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THE CANALS OF VENICE
Lea and I made a one day trip to see and photograph the canals of Venice.
Venice, California, that is! Developed to be like Venice, Italy, with canals and gondoliers, in the early 1900's, all that remains of the canals are those in the small residential area between Washington Blvd. and Venice Blvd.
The following information is Quoted from "History of Venice" on the internet.
"Digging the canals in 1904 was back breaking work The original 16 miles of canals were dug in 1904 under the direction of Abbot Kinney. Man and mule worked around the clock to dig the canals in time for the grand opening of Venice on July 4, 1905. Kinney was displeased with the progress so he deployed steam dredging equipment to complete the canals on time.
In 1929 the majority of the canals were filled in and converted to roads.
In the sixties the canals were home to beatniks and artists which soon gave way to the hippies. Rock bands and pot parties were the norm. Jim Morrison of The Doors called the canals home during the 60s.
As real estate prices sky-rocketed in the late seventies, the houses along the canals were remodeled and homes were built on the numerous vacant lots. Soon the affluent home owners replaced the artists and Bohemians. In 1994 after nearly thirty years of talks, Los Angeles refurbished the six remaining canals for $6,000,000. Some of the most beautiful homes on Los Angeles’ West Side line the canals maintaining a unique community atmosphere. The canals today provide a sense of serenity that Venetians and tourists alike greatly appreciate."
My photographs show three of the six canals. Driving home we took two photos of downtown Los Angeles on an unusually clear day, and finally, one of the always long lines at Philippe's, famous for French Dip sandwiches, now celebrating 100 years in business.
For questions or comments: colbb06@gmail.com
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Date(s): October 18, 2008. Album by BB Yarborough. Photos by ©2008 B.B. Yarborough. 1 - 20 of 20 Total. 4867 Visits. |
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