Greater LA

The history of Wilshire Blvd and its ‘millionaire socialist’

Gaylord Wilshire was a land speculator, billboard tycoon, failed politician and inventor. He built Wilshire Boulevard, a street that became LA’s primary escape route from the horse-drawn era.

By Steve Chiotakis • Apr 28, 2021 • 25m Listen

Gaylord Wilshire was a land speculator, billboard tycoon, failed politician and inventor. He built Wilshire Boulevard, a street that became LA’s primary escape route from the horse-drawn era. But as the city got bigger, Gaylord Wilshire got smaller.

Steve Chiotakis
Afternoon News Anchor
Christian Bordal
Managing Producer, Greater LA
Jenna Kagel
Radio producer
Kathryn Barnes
Producer, Reporter

Housing & Development

Greater LA

The history of Wilshire Blvd and its ‘millionaire socialist’

Gaylord Wilshire was a land speculator, billboard tycoon, failed politician and inventor. He built Wilshire Boulevard, a street that became LA’s primary escape route from the horse-drawn era.

Share

Greater LA

The history of Wilshire Blvd and its ‘millionaire socialist’

Gaylord Wilshire was a land speculator, billboard tycoon, failed politician and inventor. He built Wilshire Boulevard, a street that became LA’s primary escape route from the horse-drawn era.

Share