Some things just never seem to get a break, and Angels Flight Railway in Downtown Los Angeles is one of those. Operating from 1901-1969, it was dismantled when it closed, reopened a few blocks over in 1996, closed after a death in 2001, reopened in 2010, closed and reopened in 2011, and then ceased again in 2013 after a minor accident. Pending design and structural repairs, it has been a victim of graffiti and the ravages of time. Today's post shows a November 1962 shot of the little Railway with a huge fan following.
A closeup of the Los Angeles Times newsstand. This guy looks bored; if only the Kardashians were around to make the news exciting.
For more vintage and (semi) current photos of Angels Flight go to my main website.
It's a sad commentary on current status of such a venerable asset to Downtown LA. At least we have pictures of it the way it should be remembered. Thanks for the post. KS
ReplyDeleteI guess we lucked out, since we rode it once in the 1ate 1990's. I thought it was still running.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad used to talk about riding when he was a young man living in LA in the 20's and 30's, but I never rode it as a kid.
There is a great description of the railway and the surrounding apartments in one of Raymond Chandler's novels, but I can't recall which one. Guess you'll have to read them all, which is worth the effort.
Thank you Dave, for the look back. Maybe the Angel's Flight will return someday.
JG