Fast Digs: False Start at Los Angeles Athletic Park Track, 1899

 Unfortunately I didn't find this photo in time to include it in volume one of Fast Digs, it may be the best photo (which ain't saying much) of the track at the old Los Angeles Athletic Park, opened at the end of 1891.

The photo's caption, which appeared in the Daily News, 8 April 1924, reads: Alameda at Seventh Street in 1899 - The old bicycle track was on the northeast corner of Seventh and Alameda street, with the country south and east undeveloped. The Bishop factory was adjoining the old Coronel ranch, where Helen Hunt Jackson spent so many happy hours, the candy and cracker factory standing about 100 yards north of Seventh street. The 150 feet high electric light towers were then in use, one being shown at this corner. In the foreground is a bicycle race, starting on the back stretch of the track, and the pole man has beaten the pistol, thanks to Dave Burke, who shoved him off. The track (you might remember from reading Fast Digs) was a banked one, and I believe that is what we can make out in the background, rising from right to left.