Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Historical Sites in L.A., 918 California Ave, Los Angeles, United States
The Heritage Square Museum
Located at 918 California Ave, the Heritage Square Museum is a living history museum that preserves and interprets the history of Southern California during its first 100 years of statehood. This lesser-known gem showcases a collection of 19th-century structures that were saved from demolition and relocated to the museum.
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- Eight Historic Structures: The museum features eight historic buildings, including the Hale House, an 1887 Queen Anne-style home known for its vibrant colors and intricate woodwork.
- Resident Ghost: The Perry Mansion, built in 1876, is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of its original owner, William Hayes Perry.
- Filming Location: The museum has been a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including "Legally Blonde" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
The Avila Adobe
Step into the oldest standing residence in Los Angeles, the Avila Adobe, built in 1818 by Francisco Avila. Located on Olvera Street, this adobe house offers a glimpse into early 19th-century life in L.A.
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- Adobe Construction: The house is made of adobe bricks, a traditional building material used by early California settlers.
- Military Occupation: During the Mexican-American War, U.S. troops occupied the Avila Adobe, turning it into a temporary headquarters.
- Preservation Efforts: The adobe was almost demolished in the 1920s but was saved by Christine Sterling, who spearheaded efforts to preserve Olvera Street and its historical significance.
The Bradbury Building
The Bradbury Building, located at 304 S. Broadway, is an architectural marvel and one of L.A.'s oldest commercial buildings, completed in 1893.
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- Inspired by a Dream: The building's design was inspired by a science fiction novel and a dream by its original owner, Lewis L. Bradbury.
- Iconic Interior: The building's interior features an ornate ironwork stairway, open cage elevators, and a stunning glass atrium.
- Hollywood Star: The Bradbury Building has been featured in numerous films, including "Blade Runner" and "500 Days of Summer."
Watts Towers
The Watts Towers, located at 1765 E. 107th St., are a collection of 17 interconnected sculptural towers, designed and built by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia over 33 years.
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- DIY Masterpiece: Rodia built the towers single-handedly using found objects like broken glass, seashells, and scrap metal.
- Community Landmark: Initially considered an eyesore, the towers are now a beloved cultural landmark and a testament to the power of individual creativity.
- Preservation Challenges: The towers have faced numerous preservation challenges, including attempts by city officials to demolish them in the 1950s.
The Gamble House
The Gamble House, located at 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena, is an outstanding example of American Arts and Crafts architecture, designed by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble company.
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- Craftsmanship: The house is renowned for its exquisite woodwork, custom furniture, and attention to detail.
- Architectural Influence: The Gamble House has influenced generations of architects and is considered a masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement.
- Public Tours: The house is open for public tours, offering a unique opportunity to experience early 20th-century craftsmanship.
The Hollyhock House
Designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, the Hollyhock House is located at 4800 Hollywood Blvd. and was built between 1919 and 1921 for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall.
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- Floral Inspiration: The house's design is inspired by the hollyhock flower, Aline Barnsdall's favorite, and features stylized representations of the flower throughout.
- Wright's First L.A. Project: The Hollyhock House was Frank Lloyd Wright's first project in Los Angeles and marked the beginning of his influence on the city's architecture.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2019, the Hollyhock House was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its global cultural significance.
The Los Angeles State Historic Park
Often referred to as "The Cornfield," the Los Angeles State Historic Park spans 32 acres and is located at 1245 N. Spring St.
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- Railroad History: The park was originally a railroad yard and played a crucial role in the development of L.A.'s transportation network.
- Urban Oasis: Today, the park serves as an urban oasis, offering green space, walking trails, and community events.
- Environmental Restoration: The park underwent significant environmental restoration to transform it from an industrial site into a public green space.
The Los Angeles Plaza Historic District
The Los Angeles Plaza Historic District, also known as El Pueblo de Los Angeles, is the birthplace of Los Angeles, established in 1781.
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- Historic Core: The district includes several significant buildings, such as the Avila Adobe, the Old Plaza Firehouse, and the Plaza Church.
- Cultural Hub: Olvera Street, within the district, is a vibrant cultural hub with shops, restaurants, and annual festivals celebrating L.A.'s Mexican heritage.
- Historic Landmarks: The district is home to the Sepulveda House, an 1887 Eastlake Victorian house, and the Italian Hall, built in 1908 as a gathering place for the Italian community.
The Eames House
The Eames House, also known as Case Study House No. 8, is located at 203 Chautauqua Blvd., Pacific Palisades, and was designed by the iconic husband-and-wife team Charles and Ray Eames in 1949.
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- Modernist Icon: The house is a landmark of mid-20th-century modern architecture and design, reflecting the Eames' philosophy of integrating indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Experimental Design: It was part of the Case Study House Program, an experimental project sponsored by Arts & Architecture magazine to create affordable and innovative housing solutions.
- Preservation: The house remains in its original condition, offering a rare glimpse into the Eames' personal and professional lives.
The Banning House
The Banning House, located at 401 E. M St., Wilmington, is a Greek Revival mansion built in 1864 by Phineas Banning, known as the "Father of the Port of Los Angeles."
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- Historic Significance: The house served as the headquarters for Banning's shipping and transportation empire, which played a crucial role in the development of L.A.'s port.
- Civil War History: During the Civil War, the house was used as a military headquarters by Union forces.
- Museum: Today, the Banning House operates as a museum, offering tours that showcase the life and legacy of Phineas Banning and the history of early Los Angeles.
The Lummis Home
The Lummis Home, also known as El Alisal, is located at 200 E. Avenue 43 and was built by Charles Fletcher Lummis, a pioneering journalist, and historian, between 1897 and 1910.
Trivia & Hidden Facts
- Hand-Built: Lummis built the house by hand using river rock and other local materials, creating a unique and eclectic design.
- Cultural Hub: The home became a gathering place for artists, writers, and intellectuals, fostering a vibrant cultural community in early 20th-century L.A.
- Historical Preservation: Lummis was a passionate advocate for the preservation of California's Spanish and Native American heritage, and his home reflects his commitment to cultural preservation.
These hidden gems offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich and diverse history of Los Angeles, showcasing the city's architectural, cultural, and historical heritage in unexpected and intriguing ways.