Graduations have taken place, summer is here but nostalgia is in thick the air. Plans are in place for Culver High class reunions. Culver’s Class of ’73 will host their 40-year reunion July 13 at the Elks.
The ever- active Class of ’63 will be back to visit in September for their 50-year reunion. The Culver City Historical Society will add open hours to their Archives and Resource Center for these special visitors.
exhibits will feature some special items to transport them back in time.
On special display, look for new acquisitions like an oversize photo of the Hamburger Handout! Do you remember riding in the family car, parking, and everyone heading out to get their favorite food?
There was the 19-cent hamburger, and of course the Mexican food, Chinese food or……. There was something for everyone- the “food court” offered something for everyone! We are grateful to the Collins family, through Jim Solomon, who donated this item to continue to once again whet our appetites!
Who does not remember the whistle of the Helms Coaches? The Society will show off some items related to this local landmark including a vintage architectural drawing.
Although you cannot still smell the bread baking, locals can still visit since the Marks family maintains the historic building as a part of their Helms Furniture District. The historic signs are maintained to remind us that Helms supplied foodstuffs for the 1932 Olympic village nearby.
And, of course there is a piece of public art on the Washington Boulevard side of the district that will make you smile.
Do you remember the elephants lumbering down a local boulevard in the 1960s? M-G-M was filming “Jumbo” right here in the Heart of Screenland! Jimmy Durante’s costume from that movie will be on display this summer in the Archives- from his hat right down to his fun shoes.
Of course the Fiesta, which began in 1951, brings back many memories as well. Did you participate in the Kiddie Parade, or ride on a float in the big parade? Did you swim in the Aquacade? Were you a Fiesta queen or princess? Did you enter the Mustache-growing contest?
Come by and see original banners and memorabilia from the Fiesta La Ballona, designed to celebrate our local heritage!!!
What do you remember? The Culver City Historical Society Archives and Resource Center will be open through August on the first and third Saturdays of the month (except July 20) from 1-3 p.m.
There are special open hours July 13 from noon to 2 p.m. and Sept. 28 from 1-3 p.m. for Culver High Reunions and friends. The society will open on Fiesta Saturday and Sunday, August 24-25, from noon to 4 p.m.
Stop by and tell us about your growing up years. There will be special forms to share some of your Culver City memories!
Photo Caption: ’63 Centaurs took a historic walk around Downtown Culver City, when they came back to visit in 2008. Walk was led by Historical Society docent Jeanne Conklin. Note the friends congregated in front of a “Helms Coach” at the annual car show that day!
