New Years Eve in Los Angeles 75 years ago

As 1936 gave way to 1937, a precursor to Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve held court in Los Angeles. NBC radio networks, along with KFI and KECA, broadcast the 'sounds of America dancing, shouting and singing' from such locales as New York, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, San Francisco and Los Angeles.



Locally KHJ broadcast both Phil Harris's Palomar Orchestra, and Duke Ellington's Orchestra performing at Sebastian's Cotton Club.



Just as in decades past, Broadway was blocked off from First to Ninth streets to the delight (and safety) of the teaming throngs. The Los Angeles Times noted that it was 'the greatest New Year's Eve celebration the city had seen in many years.' It was also noted that the crowds were orderly and 'according to police observers, there was a marked absence of destructive rowdyism, public drunkenness and crime'.

The building is still there, but for how much longer?

CBS Columbia Square at 6121 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood opened its doors in 1938 and, as the West Coast headquarters of the Columbia Broadcasting System, was home to some of radio and televisions most popular shows. Stars that broadcast from here include Red Skeleton, Jack Benny, Edgar Bergen, George Burns and Gracie Allen. The adjacent Brittinghams restaurant must have been quite a fun place to dine.
Sadly the last radio station left CBS Columbia Square in 2005 and the last TV stations in the building followed in 2007. Check it out for yourself before its converted to condos.