Since May is Historic Preservation Month, and this coming Monday is Memorial Day, it seems fitting to focus on the men and women who have fought for our freedom.
On Dec. 10, 2011, the Culver City Historical Society unveiled a marker on Historic Site No. 13, the Veterans Memorial Building. The bronze plaque was placed in front of the building, and Society president Stuart Freeman welcomed a very special crowd, which included our legendary (now retired) director of Parks and Recreation, founding member of our historical society, and Veteran, Syd Kronenthal. The thoughtful invocation was given by our City Manager, John Nachbar, with WWII veteran Fred Yglesias leading the flag salute. As Historic Sites Chair, I was pleased to make some of the special introductions, which included Mayor Micheál O’Leary, who offered words from the city. The marker was unveiled by President Stuart Freeman, assisted by Culver City’s current Parks and Recreation Director, Daniel Hernandez and local veteran who served in two branches of the U.S. Armed Services, Fred Machado.
The exact wording in the marker reads:
“Historic Site No. 13: Veterans Memorial Building
Culver City acquired a major portion of this land, known as Exposition Park, in 1938. It was officially designated as Veterans Memorial Park August 8, 1949. Bond financing of $550,000 guaranteed the construction of the Veterans Memorial Building on the corner. The original plans promised a “recreational building with a stage, restaurant, film museum, playroom and large gymnasium.” The “tourist tower” was designed to view “back lot” movie sets at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios across the street. The cornerstone was laid April 15, 1950. The VMB was dedicated March 9, 1951, with Goodwin Knight, Lt. Governor at the time, in attendance. The Gold Star Mothers were the guests of honor. This structure designed to serve the entire community, once included a “Tower Restaurant.” The entry proudly exhibits a growing number of markers, placed to honor and remember the veterans who served our country, and who fought for our freedom in many wars.
Native Americans traversed this land before it was claimed as a portion of Rancho La Ballona in 1819. The Spanish Period yielded to Mexican control, followed by California statehood in 1850. This site was part of the original land acquired to incorporate as Culver City in 1917.”
Please stop by and see this marker and note all the plaques reflecting our respect for our veterans as you enter the building. And to those of you who have served, thank you!
Photo Caption: Historic Site No. 13 was unveiled in December 2011. The Culver City Historical Society and Resource Center is located at the back of this building, and shares an entry with the Parks, Recreation and Community Services offices. (photo by Kevin Lachoff)