Old Torrance Olmsted District: Images of America
Old Torrance Olmsted District is an Images of America book about the history and landmarks of Torrance, California. Its vintage-photograph format focuses on the district laid out in 1912, with references to its streets, parks, architecture and rail history.
At a glance
- Covers Old Torrance, also called the Olmsted District, and its development as an industrial city.
- The listing describes a vintage-photograph history, including places, landmarks and industries.
- Discusses urban designer Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and architect Irving Gill's local work.
Reference price: $24.99
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- A focused local-history subject gives the book a clear appeal for Torrance residents and regional-history readers.
- The listing identifies vintage photographs as the series' approach to exploring local history.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Arcadia Publishing |
|---|---|
| Publication date | February 20, 2006 |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 128 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0738530654 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0738530659 |
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 0.28 x 9.25 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 10.4 ounces |
What to know before buying
- The listing describes downtown Torrance as both Old Torrance and the Olmsted District, with the area bounded by Western Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard and lying south of Dominguez Way and north of Plaza Del Amo.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Torrance and Los Angeles County's South Bay history.
- People researching local architecture, urban planning or railroad history.
- Collectors of illustrated community-history books.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a general history of Los Angeles County rather than a focused account of Old Torrance.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
58% 58% - 4 stars
30% 30% - 3 stars
12% 12% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
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Aggregate customer ratings lean positive, with most ratings in the four- or five-star categories and some three-star ratings. This small rating sample does not reveal what readers liked or disliked, so it offers limited guidance beyond a generally favorable but not unanimous reception.
Frequently asked questions
What area does the book cover?
The description focuses on downtown Torrance, also known as Old Torrance and the Olmsted District, and identifies streets, buildings and parks in the area.
What is the book's format and length?
The listing identifies it as an illustrated English edition with 128 pages and describes the Images of America series as using vintage photographs.
Which historical figures are discussed?
The description highlights urban designer Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., town founder Jared Sidney Torrance and architect Irving Gill.
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