1940's & 1950's

5th & Main during World War II went through an economic 'pick-up." Sadly it was to wane soon after the war.

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c 1940

The economy gets better on news of potential war. Planes and specialized war manufacturing grows.

ZOOT SUIT RIOTS IN DOWNTOWN LA!! A Short Film

c. 1943

War Bonds/Stamps Poster in Window @ 5th & Main.

1950's

"BAR FLY" CHARLES BUKOWSKI READING: Short Film c. 1950's. -Click.

The 1950's saw the ugly head "Skid Row" rise from poverty. A sad decline.

c. 1952 Main Street Near 5th.

The decay has started

c. 1956

Parts of the "Nickel" were to get only a little redevelopment.

AUDIO: Artie Shaw's famous "Begin the Beuine" is playing, one of the most played 'band' selections ever. Artie played in Downtown and at the Ambassador Hotel many times over the years. "The line would be around the block if Artie was in town. It was all about Swing. The band leaders and great soloists were the music idols of my day." Mrs. Jason Pickering Noyes, comments regarding nightlife in Downtown during the '30's and '40's.

c. 1942

5th & Main: Red Cross Emergency Air Raid drill. Children get fed a meal.

World War II Ration Book

The Japanese American Internment of World War II! A Short Movie, Click.

1942: The Japanese in "Little Toyko" were being evacuated to concentration camps. Bank of America was buying up Japanese property at nickels on the dollar. The Bank was to profit greatly by the evacuation. At 5th and Main things were picking up business wise. Consumer goods were in short supply and rationing was taking place.

c. 1957

The Union Rescue Mission fed the hungry, the homeless spread out to "The Nickel."

(Above) A View from Union Rescue Mission 1957. The view is from two blocks off the 'Nickel." Looking at Bunker Hill.

1960-1980
(Click Below)

See the Changes Wrought in the 1960's Through the 1980's.