Fast Digs Update: The Downtown Stadium

Lately I have been finding multiple references to a new (new being relative to 1921) wood bike racing track which was located at (or near) the intersection of Hill and Washington in downtown Los Angeles. Variously called the Downtown Stadium, Los Angeles Stadium, or simply the Stadium, I don't know yet how long it was in existence, and considering its prime real estate location it was probably not too long, but it seems to have been the scene of many races that year. Take for instance this story from the Los Angeles Herald, 9 February 1921, with the headline "Old Timers Rally to Support of Big Bike Race Revival":

Fred St. Onge of Boston, for years a noted trick and fancy rider on the cycle tracks and vaudeville circuits, now a retired business man, sojourning in Southern California, will revive the memories of old-timers in the bicycle game at the opening meet at the new Stadium board track at Washington and Hill streets on Sunday, Feb. 20, when he will ride a 56 inch high wheel around the steeply banked track against the quarter of a mile record. St. Onge has cherished his nickel-plated high wheel all these years, even though he has owned, ridden and discarded half a hundred "safeties" since he ceased riding the old "bone-shaker."

Such old-timers are Bill Ruess, Ralph Hamlin, Johnny Dye, William Newerf and hosts of others who were local stars when the old game flourished here will be at the trackside to witness the revival of the races. Aspiring youngsters are springing up by the dozen and the track is literally alive with youths and young men during the three-hour practice period each day. Forty-six entries for the opening meet have been received by Contest Director Anakin.

What is interesting about this track, besides its location is that is was, apparently, far more elaborate than the simple dirt tracks which seem to have been the mainstays of racing all around the region. Regrettably I am yet to find a photo.

Update: Turns out this area had long been utilized for "entertainment" purposes, a thirty-five acre area around Washington, Main, and Hill being known as Washington Gardens and Chutes Park as early as 1887.