31 Amazing Vintage Photographs Showing Life in Whittier, California During the Early 20th Century

Whittier is located in Los Angeles County, about 12 miles southeast of the City of Los Angeles, California.

The City of Whittier has a diverse and colorful history beginning with the Gabrielino Indians who first inhabited the area during the City’s pre-history. Later, Spanish California (1769-1821) would influence the region with the establishment of both missions and large ranchos. It was the Spanish land grant given to retired solider Jose Manuel Nieto in 1784 that would encompass part of present day Whittier.

During the 1920s and 1930s, residential and commercial development was becoming increasingly geared toward accommodating the automobile. This became evident as residential garages replaced barns and streets were widened and paved with parking spaces to accommodate automobile traffic as the use of public rail for transportation waned and eventually ended in Whittier by 1938.

Here are some rare and amazing vintage photos that show the life in Whittier, California from between the 1900s and 1920s.