Gardner Junction (1908-09)
Ralph Cantos Collection
By Ralph Cantos
This remarkable old photo, taken around 1908-09, shows a Los Angeles Pacific trolley at the end of the single-track Laurel Canyon Line. The camera looks south as one of the two Laurel Canyon trolley buses begins its one-and-a-half mile journey up Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the end of the line at Lookout Mountain Avenue.
The trolley buses, made from modified 1915 Oldsmobiles, had an approximate 10-passenger capacity. After about 5 years of traveling up and down the treacherous narrow road, the poor old trolley buses fell apart.
The overhead wires came down and the service was replaced by Stanley Steamers about 1915. The line was operated as a real estate gimmick to a new housing development, known as “Bungalowland,” by one Charles S. Mann. He was a small-time Henry Huntington, and judging by his choice of convenience modes, must have been a glutton for punishment.
Ralph Cantos Collection
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Hello, I am a neighbor of the Gardner Junction site and the building at 7445 W. Sunset. We’re trying to obtain historic/cultural landmark status for the building to prevent its being torn down and developed into a supermarket. Planning commission has already given permission for the tear-down, but we’re hoping to win conservation status. Is it possible you have additional photographs of the building and site in use as a depot or station? With train cars at the location, or anything similar? Thank you so much,
Julia Wasson 323-877-7496
Hi Julia, I’m researching our neighborhood for anything that can show the popularity of Sunset/Gardner. There was a Doctor Gardner the street was named after and my building was his Medical Offices. On the corner was the pharmacy.
Hi David Neely: have you done any further research? about Gardner Junction? I am also a neighbor, of Julia above, and we want to preserve this corner. thank you, cheryl you can reach out to Julia above at the number she leaves.
hi David: please get in touch with Julia if you’ve learned anything further