The Library will be closed on Thursday, November 28 & Friday, November 29, 2024, in observance of Thanksgiving.

LAPL Blog

Tina Lernø, Librarian, Digital Content Team

librarian holding a cat

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Judy Aldrich, 8, receives pumpkin treat from Donna Lewis

What Halloween Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles

October 30, 2018

I'll be the first to admit it, Halloween is my favorite holiday! I love everything about it from the spooky atmosphere and dressing up in a costume, to—I confess—all the candy! As an adult and a parent, it's also been a joy to create costumes for my family and take my little ghosties trick or treating.

Halloween, Fall Traditions
Pictured from left, are Vivian Vance, co-star, holding her Emmy for Best Supporting Actress, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball holding the Best Situation Comedy Emmy

What the Emmy Awards Looked Like In Vintage Los Angeles

September 15, 2018

Who will win, who will "be happy just to be nominated," and who will go home empty-handed? Watch the festivities tonight to find out, but before you do, check out these amazing images from our photo collection of past Emmy award celebrations.

TESSA, Emmys, Awards
colored drawing of women's clothes from 1845

What Fall Fashions Looked Like 200 Years Ago

September 13, 2018

I love fashion and seeing all the beautiful new clothes and styles coming out for the fall season.

TESSA, Art Department, Fashion Plates, Teens
3 children heading into a school on the first day

What Back to School Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles

August 10, 2018

It's the day lots of adults look forward to, and lots of kids dread. After a summer of fun, it's time to start setting that alarm again, shop for supplies, and go back to school!

TESSA, Photo Collection, History, Los Angeles History, Vintage LA, Teens
Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse and sleeping beauty's castle

D is for Disneyland!

July 17, 2018

July 17 is the 63 anniversary of Disneyland's opening day. This Disney loving librarian is planning on celebrating and won't be the only one either; it will probably be super crowded, and there will be lots of other pass holders eager to commemorate the day.

Kids and Parents, Celebrations, Teens, Vintage LA
1934 colorized picture of people at the beach with typewriters

What a Day at the Beach Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles

July 13, 2018

It's summertime in Los Angeles and the mercury is rising. Are you beach ready? Have you packed your sunscreen, hats, coolers, snacks, umbrellas, folding chairs, kites, frisbees, bikes, trikes, boogie boards and blankets? Do you know how you'll get there?

TESSA, Visual Collections, Photo Friends, Photo Collection, Vintage LA
Decoration Day parade in Pasadena, 1891

What Memorial Day Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles

May 26, 2018

Memorial Day is officially observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. It was originally known as Decoration Day because families would decorate the graves of those who had fallen in the Civil War.

Photo Collection, History, LAPL History, Memorial Day, Vintage LA
Teens crowned prom king and queen, 1961

Will You Go To Prom With Me?

May 11, 2018

The prom in all its drama has been around a lot longer than I thought. Originating somewhere in the1870s as a college tradition called the Promenade, it was a debutante coming out kind of thing.

Teens, Traditions, LAPL Staff
Mrs. Elwood Berney lying in bed with her children

What Mother's Day Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles

May 12, 2018

In the United States, Mother's Day is always celebrated on the second Sunday of May. In some countries, it was changed to dates that were significant to the majority religion, or to historical dates.

Mothers Day, Visual Collections, Menu collections, Vintage LA, TESSA
Cinco de Mayo plus colorful banners

What Cinco de Mayo Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles

May 04, 2018

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday commemorating just one event: The Battle of Puebla, which was a day of victory for the Mexican army against the French in 1862. Over 150 years later, people still mistake the holiday for Mexican Independence Day which is September 16.

Cinco De Mayo, Celebrations, Los Angeles History, Photo Collection, History

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