus Lane" image on Hollywood Boulevard. By studying the neon sign for "Equitable," we locate the former Equitable Building at Hollywood and Vine. Not far away, the prominent "Pantages" theater sign stands as a testament to its enduring legacy. The image captures the Christmas spirit and provides insight into the Taft building and the vanished streetcar rails.
Lastly, we embark on a quest to find a palm-lined street that mirrors the View Master picture. While we couldn't precisely locate the exact spot, we discovered South Windsor, a popular street known for its picturesque allure and stunning view of the Hollywood sign in the distance.
Join us on this mesmerizing tour through the streets of Hollywood, where the past echoes through time. Uncover the ghosts of history, marvel at the clues scattered throughout, and immerse yourself in the captivating stories that make Hollywood an endlessly fascinating tourist destination. Thank you for watching, and stay tuned for more adventures on View Master Travels!

[@pierrebernard719]

FANTASTIC!
This was GREAT!
Once again, well done. These before and after views with the histories really add to the enjoyment of the reel. Keep them coming!

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Thanks, will try.

[@philmarsh5593]

I've been looking forward to this, since you said you were going to Hollywood after the last one. It didn't disappoint. Really really well done, congrats!

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Awesome, thank you!