North Hollywood numbered 36 pre-war industries, compared to today's 12,000 businesses and industries. Rathbun's Department Store had the highest sales volume for its size as an independent retailer in the nation. The "Valley Times", our daily newspaper, was an outgrowth of the community's "Laconic", which had begun printing in 1909. In the 1940s, a new fire station was built at Chandler and Tujunga. In 1949 the Campo de Cahuenga Historical Adobe was built on the site of the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga in 1847, bringing "peace with honor" and ending the hostilities of the Mexican American War in California, setting the stage for California to gain statehood in 1850.

In 1950, Universal City added 140 acres and thus became the largest film factory in the world. By the close of the 1950s, population reached 152,000, and there was a drive to help save Pacific Electric's Red Cars, get the trucks off of and resurface Lankershim Blvd., and widen Vineland Avenue. Valley Plaza became a reality in 1952 as the Sears store was dedicated. May Co. opened its doors in 1955. Valley Plaza and Laurel Plaza together were reported to be the largest suburban shopping center west of the Mississippi. The Chamber supported an Industrial Conference, and an expansion of sewers and storm drains. North Hollywood High heralded its uncrowned city champion football team of 1954, and Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake was the place to be.