The reverse view. The Baldwin Hills were still bare, brown velvet in '49:
http://www.leimertparkbeat.com/profi...ource=activity
The Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza was built to emulate the success of the Miracle Mile. Those were great stores. The Broadway is a Walmart now. The Museum of African American Art (MAAA) has been in the May Co (now Macy's) building since 1975. Well worth a visit.
http://www.maaala.org/ I got stuck in the frieght elevator there in the 90's when dropping something off at the museum. Also in the 90s Rosa Parks held a book signing at the museum. The line to see her snaked around the entire third floor. Very festive. Good times.
http://www.flickriver.com/groups/166...l/interesting/
http://www.baldwinhillscrenshawplaza.com/about
The Crenshaw May Co even somewhat mimiced the Miracle Mile store.
The display windows, "hanging gardens" and signage are now gone:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65359853@N00/4562161785/