THESE ARE SOME SCENES OF THE INTERSECTION OF PIER AVENUE AND HERMOSA AVENUE OVER THE YEARS -- THERE WILL BE MORE TO COME

The scene above is probably from the early 1920s. You might note the electric lines at the top of the photo that provided power to the Pacific Electric train, or "Red Cars," that ran along the beach from Los Angeles to Redondo Beach. The red car system, built in the early years of the 20th Century, provided an extensive network of electric trolley lines which served the Los Angeles area well, even though the ride was often bumpy. The tracks ran along Hermosa Avenue in Hermosa Beach and were briefly uncovered during a recent sewer construction project. The trolleys became a victim of the freeway system, which was proclaimed the wave of the future at its inception. Today, many of us sadly lament the passing of the old red cars, especially when we see the costs associated with the slowly emerging new electric trains.

This photo postcard is probably from the 1940s (any car buffs who can identify models out there?) The pier (center of the photo) was the second of three for Hermosa Beach. The first pier was built in 1904, entirely of wood, and extended into the ocean 500 feet. It was washed away in 1913 and a new concrete pier was built to replace it.

This scene is probably from the early 1970s.  Oops, we have a correction from Michael (aka HermosaKid) who says this is from the early 80's as the white Chevy Camero on the left is a 1979 or 1980 model year.  Thanks!