Skip to main content

Image / Large adobe home or business, front view

Have a question about this item?

Item information. View source record on contributor's website.

Title
Large adobe home or business, front view
Alternative Title
Security Pacific National Bank Photo Collection
Contributing Institution
Los Angeles Public Library
Collection
Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection
Rights Information
Images available for reproduction and use. Please see the Ordering & Use page at http://tessa.lapl.org/OrderingUse.html for additional information.
Description
Title supplied by cataloger.
Adobe structures are "natural buildings" made from a mixture of 50% sand, 35% clay and water, and mixed with 15% of a fibrous or organic material such as sticks, straw and even dung in some cases - which is useful in binding the brick together and allowing the brick to dry evenly. These buildings are extremely durable and account for the oldest structures on earth, some of which are still standing today. Adobe walls usually never rise above two stories because they're load bearing and have low structural strength. Ideally, the wall should be thick enough to remain cool on the nside during the heat of the day, but thin enough to transfer heat through the wall during the evening. To protect the interior and exterior adobe wall, finishes such as mud plaster, whitewash or stucco can be applied. These finishes protect the adobe wall from water damage but need to be reapplied periodically.
Photo of a rather large adobe, possibly a business at one time, that appears to be abandoned. The front of the adobe (pictured) shows a side door and two small windows; the main entrance (not really visible) sits under the overhanging roof, which has several wooden posts holding it up. A large sign sits atop the roof and reads, "Radios for sale". Although this structure appears to be made out of lumber, it is actually adobe with wooden siding applied to it. Olga Steel is said to have been born in this adobe, which was located on Wadsworth and 33rd streets.
Type
Image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;9 x 15 cm.
Photographic prints
Identifier
00078884
Security Pacific National Bank Collection
L.A.-Adobes.
CARL0000079833
http://173.196.26.125/cdm/ref/collection/photos/id/111387
Subject
Signs and signboards--California--Los Angeles
Adobe houses--California--Los Angeles
Dwellings--California--Los Angeles

About the collections in Calisphere

Learn more about the collections in Calisphere. View our statement on digital primary resources.

Copyright, permissions, and use

If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.

Share your story

Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.

Explore related content on Calisphere: