Los Angeles at Work 1920 - 1939

The rich assortment of images in this exhibit “Los Angeles At Work: 1920 -1939,” was chosen from an archive of thousands of negatives made by Chamber of Commerce photographers for its publication during those years.

In the upswing economic heyday of the 1920s the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce spread the word of opportunity in the Southland. An unequaled climate, inexpensive “open shop” labor, raw materials, the Harbor - these all contribute to a successful campaign to lure Eastern manufacturers to Los Angeles.

During the Depression the Chamber of Commerce sought out the persevering and the creative business people who turned misfortune into possibilities. Chamber literature encouraged local buying, improved business skills and patience through the trying times.

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