This was originally called – believe it or not – Fireman Street. The year was 1885 and the name was presumably chosen by developer (and former L.A. mayor) Prudent Beaudry. While one would assume a fire station was located here, I found no evidence. Maybe that’s why one of the street’s residents, Maria Callahan, petitioned City Council to change it to “Park Place” in 1887. They turned her down but it seems that she unofficially got her way as it was labeled Park Place on some old maps. Finally, in 1911, Council decided to change Fireman Street to the soundalike Firmin Street, possibly inspired by San Pedro’s Point Fermin lighthouse (note spelling). Alas, Mrs. Callahan wasn’t there to celebrate: she died two years earlier.
Find it on the map:
