The new expanded edition of ‘Los Angeles Before the Freeways: Images of an Era 1850-1950’ invites readers to explore the transformation of Los Angeles through the lens of photographer Arnold Hylen.
This collection, originally published in 1981 by Dawson’s Book Shop, showcases Hylen’s poignant images of buildings and homes that have since been demolished as L.A. evolved into a modern metropolis.
Now available from Angel City Press and at the Los Angeles Public Library, the revised edition includes additional content that sheds light on the city’s rapid urban changes.
Historian Nathan Marsak, author of ‘Bunker Hill Los Angeles,’ has taken on the task of reviving Hylen’s work and legacy for a new generation.
Marsak describes Hylen as a “fascinating character” who seemed out of sync with the progressive mindset of his era.
Born in Sweden in 1908, Hylen emigrated to the United States with his family as a child, eventually settling in Los Angeles.
He developed an artistic inclination at a young age, inspired by his carpenter father while traversing downtown L.A.
Initially pursuing a career as a painter after studying at Chouinard, Hylen found his true calling in photography, which he practiced professionally while working at Fluor Corporation.
During his free time, Hylen dedicated himself to capturing the ever-changing landscape of downtown L.A., documenting structures that were disappearing before his eyes.
Marsak emphasizes the historical context of Hylen’s work within post-war America, a time marked by a desire to look forward and embrace change.
Yet, Hylen took a different approach, choosing not to ignore the quieter truths of a city in transition.
Marsak states, “He was truly forward-thinking by recognizing the old adage, when it’s gone, it’s gone.”
Hylen’s awareness of the city’s disappearing architectural heritage serves as a reminder of the importance of preservation amidst constant urban growth.
In the early 1990s, while working at MOCA, Marsak came across references to Hylen’s original book and became captivated by the photographs.
His quest to secure a copy led him to a used bookstore, where he ultimately purchased it despite its high price tag.
Using Hylen’s work as a guide, Marsak found himself exploring the streets of Los Angeles with the book as a visual map, akin to the popular Thomas Guide used by drivers of the time.
Determined to bring Hylen’s work back into public view, Marsak began a lengthy process of reprinting ‘Los Angeles Before the Freeways.’
Acquiring the rights to the book and the original negatives was only the beginning; the negatives also required careful cleaning and restoration to ensure quality.
Marsak added his own introductory essay and extended captions to provide contemporary context for today’s readers, enhancing the historical significance of Hylen’s work.
The new edition of ‘Los Angeles Before the Freeways’ boasts 143 images, surpassing the original 116,
thanks to the discovery of additional photographs among Hylen’s negatives that had previously gone unpublished.
Marsak recalls his excitement in uncovering unseen images, exclaiming, “What’s that? That’s incredible!” as he pored over the negatives.
Although Hylen’s initial book did not achieve widespread recognition at the time of its publication, appreciation for his work has grown significantly over the years.
Marsak notes that Hylen was not the only photographer in L.A. during the 1950s, but he has gained a unique reputation due to the availability of his images through databases like the California State Library.
These images have become essential for those looking to understand the architectural and cultural backdrop of old Los Angeles.
Marsak believes that Hylen’s contributions are invaluable in preserving a visual record of a dynamic city that continues to evolve.
He hopes that the new edition will inspire a sense of preservation among readers who reflect on the landscapes captured in Hylen’s work, potentially igniting an interest in maintaining the city’s history.
As for Marsak, his exploration doesn’t end with Hylen.
He theorizes that there might be hidden archives from earlier decades that document structures lost before Hylen’s own time.
He muses, “There could have been a Hylen-esque fellow in the ‘30s who went around taking pictures of things as they were being demolished.”
The quest for L.A.’s visual history continues as new audiences discover and appreciate the legacies left behind by photographers like Arnold Hylen.
image source from：https://www.presstelegram.com/2025/04/28/how-a-lone-photographer-documented-los-angeles-before-the-freeways/
