A Gem of a Freeway Book

[LA_MetroMan]

Anyone remember this gem from 1968?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hgrpix/8249481383/in/photostream

the back cover:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hgrpix/8250549896/in/photostream

It's a very humorous view of the planning of, the current state of and the future of transportation in the SoCal region as told from the 'road beat' reporter Panther Pierce of KMPC radio. Between his, Gary Owens and Dick Whittinghills raucous handling of radio play, I couldn't stop listening to KMPC back then.

Note their boss Gene Autry penned a few words in a preface.
Post Merge: December 08, 2012, 12:05:10 AM
From within the book, this aerial shot was taken.

Can you identify this yet to be opened interstate in Los Angeles (1968)?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hgrpix/8250621184/in/photostream

[TheStranger]

From within the book, this aerial shot was taken.

Can you identify this yet to be opened interstate in Los Angeles (1968)?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hgrpix/8250621184/in/photostream

Santa Monica Freeway looking west from the East Los Angeles Interchange?

[Henry]

This sounds like an interesting read!

[kkt]

From within the book, this aerial shot was taken.

Can you identify this yet to be opened interstate in Los Angeles (1968)?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hgrpix/8250621184/in/photostream

Love how there's just one car on the ramp near the bottom of the picture...

From within the book, this aerial shot was taken.

Can you identify this yet to be opened interstate in Los Angeles (1968)?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hgrpix/8250621184/in/photostream

Love how there's almost no cars on any of the freeways at the bottom of the page.  Even at 4 AM on a Sunday there'd be more than that.

[LA_MetroMan]

From within the book, this aerial shot was taken.

Can you identify this yet to be opened interstate in Los Angeles (1968)?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hgrpix/8250621184/in/photostream

Santa Monica Freeway looking west from the East Los Angeles Interchange?

Pretty obvious, eh?   

You win the prize. A free trip on the 101 carpool lane between Calabasas Hill and the 405, congrats.

[BakoCondors]

This sounds like an interesting read!

Sorry if this is too long a bump but I just wanted to add that this book is a fascinating read. Part of a little treasure trove of books I found at the Kern County Library's main branch many years ago when I was still learning about highways.

[sdmichael]

i have a copy of this book. it is a great source for photos and information. i highly recommend finding a copy.

[agentsteel53]

i have a copy of this book. it is a great source for photos and information. i highly recommend finding a copy.

I will want to steal your copy at some point!

[Rick1962]

My mom bought me a copy when I was 9 or 10, somehow managed to avoid drawing in it or coloring anything. I still have it, and every now and again will pull it out and relive my childhood.

I remember the tanker fire on 405 over Sepulveda Pass that is mentioned in the book. We went through there the day after. The pavement was so badly damaged it had to be repaved where the truck burned. Made quite an impression on my 6-year-old mind!

[The High Plains Traveler]

I wish I still had it, but the above-mentioned KMPC DJ Gary Owens was offering autographed pictures of...the Harbor Freeway. I requested one, thought it looked a bit off, and finally concluded they'd substituted an aerial photo of the Hollywood. (Hey, a freeway's a freeway, right?)