They took all the houses
Put ’em in a house museum
And they charged the people
Ten dollars just to see ’em
(Apologies to Joni Mitchell!)
Before I ventured downtown on Saturday afternoon, I spent some time visiting Northeast L.A.’s Heritage Square Museum.
The truth is, I’ve always had mixed feelings about Heritage Square’s collection of relocated, lovingly-restored Los Angeles structures all of which date back to the Victorian era.
On one hand, I’m a huge supporter of historic preservation especially when it comes to my hometown, a city that, sadly, is notorious for failing to protect many of its most beautiful and historically-significant buildings. Indeed, nearly all of Heritage Square’s structures were saved from the wrecking ball when they were moved to the museum’s lovely, park-like property in Montecito Heights.
Even so, I can’t help but think how much nicer (if admittedly impractical and cost-prohibitive) it would have been if these grand old houses could have somehow been renovated in place and allowed to beautify their original neighborhoods instead of being kept behind lock and key. Highland Park’s beautiful Hale House (pictured here) was, for instance, displaced in favor of a gas station. All these years later, I can’t drive by that now-ugly spot without a pang of nostalgia and regret.
Instamatic Gratification 
Have you ever been to Angelino Heights? It’s an actual neighborhood in the Echo Park area. You can see some of the best and worst of the Victorian era homes in L.A.
I’m sure I was there as a kid (grew up in Highland Park) but don’t remember much about it. I’ll put it on my list for my next trip to L.A. which will hopefully be soon. Thanks for the reminder!
Paint job is a little crazy for my taste, but I still love the house :).
It is pretty cool!