

Above, books on sale at the People's Store, in the Phillips Block.

Above, in the final days of the Phillips Block, after most of its tenants had left, including the Hamburger Brothers' store, it housed an auctioneer. Email me
|
By 1912, however, the Phillips Block was considered a deathtrap and the worst fire hazard in the city.
Below, possibly my most favorite fact in a very long while: In 1911 "mice and matches" were blamed for 12 fires in the city of Los Angeles.
A few months after the 1912 article was published, the building, in fact, burned in what was believed to be arson. Fortunately, no one was injured in the blaze, which drew enormous crowds, The Times said.
|