This book is being published in celebration of Torrance High School's 100th
birthday. For details regarding associated Centennial events, visit:
www.TorranceHighCentennial.com
Woo-hoo! It's summer, so it's time to stay open late! The Torrance
Historical Society would LOVE it if you'd join us for Late Night
Thursdays for
the rest of this month at the Museum (1345 Post Ave., Old Torrance). By
extending the Museum hours until 8:00 PM, we'll be adding to the buzz of Old
Torrance!
- See a photo of Mrs. Jared Sidney Torrance (Helena), and ... take your own
photo with Jared
- Check out the historic Red Car photos and original ticket on display
- Touch one of the original Torrance cowboy's saddle (yes, Torrance
used to be a farming community -- right down to cows, pigs, minks, turkeys,
strawberries and flowers)
- View the training shorts and sweatshirt Louis Zamperini wore during the 1936
Olympics, the luggage the community bought for him to attend the Olympic
Tryouts in NY, and other "Lucky Louie" treasures
On these Late Night Thursdays, the Museum will be open from 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM,
and treats will be served.
Special Guest list - Guests will be at the Museum from 6:00 - 8:00
PM:
Thursday, August 17th
Mike the Map Man is back by popular demand --- view decades worth of maps from
the Historic Map Archives.
Thursday, August 24th
View Torrance Rose Float Parade entries photos from over the decades, and
preview the 2018 Torrance Rose Float design.
Thursday, August 31st
See the City's Centennial DVD of Lois Zamperini - Triumph of the Torrance
Tornado, and the clip of when Louis won the 1934 Southern California Track
&
Field Championship. "Running in what was celebrated at the best field of high
school milers in history, Louie routed them all and smoked the mile in 4:21:3,
shattering the national high school record, set during World War I, by more
than 2 seconds."
-- Laura Hillenbrand (The DVD will be playing from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM - pop in
any time -- it's only about 14 minutes long). We'll also have information
regarding Torrance High School's Centennial.
While you're downtown for these events, make a day of it, and dine at one of
our local restaurants ...
- Red Car Brewery & Restaurant - 1266 Sartori Ave. -
http://www.redcarbrewery.com/
- Tortilla Cantina - 1225 El Prado Avenue (Corner of Sartori Ave.) -
www.TortillaCantina.com
- Kech Cafe - 1231 Cabrillo Ave., #103 - 424.376.5000 -
kechcafeinfo@gmail.com
- Depot - 1250 Cabrillo Ave. - www.depotrestaurant.com
- Local Kitchen - 1321 Sartori Ave. - 424.337.1321 or
www.localkitchentavern.com
- Chado Tea Room - 1303 El Prado Ave., Old Torrance -
https://chadotearoom.com/catering-menu/
- La Capilla - 1332 Sartori Ave. - 310.533.1048
- Lucio's - 1605 Cabrillo Ave. - 310.328.9810
- By Brazil - 1615 Cabrillo Ave. - www.bybrazilbbq.com
- Restoration Kitchen & Wine - 1437 Marcelina Ave. -
www.restorationkitchenandwine.com
- Keegan's Pub & Grill - 1434 Marcelina Ave. - 310.328.3750
- Crest Restaurant & Bar - 1625 Cabrillo Ave. - 310.320.9347
- Irifune Japanese Restaurant - 1231 Cabrillo Ave., #107 - 310.782.7330
- Eat at Rudy's - 1340 Post Ave. (open 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM) -
310.533.0752
- Old Torrance Coffee & Tea - 1413 Marcelina Avenue -
http://otcoffeetea.com
- Angara Indian Restaurant - 2170 Torrance Blvd, Torrance 90501 -
http://www.angara.us
- Fosters Freeze - 1624 Cravens Ave. - 310.328.1375
- Torrance Bakery - 1341 El Prado Ave. - www.TorranceBakery.com
Summer Stroll
Thursday, August 10, 2017
What: 6th Annual Summer Stroll - docent-led walking tour of Old Torrance
Historic Buildings and a taste of what is inside.
You will tour some of the hip restaurants in Old Torrance for a sip & a snack,
and a peek into the past behind the brick and mortar.
When Torrance was founded 100 years ago, business began to build. Downtown
Torrance, which was in the center of the original footprint of the City, soon
became the heartbeat of the town. A century later, many a business has come
and gone through those old buildings - they each have a story to tell.
Not only will you learn the building's history, we'll show you old photos of
the "before", as you stand in the "now."
When:Thursday, August 10, 2017 6:00PM SHARP! - You must be on time!
Location: Meet at Torrance Historical Society & Museum, 1345 Post
Avenue.
Who: Adults, 21 years and older only
RSVP: 310.328.5392 or email Debbie Hays: debbie.simpson@acssoftware.com
Reservations honored on a first come/first-served basis. Payment must be
received within 48 hours of reservation in order to hold your spot. This has
been a SOLD-OUT event every year!
Cost: $35.00 per person - Reservations required. Space is limited.
Make checks payable to:
"Torrance Historical Society" No credit or debit cards, no Paypal accepted.
Mail checks to and please include names, phone numbers and email of
participants:
Torrance Historical Society
1345 Post Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501
All money raised will be used to fund programs and projects for the Torrance
Historical Society & Museum.
Buildings on Tour:The Torrance Historical Society Museum, Red Car
Brewery & Restaurant,
Tortilla Cantina, Kech Cafe., Depot, Local Kitchen, Restoration Kitchen & Wine
and Torrance Bakery.
Info: If you have any questions or would like additional information, please
visit www.torrancehistoricalsociety.org or call the Museum at (310) 328-5392.
The Torrance Historical Society Rocks Around the Block in Celebration of the
All-America City Award
When: Thursday, July 20, 2017 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Location: Torrance Historical Society & Museum, 1345 Post Avenue
Cost: Free and open to the public - donations accepted. Nominal fee for
food and beverage
Info: If you have any questions or would like additional information, please
visit or call the Museum at (310) 328-5392.
This is a fund raiser for the Torrance Historical Society & Museum.
The Torrance Historical Society and our sponsors will host this 1950s-style
family summer event in celebration of Torrance's All-America City Award --
one of America's original and most prestigious community recognition awards.
The City received this award for "Growth without strain" back in the 1956
when Albert Isen was Mayor of Torrance. This free event is open to the public
and will be held in front of the Museum (1345 Post Avenue). Post Avenue will
be blocked off from Cravens to Sartori, so guests can:
- Bop to 50s music - by DJ Ozzie
- Munch on burgers from the IN-N-OUT burger wagon (burgers served from
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM, see below for pricing)
- See special exhibits featuring the original congratulatory
telegram from President Eisenhower, along with the All-America
City button & logo
- Check-out high school yearbooks -- the Torrance Historical
Society has the largest collection
- Enter the hula hoop, bubble gum blowin', cake walk and
pie eating contests - there are prizes!
- View vintage cars on display along Post Avenue, courtesy of Cruisin' 50s
Car Club, Touring A's and local car owners
- Alex Hattori, 3-time US National Champion and currently 2nd Place World yo-yo
champ, will also be on stage amazing the crowd with his award winning tricks
and will do a live demo for those who want to learn the skill of yo-yo-ing
-
Guests have the opportunity to learn hands-on CPR from the Torrance Fire Dept.
to the Bee Gee's tune of "Stayin' Alive."
Tickets for the IN-N-OUT burger wagon can be purchased at
the "burger desk" on the Museum lawn during the event.
Cash or personal check, made payable to the Torrance
Historical Society will be accepted. Sorry no credit
cards are accepted. Exact change is appreciated.
One burger or grilled cheese sandwich, chips and a fountain drink will be available for
$9.00 until 7:30 p.m. or until sold out. Please arrive
early due limited availability.
Cash or personal check, made payable to the Torrance Historical Society will
be accepted. Sorry, no credit cards are accepted. Exact change is appreciated
and please no large bills.
The Bartlett Senior (over 50) Center will also be hosting
an Open House this same night -- you can dine on their
patio and listen to The South Bay Strummers (ukulele
group) and dance to the Liz Holmes Retro Swing Band.
The Torrance Woman's Club will also have their
1950s Club scrapbook available for viewing. Also, the
Torrelles -- a group of City employees who sing 50s and
60s songs in a cappella, will entertain guests.
This FREE 1950s-style family event is sponsored by TBA
and hosted in
partnership with the City of Torrance, Old Torrance
Neighborhood Association, CitiCABLE 3, and Torrance Bakery.
If you have any questions or
would like additional information, please call the Museum
at (310) 328-5392 or visit
www.TorranceHistoricalSociety.org.
Downtown Torrance Art Walk
What: Outstanding local artists from the South Bay will be
showcased in over a dozen venues including the
Torrance Historical Society & Museum.
When: Saturday, June 24th - 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Starts at APC Fine Arts Gallery - 1621 Cabrillo Ave., Old
Torrance
Cost: Free
Annual Meeting & Installation of Officers
Guided Bus Tour of Louis Zamperini's Old Haunts
Celebrating 100 Years
2017 marks the year Torrance's Hometown Hero, Louis Zamperini, would have
turned 100. In celebration of his Centennial year, the Torrance Historical
Society will be hosting Zamperini-themed events, including a Guided Bus Tour
of his Old Haunts.
Have you ever wondered this about Louis Zamperini . . .
- Where did he used to hang out in his youth?
- At what age did he start smoking and drinking?
- Who was his idol?
- How did he get even with the girls who teased him at school?
- What were some of his nick names?
- At what age did he turn his life around and become a championship
runner?
- What piece of advice did his brother give him in the final lap of a mile race
which he drew upon to keep going -- even when he was in pain and exhausted --
and still uses today?
The answers to these questions, and many more, will be shared with those who
are fortunate enough to grab a seat on the guided bus tour of Louis' old
stompin' grounds on Sunday, June 4th.
In addition, we'll cruise along the two-mile stretch of the 405 Fwy., between
Redondo Beach Blvd. and Western Ave., which will soon be dedicated the
Zamperini Memorial Highway. The new signage will be installed the day prior
to the Bus Tour.
One lucky winner will go home with a copy of Louis Zamperini's book, "Don't
Give Up, Don't Give In" (completed two days before his death) signed by his
son Luke Zamperini.
What: Annual Meeting & installation of Officers.
Guided Bus Tour - Zamperini's Old Haunts given by Torrance Historians Debbie
Hays & Janet Payne
When: Sunday, June 4th
Time: 9:30AM - Check-in
9:45AM - Installation of new Torrance Historical Society Officers
10:00AM - Tour begins (leaves from Museum - 1345 Post AVe.)
Where: Tour starts and ends at the Torrance Historical Society Museum,
1345 Post Ave. (at Cravens)
Cost: THS Members - $20.00 per person / Non-Members - $25.00 per person
No credit card, debit cards, no Paypal accepted. Either mail in a check
or bring cash or check when the Museum is open. Exact change appreciated.
please no $50 or $100 bills.
Mail checks to: Torrance Historical Society
1345 Post Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501
Include the name, email address, and phone number of each person in your
group, and mail to Torrance Historical Society, 1345 Post Ave., Torrance, CA
90501.
Checks payable to "Torrance Historical Society"
RSVP: 310.328.5392 or email Debbie Hays: debbie.simpson@acssoftware.com
Info: If you have any questions or would like additional information, please
visit www.torrancehistoricalsociety.org or call the Museum at (310) 328-5392.
Note: Seating for this event is limited, so mail your check now
to reserve
your spot.
Attire: Dress casual, walking shoes recommended, as we will get on-and-off the
bus several times, and some walking is involved.
Names on the Wall Remembrance
The Torrance Historical Society will conduct a memorial service for Torrance
service personnel who gave their lives in U. S. military actions. The program
will include the reading of the 146 Names on the Wall. Those names include war
losses from World War I to those in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
What: Names on the Wall Remembrance
When: Memorial Day - Monday, May 29th 2:00 PM (see location)
Location: City of Torrance Veterans' Memorial Wall at Memorial Plaza, Torrance
Blvd. at Maple at 2:00PM
Cost: Free and open to the public
Info: If you have any questions or would like additional information, please
visit Torrance Historical &
Society and Museum, or call the Museum at (310)
328-5392.
"On Monday, we will be grateful for the gift of those who never came home. We
will remember -- every day is Memorial Day. We will pray that we may never add
another name to that cold, black wall," noted Jerry Ronan, Torrance Historical
Society Board Member and WWII Veteran.
Meet the Authors & Book Signing
96 years young - WWII Veterans Mel and Muriel Engleman share their story.
Behind the Front Lines
Mel served as a Marine in the Pacific Theatre while Muriel served as an Army
nurse behind the front lines at the Battle of the Bulge.
A 1st Lieutenant, ANC, Muriel was a staff member of the 16th General Hospital,
Liege, Belgium, 1944 to 1945, and was awarded the European Theatre Medal with
three Battle Stars and the Belgian Fourragere. The 16th General Hospital was
under experiment by the U.S. War Department to place a general hospital with a
triage system in tents as close to the fighting lines as possible.
The hospital was ravaged by buzz bombs, each carrying 2000 pounds of explosives,
which fell every 12-15 minutes, 24 hours a day, for 2 1/2 months, destroying
hospital tents and inflicting heavy casualties. On Christmas Eve, Germans
strafed and bombed the hospital, killing and wounding scores of patients and
staff. The enemy had surrounded Bastogne. As they approached Liège, nurses
were told to be ready to move out within minutes and expect capture by the
Germans. Muriel wore dog tags with an H for Hebrew.
What: Meet the Author and book signing event with Mel and Muriel
Engleman.
When: Sunday, May 21, 2017
Time: 2:00 PM
Where: Torrance Historical Society & Museum, 1345 Post Avenue
No RSVP and No Charge: Free event. No reservations but seating is limited to
first-come / first-served. $20 charge for book.
Info: 310.328.5392 or visit torrancehistoricalsociety.org.
The book, Mission Accomplished: Stop The Clock, by Muriel Engleman will be available for signing and purchase. $20 fee for book, event
is free. Check & cash accepted, no credit or debit cards and Paypal not
accepted.
Please no $50 nor $100 bills.
To contact author:
engelmanma@aol.com and www.MurielEngelman.com
To order book:
www.CreateSpace.com/4829908
or order on Amazon
Let's Eat Cake
Celebrating 55 Years of the Torrance Area's League of Women
Voters
This Sunday, in honor of Women's History Month, the Torrance Historical
Society will be hosting the League of Women Voters (Torrance Area) 55th
Birthday Celebration..
You're invited to join both organizations in strolling down memory lane in
viewing memorabilia, photos, documents and treasures. A favorite is the image
of Former Mayor Katy Geissert, in her 20's, pointing to a poster highlighting
the pros and cons of upcoming state ballot proposals, and . . . lots more!
What: "Let's Eat Cake" with Torrance Area's League of Women Voters
celebrating 50 years
When: Sunday, March 12th
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Where: Torrance Historical Society Museum - 1345 Post Ave (at
Cravens)
Cost: Free - Donations appreciated
RSVP: No RSVP required - come and bring a friend or more
Additional Info: If you have any questions or would like additional
information, call the Museum at (310) 328-5392
Tea at Two - a Valentine's Day Tea and Program
The Torrance Historical Society & Museum is hosting Tea at Two - a Valentine's
Day Tea and Program at the Museum. The pleasure of your company is requested
for this afternoon of tea, delicious delicacies and history!
Proceeds from this fund-raiser directly benefit the Museum - archiving
activities, historical discoveries, research projects, special programs, its
operation and exhibits.
When: Saturday, February 4th, 2017
Where: Torrance Historical Society & Museum - 1345 Post Avenue, Old
Torrance
Time: 2:00 PM, doors open at 1:45 PM
Cost: $25 per person -- seating is limited, so reservations are required and
will be taken on a first come/first served basis. See RSVP.
Checks made payable to "Torrance Historical Society" are to be mailed to:
Torrance Historical Society
1345 Post Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501
RSVP: 310.328.5392 - this has been a sold out event each year
* Checks must be received within 48 hours of the event
* of reservation to hold your spot.
Info: 310.328.5392 or visit:
www.TorranceHistoricalSociety.org
Attire: Tea attire -- hats and gloves optional
The day will include:
- Vintage Boutique by Janet Stancliff of
Sunnyland Estate Sales - including vintage
hankies
- Each table will feature a teapot from the
private collection of Jamie Ruth Watson,
Past President of the Torrance Historical
Society
- A showing and presentation of the private
Vintage Hankie Collecton of Beth Wilson
- Opportunity to win fabulous gift baskets
Meet the Authors - Judith Gerber & Rachel Surls
The Torrance Historical Society is getting the New Year moving with a Meet
the Author(s) event with farm-friendly authors Rachel Surls and Judith Gerber
who will dish the dirt on their new book, From Cows to Concrete: The Rise and
Fall of Farming in Los Angeles.
They will share the epic tale of how agriculture forged Los Angeles into an
urban metropolis, and how, ultimately, the Los Angeles farm empire spurred the
very growth that paved it over, as sprawling suburbs swallowed up thousands of
acres of prime farmland. And how, on the same land once squandered by
corporate greed and “progress,” urban farmers are making inroads to a greener
future.
What: Meet the Author event with Judith Gerber & Rachel Surls.
Judi Gerber is a THS board member, Torrance Library Commissioner, book
author, Torrance Community Garden Instructor and more. She is author of
Farming in Torrance and the South Bay and her latest book written in
conjunction with Rachel Surls is From Cows to Concrete.
Rachel Surls is a
Sustainable Food Sytems Advisor for University of California Extension, Los
Angeles County and Co-Author of From Cows to Concrete.
When: Sunday, January 15, 2017
Time: 2:00 PM
Where: Torrance Historical Society & Museum
No RSVP and no charge: Free event. No reservations but seating is limited to
first-come / first-served. Fee for book purchase.
Info: 310.328.5392 or visit torrancehistoricalsociety.org.
Both books will be available for signing and purchase.
From Cows to Concrete books (9x9 inch hardcover) will be available for signing and
purchase ($40) - cash, checks AND credit cards accepted for purchase of this
book.
Farming in Torrance and the South Bay by Judith Gerber, will also be available
for signing and purchase ($20) – cash or checks ONLY accepted for purchase of
this book).
Until the 1950's, Los Angeles County was the agricultural center of North
America. Today, few Angelenos realize that so much of the land was once home to
ranchos, orange groves and celery fields. Rachel Surls
and Judith Gerber
reconnect us with LA's farm roots in their new book, From Cows to Concrete:
The Rise and Fall of Farming in Los Angeles.
Past Events
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
