This week, many of our old friends will return to Culver City to enjoy their 50-year Culver High Reunion. The Culver City Historical Society also hosted many of the first Culver High graduates (Class of ’53) this month. What will they notice? For one thing, “Downtown Culver City” has certainly changed! For proof positive, just take a look at this 1959 photo!
This image pictures Washington Boulevard, looking west. The fellow in the designated crosswalk was destined to arrive on the sidewalk next to the barely visible hotel that was built in the middle of “the Culver-Washington X.” Constructed by city-founder Harry H. Culver in 1924, it opened as the “ Hotel Hunt. On an island of sorts, the (now) Culver Hotel was destined to house the city founder’s offices, and many of the “Little People” during the filming of the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz. After many changes in ownership and much work, it has earned city “Landmark” status and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At the hotel’s west edge- just before the stop sign, look for a metal structure with insignias of many local service clubs, like the Lions, Rotary, Exchange, Optimist and Kiwanis.
At left, the first intersection is Van Buren Place. Just before crossing the street one had the opportunity to mail a letter in the small box that was fastened to a light pole. Many probably remember the subterranean tunnel under the street from that corner, to the sidewalk just outside the hotel. Originally designed for pedestrian safety, the city eventually closed and permanently filled in the tunnel.
In the next block, one could stop for gas at “Irv’s Richfield Station” and even take advantage of a “five minute car wash.” Several people appear to be approaching a bus. Culver City boasts the second oldest municipal bus department in the state. That block, which ran to Irving Place, also housed a bowling alley, Noren-Wooster Furniture, and other amenities like Mary Evelyn’s Do-Nuts!
The Meralta Theatre and Sweet Shop were west of Irving Place, just past today’s Fire Station #1. In the distance, the tower of the Culver (now Kirk Douglas) Theatre is visible. The landmark Washington Building (not visible) faced the hotel, and to the right, on Washington Boulevard, Freeman Furniture can be idenetified on the main floor of the historic Hull Building (now Akasha).
Note the proliferation of billboards in the area. Since it was November, the beginning of the holiday season, one advertised “Mission Pak” gifts. Billboards are no longer an option.
The cars, well, I will leave that up to the “boys” who are reunion-bound. Although not quite old enough to drive at that time, they can probably tell us all about them!
