by 
El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles
(The Town of Our Lady the Queen of Angels)
I’m currently writing a novel set in 1890 Los Angeles and reading The Fragmented Metropolis: Los Angeles, 1850-1930 was part of my research. I’d planned on reading up to the 1900s but found the book engaging and finished it.
Urban History
Since I was born in Los Angeles and raised in the suburbs, I’d say Robert M. Fogelson captures the urban history, and his book hits the highlights and events which shaped Los Angeles. Some of the history as well as the corruption and business influences, I knew. I didn’t know the depth and breadth of those influences, but I wasn’t surprised.
I enjoyed Fogelson’s analysis, which clarified some of Los Angeles’ early history. I’ve always wondered how the influence of the rancheros and the Mexican culture dissipated. As a young girl, I had friends whose background was steeped in their family’s ranchero background. They realized their rich history was both contemporary for them and pushed to the background of popular culture. Anyone who watches the Rose Bowl Parade gets a glimpse of that heritage.
My parents moved to California after WWII, and I grew up hearing their stories about the wonders of Los Angeles. I even think I have a memory of riding the trolleys; however, I was so young, I have a feeling my memory is based more on my parents’ remembrances rather than my reality.
Some readers might find the book a little dry and academic, which wasn’t the case for me, but I wanted to throw that out to forewarn readers.
Contents
The book covers:
- LA’s Mexican roots, which some people newer to the area don’t realize or choose to forget;
- Southern California’s ongoing need for water sources;
- transportation–I’ve always been fascinated by stories of old timers who remember a working and extensive public transportation system, which was dismantled to “force” cars into the picture (thank you, Standard Oil, et al);
- public utility movement;
- the feud between Los Angeles and San Diego, which is interesting and rife with underhanded political and business deals;
- the progressive movement.
When I saw pictures of the Los Angeles River, I bought another book on the river. To me, the LA River has always been a trickle of water or a completely dried up concrete system, weaving its way to the ocean.
If you are interested in Los Angeles and its history, this is a great book. I strongly recommend it.
The Usual Reminders
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