1
Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis made history in 1927 by completing the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight, covering 3,600 miles from New York to Paris in 33.5 hours. The specially designed, single-engine plane showcased innovative features to maximize fuel capacity and range. Lindbergh's achievement made him an international hero and significantly advanced the future of aviation.
2
Amelita Galli-Curci was a renowned Italian coloratura soprano, celebrated for her pure voice and impressive high notes. Debuting in 1906, she quickly became a star, performing with the Metropolitan Opera. Known for her interpretations of Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi, her recordings gained widespread popularity, helping to bring opera to a broader audience. Galli-Curci’s artistry contributed to the growth of opera appreciation in the U.S. and beyond.
3
The 1910 bombing of the Los Angeles Times building, carried out by union activists amid labor disputes with anti-union publisher Harrison Gray Otis, killed 21 people and destroyed the structure. The attack shocked the nation, and the ensuing investigation led to the arrest of Iron Workers union members James and John McNamara. Their trial brought widespread attention to labor tensions in early 20th-century America and marked a significant shift in labor and industry relations on the West Coast.
4
In 1920, the Los Angeles Steamship Company emerged as a vital player in maritime transport, connecting the bustling ports of Los Angeles with key destinations along the West Coast. It provided an essential service, facilitating trade and travel during a dynamic period in American history, when the demand for shipping was on the rise. With its modern fleet and commitment to reliability, the company became synonymous with the vibrant spirit of Southern California, reflecting the region's burgeoning economic landscape and cultural exchange.
5
The 1936 film San Francisco, directed by W.S. Van Dyke, is a classic disaster drama set against the backdrop of the 1906 earthquake and fire. Starring Clark Gable, Jeanette MacDonald, and Spencer Tracy, the film tells a story of resilience, romance, and redemption amid the city's catastrophic destruction. Known for its impressive special effects, dramatic scenes, and MacDonald's famous rendition of the song "San Francisco," the film became a major hit and is remembered as a cinematic tribute to the enduring spirit of the city.
6
The 1912 Grand Excursion to Owensmouth, announced by the Janss Investment Corporation, was a promotional event designed to showcase the new town in the San Fernando Valley. Marketed as a prime residential and agricultural area, Owensmouth—later renamed Canoga Park—offered affordable land and a promising future. The event, complete with transportation, entertainment, and refreshments, attracted settlers and investors, playing a key role in the expansion of Los Angeles into the Valley.
7
The General (1926), directed by and starring Buster Keaton, is a silent film classic about Johnnie Gray, a Confederate train engineer, whose beloved locomotive is stolen by Union spies. His daring chase to reclaim it showcases Keaton’s skill in physical comedy and elaborate stunts. Initially overlooked, the film is now regarded as one of Keaton’s masterpieces, blending comedy, action, and emotion, and is considered a landmark in cinema history.
8
The earliest known printed view of Los Angeles, created in 1853, is a lithograph that captures the small, rustic settlement. Nestled along the Los Angeles River, rolling hills and open landscapes surround the town, with just a few residents, horse-drawn carts, and agricultural fields visible in the distance. This historic image provides a rare and invaluable glimpse into early Los Angeles, documenting its simple beginnings before the rapid growth that would shape it into a major American city.
