The intersection of Florence and Central was "ground zero" for what became one of the largest industrial districts in the United States. According to Matt Roth, historian for the Automobile Club of Southern California, "The Goodyear Tire plant was built there, groundbreaking was in 1919. And this is what turned South Los Angeles into this vast industrial site."

Goodyear employed tens of thousands during the second World War. It also financed many of the neighborhood's bungalows for its workforce. And Roth says small businesses began cropping up.

"One of them was a hot dog and hamburger stand that ended up being Carl's Jr."

Over on Florence, just east of Central, was Benny Hardy's motorcycle shop. Matt Roth says, "Benny Hardy was one of the few, if not the only, African Americans who was an authorized Harley Davidson dealer." Hardy's customized bikes inspired the chopper, the long bike, and the entire "pimp my ride" craze.

(Airdate for this story: 8/25/07)