Form and Landscape: Southern California Edison and the Los Angeles Basin, 1940-1990 in pictures

Hemet, California, Main Street, circa 1940 Photograph: The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

People living in an "all electric home", 1955 Photograph: Joseph Fadler/The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

Pokey's restaurant, Beverly Drive at Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, 1955 Photograph: Joseph Fadler/The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

Pool lighting and family at home, 1958 Photograph: Joseph Fadler/The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

Safety first, 1915 Photograph: The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

Shopping bag market, Los Angeles Photograph: Doug White/The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

South Pasadena recreation center Photograph: Doug White/The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

The famous Merle's drive-in, Visalia, c 1950 Photograph: Doug White/The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

Wilco Gas & Sieberling Tire Store, 1954 Photograph: Joseph Fadler/The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens