As highlighted by LAist in their article “L.A.’s Streetlights“, the city’s historic streetlights are more than just sources of illumination—they are a connection to the past and an essential part of Los Angeles’ architectural heritage. While much of L.A.’s early architecture has been lost to development, many of its earliest streetlights remain standing, often serving as the oldest landmarks in a given neighborhood.
According to India Mandelkern, historian and author of Electric Moons: A Social History of Street Lighting in Los Angeles, L.A.’s streetlights date back to 1882, when the first electric lamps replaced unreliable gas-powered lights. As the city expanded, streetlights became symbols of modernity and progress, often advertised as key features in new residential developments. Their designs evolved to accommodate the rise of automobiles, with some lights shifting focus from sidewalks to roads.
One of the most iconic examples of L.A.’s historic streetlights is the Wilshire Lantern, a 1928 design that once lined Wilshire Boulevard. These decorative metal poles, featuring ornate sculptures, were part of an effort to transform the street into L.A.’s version of Fifth Avenue or the Champs-Élysées.
L.A. boasts over 400 unique streetlight designs, reflecting the city’s diverse architectural influences and local manufacturing history. Companies like Marbelite, which specialized in materials such as metal and concrete, contributed to this variety. However, the distribution of historic streetlights also tells a deeper story—wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods tended to have more ornate lighting, while lower-income areas often remained in the dark due to the financial burden of maintaining streetlights.
For those interested in exploring L.A.’s streetlight history, locations like MacArthur Park offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, featuring a mix of designs, materials, and historical influences. Next time you walk through the streets of Los Angeles, take a moment to appreciate the streetlights—not just as utilities, but as silent storytellers of the city’s evolution.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of LAist.
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