Doheny Memorial Library, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0189 Neuner Printing & Lithograph Co., Los Angeles, California, USA Send requests to address or e-mail given. Phone (213) 821-2366; fax (213) 740-2343. USC Libraries Special Collections specol@usc.edu
Description
Postcard of the Dunbar (Somerville) Hotel, Los Angeles. The image shows a four story commercial building. The Sign "Dunbar" protrudes from the corner of the building near the main entrance. Cars are parked in front of and at the side of the building. There is a barber pole near the entrance. Adjacent buildings are barely visible. The hotel was opened by African-American John Alexander Somerville in 1928 as the Hotel Somerville. Following the stock market crash of 1929, the new owners renamed it after the African-American poet Paul Lawrence Dunbar. "115 rooms, 75 rooms with bath. Rates $1.00 per day and up. Weekly rates $5.00 and up"--printed at bottom of image. "The Dunbar Hotel is know as the "House of hospitality." Thermostatically controlled steam heat and hot water, 24-hour elevator service, telephones in all rooms, and shops in conjunction--for your comfort. Jas. C. Nelson, Prop., Kathryn Nelson, Mgr."--printed on verso (not shown). "Dunbar Hotel, 4225 So. Central Ave., Los Angeles"--printed on verso (not shown). "Printed by Neuner Printing & Lithograph Co., Los Angeles"--printed on verso (not shown). The postcard was sent on Sept. 20, 1938, from Lilia, Los Angeles, to Mrs. Essie Williams, 1637 Logan Ave., San Diego, Calif. Transcription of the message (not shown) follows: "Hello friend, Hevent [sic] time to write letter so buisy [sic] going let me know if you will be here Saturday. You dont [sic] know what you are missing. Tomorrow night is going to be a big night for me. How is everything. Tell Alma this is the place for her. You can choose old or young, Lilia."
Type
image
Format
correspondence photographs postcard : sepia 9 x 14 cm.
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