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August 16: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

  • Written by Kenn Bicknell

1920:  Los Angeles Railway announces that coats may be “parked” during the hot hours of the day, allowing streetcar operators to work in shirtsleeves.

Los Angeles Railway’s 16th Street Proving Stand Controls, 1928.

The trainmen are required to wear the uniform blue chambray shirt and are warned that “any tendency toward sloppy appearance in connection with this concession is sure to result in complaints being made to the company and probable cancellation of the privilege.”

More information can be found in the August 23, 1920 issue of Two Bells, the Los Angeles Railway employee news magazine.

1929:  The first “talking” motion picture is filmed on a moving streetcar is shot in Los Angeles.

The Saturday Night Kid stars Clara Bow, Jean Arthur, James Hall, and Jean Harlow in her first credited role.  The film was released on October 25, 1929.

More information can be found in the September 10, 1929 issue of Pacific Electric Railway Magazine.

  • Last Updated June 3, 2024

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