Olvera Street is just across the street from the Los Angeles Union Station, so I stopped to take a few shots on the way to my destination. The above vintage image in my collection is from August 1966. Below is the same wooden cross - still there! Known as the Olvera Street Cross, here’s the story behind it from the HMDB site:
The first Olvera Street cross was carved by Mrs. Florence Walker in 1929 to honor the city’s 148th birthday. Over time, weather and erosion requires a newly commissioned art work. The current wooden cross was carved by Mr. Jackie Hadnot and installed on Saturday, April 15, 2017 during the Blessing of the Animals celebration.
And a bit more at Giroux Glass:
Jackie [Hadnot] was commissioned by the EPPALA to replicate a holy cross originating from Spain, to replace the old, weather-worn cross in the center of historic Olvera Street–the earliest beginnings and dwellings of Los Angeles. The intricate detail and workmanship of the new cross earned Jackie a personal blessing from Archbishop Jose Gomez on its unveiling day at El Pueblo de Los Angeles (Olvera Street), on April 15, 2017. The cross has been a landmark of that area since its opening in 1930.
From Discover Los Angeles:
Olvera Street is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles. The colorful Mexican marketplace opened on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1930 following a preservation campaign that was spearheaded by Christine Sterling. Several of LA’s most historic buildings are located along the tree-shaded, brick-lined block, as well as dozens of Olvera Street shops, restaurants and other businesses. Olvera Street also hosts numerous traditional events throughout the year, including the Blessing of the Animals (Saturday before Easter), Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day), Dia de los Muertos, and Las Posadas.
The statue of Antonio Aguilar was sculpted by Dan Medina and installed in 2012. Below is a closeup of the wooden street sign at the entrance of the festive market area:
When I was there, the vendors were just beginning to setup to sell their wares. No fumar!
This is the Eugene Biscailuz Building and former Methodist Church HQ, now The Mexican Cultural Center:
Nearby is the Avila Adobe museum:
From the Discover Los Angeles website:
The Avila Adobe is LA’s oldest house still standing in its original location, and is designated as California Historic Landmark #145. Originally built in 1818 by Francisco José Avila, it has since been the home to many of his family members and descendants.
It even served as military headquarters in the late 1840s. Today, the Avila Adobe’s interior depicts the California lifestyle of the 1840s. Dark wood tables, four-poster beds, candelabras and elaborate carpets create a 19th-century atmosphere. The walls of the Avila house are made of adobe brick, a material consisting of clay, water and other organic materials like straw.
And there you have my 10 cent tour of Olvera Street!
See more Olvera Street photos at my main website.
