Where busy Western Avenue crosses Interstate 10, Esotouric invites you to slow down for a side street stroll back in time, on a cultural and architectural history walking tour of West Adams, to explore some of the city’s oldest streetcar suburbs.

On this walk through the West Adams Heights, Western Heights and Sugar Hill neighborhoods, you’ll see relics of early infrastructure, transit and commerce, adorable bungalows and fabulous mansions, and the mournful shadows where landmarks used to be.

You’ll lament the tragic death of soul star Marvin Gaye, be astonished by the weird career of folk artist Dan Van Meter, tap your feet to the inspiring musical stylings of the Kids of Widney High, hear how the national integration battle played out in the homes of Sugar Hill and Norman O. Houston’s Golden State Mutual Insurance Company offices, and more.

Plus you’ll have a chance to explore the stunning Mediterranean / Moorish Revival Linda Scott Residence (Frank Tyler, 1906), Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #963, which is also home to a most unusual display: Al Guerrero’s Elmer McCurdy Museum and Gallery of Sideshow Attractions.

We’ll wrap up the walking tour with an intimate viewing of the world’s only full-body effigy of the notorious Old West outlaw Elmer McCurdy, who was famously mummified and exhibited as a sideshow attraction and as fun house decor from 1911-1977, when authorities were alerted and he finally was laid to rest. Elmer’s effigy is displayed in an interactive, multi-media installation alongside other hand-crafted folk art artifacts that celebrate the culture of the American Sideshow and the Spooky Rides, Terror Trains & Fun Houses that were found there.

With a mix of tales dark and light, and a rare chance to take a selfie with the beguiling Elmer McCurdy and hear about his posthumous career in Downtown, West Adams and Long Beach, this is a different kind of Los Angeles history tour you won’t soon forget.

This walking tour is illustrated with rare photos you can view on your smartphone.