Promoting Los Angeles Tourism and Migration
With View of the Original Chinatown
This folding view book of Los Angeles, presented in an accordion-style format, contains 15 panels of panoramic views showcasing the city of Los Angeles during a period of significant growth, in the midst of its first major real estate boom.
The panels unfold to reveal a rich array of images, ranging from expansive cityscapes to intimate depictions of daily life, major landmarks, and surrounding attractions. The collection begins with a double-panel view of Main Street, offering a glimpse of the bustling commercial hub, and continues with multiple images per panel.
Prominent buildings and locations include the Sierra Madre Villa Hotel in the San Gabriel Valley, the luxurious Raymond Hotel near Pasadena, the seaside Hotel Arcadia in Santa Monica, and Mrs. Longstreet’s stately residence. Historical missions, the thriving San Pedro Harbor, and the picturesque raisin vineyards of the surrounding agricultural areas are also featured. The book offers a visual journey through the architectural and cultural landmarks of late 19th-century Los Angeles, with images of St. Vibiana’s Cathedral, the city’s beaches, lush flora, and various residential homes, all testifying to the area's rapid development.
One small view depicts L.A.'s original Chinatown, specifically the corner of Aliso Street and Calle de los Negros (later Los Angeles Street).
At the rear of the volume, a short explanatory booklet provides additional context, offering information on Los Angeles' history, population growth, climate, and cultural landscape. Detailed discussions cover the city's agricultural output, including its famous vineyards, oil wells near San Fernando ("yielding one hundredn barrels of oil per day"), and industrial progress, with commentary on manufactories and local economic conditions. Data on elevations, taxes, and municipal infrastructure provide a comprehensive overview of the city's standing at the time.