Long Gone, But Not Forgotten Los Angeles Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. When created, the now world famous Hollywood sign said something else. What did the original sign say?

Answer: Hollywoodland

According to the Historical Society of Hollywood, the sign was first erected in 1923. It was an advertisement for a home development named Hollywoodland. The 'land' part of the sign was soon discarded. In 1976, the sign was altered by pranksters which declared it Hollyweed.

In 1978 it was altered again by pranksters to say Holywood to commemorate a visit by the Pope. During the Iran Contra affair in 1981 someone altered it again to say Ollywood, for Oliver North.

2. This landmark stood at the corner of Wilshire Blvd and Restaurant Row. As Los Angeles' longest surviving Drive-In restaurant, it was known for its famous hamburgers, hot dogs and shakes. Alas, all good things must come to an end, and this was sitting on too valuable a property, so close it did, much to everyone's dismay. What woman's name did this restaurant carry as its title?

Answer: Dolores

Delores' Drive-In closed in the 1980s. During its several decades of operation, it played host to everyone from celebrities to the down and out.

3. This auction house made its home on Wilshire Blvd for decades. Known for its quality auctions of art and antiques, several celebrity estates were auctioned here. One of the most famous was the estate of silent screen star Harold Lloyd. Many stars from the silver screen attended the auction, hoping to bid on and win a piece of early Hollywood memorabilia. What was the name of the auction house?

Answer: Ames

Ames Auction was located on Wilshire Blvd. It was seen on the big screen in the Robin Williams' movie 'Cadillac Man', when a scene was filmed inside its showroom. After the Northridge earthquake the auction house had to relocate because of earthquake damage to the building. The auction moved to the San Fernando Valley, where it has become a popular auction for the suburban crowd.

4. This restaurant was one of my favorites. I almost flew back to California to eat there one last time, when I heard it was closing. Located in a large old building in the heart of Chinatown, it was more known for its spaghetti than for chow mein. What was the name of this Los Angeles favorite?

Answer: Little Joe's

Little Joe's was in business since the early part of the 20th century. Sawdust on the floor, and murals on the wall, gave it a quaint Italian ambiance. Located in Chinatown, near Dodger Stadium, it was packed on game nights. When the building it was in would not pass earthquake safety inspections, the owners decided to retire.

The owners were the children and grandchildren of the original owners. When the Los Angeles Times reported it would close, the place became packed from opening to closing for the few more weeks its was open.

5. This restaurant was the most famous hat shaped restaurant in the world. What was its name?

Answer: The Brown Derby

The Brown Derby opened its doors in 1929. Located on the famous Vine Street of Hollywood, it soon became known as the "Restaurant To The Stars". It was famous for the caricatures of celebrities that lined its walls. According to newspaper reports of the time, in 1939 Clark Gable proposed to Carole Lombard there. It was closed and destroyed in 1994.

6. This hotel was long known for its beauty and luxury. It would become more famous though when US presidential hopeful Bobby Kennedy was shot and killed there after attending a fund raising event. What was the name of the hotel, which is no longer in business?

Answer: The Ambassador Hotel

According to the Los Angeles Historical Society, The Ambassador Hotel first opened on 1-1-1921. Its beauty and luxury soon attracted the Hollywood crowd. Palm trees, said to be left over props from the Rudolph Valentino movie 'The Sheik', graced the lobby.

In 1930, the 3rd Academy Awards were held there, and it was on that night that the first Oscar statuette was given out. Many movies have been shot here including several scenes from 'The Graduate'. In 1989, the hotel was closed. It became very run down, and now sits behind a chainlinked fence.

However The Donald Trump Corp. now owns the property and it is often used for movie locations. Hollywood historians are hoping that Mr. Trump will reopen the hotel someday after a much needed renovation.

7. Located in one of Los Angeles' grand historic hotels was the most famous of all Hollywood nightclubs. This nightclub was recently featured in the movie 'The Aviator'. What was this nightclub, made famous during Hollywood's Golden Age?

Answer: The Coconut Grove

According to the Los Angeles Historical Society, The Coconut Grove first opened at the Ambassador on 4-21-21. It soon became the place to be and be seen with the Hollywood crowd. Famous parties were held here in honor of everyone from Mary Pickford to Mickey Mouse. Joan Crawford won several dance trophies at its weekly dance contests.

It had an elaborate Moroccan themed interior. Judy Garland performed here in a famous comeback performance that was recorded for a record. It was the favorite haunt of the Rat Pack when in L.A.

8. This lovely building was known for its Art Deco, or Streamline Modern architecture. General Dwight Eisenhower spoke here to a crowd of 10,000 a month before he was elected president. Elvis also played here. What was the name of Los Angeles' "first convention center"?

Answer: The Pan Pacific Auditorium

The Pan Pacific Auditorium first opened in 1935. Soon, it was unofficially serving as a convention center with such events as car shows, political meetings, concerts and sporting events being held there. After the city government of Los Angeles opened a real convention center, its popularity faded. Sadly this architectural masterpiece was destroyed by fire on 5-24-89.

9. This department store chain had its home offices and main store in a building known for its Art Deco elegance. The chain, which only operated stores in California, were known for their upscale merchandise. This store which was their most upscale, featured in-house designers, a tea room, and a fine arts gallery. Sadly, the chain was sold and converted to Macy's Department Stores, and soon the store fell into decline. It eventually closed. What was the name of this California shopping landmark?

Answer: Bullock's Wilshire

Bullock's Wilshire was the anchor store for the Bullock's Department Store chain located throughout Southern California. After the store was closed the building sat empty for a few years. Since it is one of Los Angeles' premier Art Deco structures, many people fought to keep it from getting torn down.

In 1994, the South Western School of Law purchased the building and have located a wonderful law library there.

10. Last but not least, Los Angeles is home to many sports teams. However, the city is also known for being the largest city and county in the U.S. not to play host to a team from this organization. What organization did not, in 2005, have a franchise in Los Angeles?

Answer: The National Football League

Former NFL teams to make their home in Los Angeles included The Raiders and The Rams. Both teams played at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The Rams left Los Angeles to play first in Orange County, than eventually to St. Louis. The Raiders had a short time here before and after their current home in Oakland.

Source: Author routesixtysix

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor LilahDeDah before going online.
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Join me on a trip down Memory Lane, as I remember past landmarks of Los Angeles County.

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