Passenger Trains > Photo contest-original ticket counter at LAUPT

Third of 5 entries for the photo contest.

Although it's cordoned off from the public now and used mostly for movie work, the original ticket counter area at Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal is in spectacular condition. I bought many tickets here in my younger days but now it's all just for show.

Cheers!

Mike

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Let's hope that someday soon this magnificant hall, and the Fred Harvey restaurant nearby, can be used as intended. The present situation is deplorable.

They should put it back in service - been to the Amtrak ticket window lately?

Better yet, they should replace the glass etched signs that once identified which railroad each ticket area served.

My desk as the Secretary to the Station Ticket Agent-AT&SF, was located right under the big light fixture at the far end in the
right corner. The black looking squares on either side of the clock and
drinking fountain..left was Ladies Room, right was Mens Room with
boot black and barber. This was during 1949-50-51, at age 21-22-23.
Thanks for the memories..

And I sold tickets from window #1, near the restrooms, barber shop and shoe shine.

As much as I would like to see this open again, the cost to lease it would be very high.

Also the existing layout of the counter etc, would all have to be changed for complete security
and able to check baggage.

Best to just remember it as it was and not have to modify. I often wonder where the lighted signs for each railroad went. Somebodies garage?

korotaj Wrote:
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> Let's hope that someday soon this magnificant
> hall, and the Fred Harvey restaurant nearby, can
> be used as intended. The present situation is
> deplorable.

While I agree, I think a previous post pointed out the problems with that. I think that this area is sometimes rented for special events, or at least that used to be the case.

I do think that walking past this great space to the Amtrak ticket counter is something of a letdown.

I sure can recall the original ticket counter, and, Fred Harvey restaurant. Was in Navy at San Diego in 1950-51.Came up to LA on the San Diegans frequently. Purchased a few tickets at that counter.

Just this October, before a trip on No. 14 over Tehachapi I walked past this room and just looked at it for a few minutes. That evening I went by and the room was full of dining tables with tablecloths, candles, flowers, and a large group having a high class dinner. Next morning, the room was empty and spotless again, just like the above photo. Amazing.

Renting out the Harvey House and ticket concourse is a high revenue for the station owner.

Renting out the Harvey House and ticket concourse is a high revenue for the station owner.

I actually got to go to a party in the old ticket area (my employer was throwing the party as a fundraiser).
Real nice. The bathrooms in that space are actually decent, too.

Catellus (owners of LAUPT) probably make more money renting the space out, than they would using it as a ticket
counter....

korotaj Wrote:
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> Let's hope that someday soon this magnificant
> hall, and the Fred Harvey restaurant nearby, can
> be used as intended. The present situation is
> deplorable.

And it's deplorable largely in part of the hordes of unwashed ilk that passes through the station these days. I remember so vividly as a small child going to the station when family would arrive or depart. You didn't see mindless drones staggering through in gym clothes, smelly feet in flip flops, dragging along a eighty pound duffel bag. Or a family carrying their luggage in Rubbermaid laundry baskets. They deserve exactly what they have. Barrier glass and soda machines.

Catellus no longer owns LAUPT. Do not have the new name at hand. This a couple of years or so.

karlj Wrote:
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> And it's deplorable largely in part of the hordes
> of unwashed ilk that passes through the station
> these days. I remember so vividly as a small child
> going to the station when family would arrive or
> depart. You didn't see mindless drones staggering
> through in gym clothes, smelly feet in flip flops,
> dragging along a eighty pound duffel bag. Or a
> family carrying their luggage in Rubbermaid
> laundry baskets. They deserve exactly what they
> have. Barrier glass and soda machines.

The sky cap was like "which ones yours? the samsonite?"
They were like, "no we got the igloo with the duct tape on it and the 5 piggly wiggly bags right there!"
-Jeff Foxworthy