Vanishing Los Angeles County

Home to more than 10 million people, modern Los Angeles County bears little resemblance to the largely agricultural landscape, dotted with small towns, of just over a century ago. Los Angeles County has surged forward on a path of phenomenal growth and constant transformation. Over this course, much of what was both famous and familiar to Angelenos 100 or even 50 years ago has been lost in the name of progress. This collection of more than 200 vintage postcards explores a sampling of these vanishing sites, including the once ubiquitous orange groves, views from the early days of the county's towns, yesteryear's famed attractions, landmarks, hotels, and restaurants, and scenes from the roadside era.

Coauthors Cory and Sarah Stargel, members of the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society, are avid collectors of early Los Angeles postcards. All images featured in this book were selected from their diverse collection. The pair previously authored the Arcadia Postcard History Series books Early Los Angeles County Attractions and Early Downtown Los Angeles.