Los Angeles Historian

414-416-418 So. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA. “The only Hotel in the U.S. where TIPPING is absolutely prohibited. Rates $1.50 and up. ALL Private Baths.”

Note written on the back:
Los Angeles – July 18, 1917
My precious boy, Louise has been talking much of you and Fremont today. She thinks you will get too hot pulling weeds. It is nearly as warm here, I believe, as it is in Nebr. But this is a wonderful city. You can buy a big 5 course dinner here for 30 cts. I am sure in Omaha it would be double in price. Louise and I are quite at home – for here it seems that everyone is a tourist. With much love for you + Otto. Mother.
Our room is on 11th floor.

Los Angeles – July 18, 1917
Dear little chap, In this writing room where I am – a very young man is playing the piano, and I wish you could hear him. He seems to remember everything, and enjoys it so thoroughly. But that means that he worked hard in the beginning. I wish you + Eugene were along to see this great country. Would you be as good, I wonder, as Louise is? Are you having some good times also with your work? Love + love Mother.

Los Angeles – July 20
Dear Eugene – We have just returned from spending a day and night with Mrs. Knotts and Josephine in Long Beach which has miles of elegant beach. How is our garden, and Colonel? Love – Mother.

The Hotel Stowell was named after and built by Mr. Nathan Wilson Stowell, who was responsible for irrigating the Imperial Valley, and later became a real estate entrepreneur. He hired architects Frederick Noonan and William Richards to design the building, which was built 1914 for a cost of $400,000.

Later its name was changed to the El Dorado Hotel and currently it’s being coverted into the El Dorado Lofts! Their website mentions that Charlie Chaplin once lived here. It also states that “the ground floor boasts what is thought to be the largest area of intact Batchelder tile in the world.”

We look forward to seeing the building when it’s finished!