President’s Message
by Louise Coffey-Webb, President
Dear Members,
Fall is upon us, and our annual fun “Picnic in the Park” seems a long happy time ago now. I am pleased to report that we had a record turn-out, were serenaded by our Steve Fry’s Dixieland band, “Razzmatazz,” while our City Historian Julie Lugo Cerra regaled us with a nifty quiz all about our city’s history.
An array of local dignitaries were in attendance, including CC Mayor Andy Weissman, as well as those not so local: Harry Culver’s grandson, Chris Wilde, drove up from Long Beach. As usual, the splendid BBQ was catered by our extraordinary local talent, Jim Rodrigues, with his delicious traditional Santa Maria-style , mouth-watering BBQ. I am pleased to acknowledge his dedication and generosity to our historical society, year-in and year-out. You rock, Jim!
More recently, we had great fun at Fiesta La Ballona in Veterans Memorial Park during the last weekend in August, where we honored our founding president, Cathy Zermeno. A steady flow of first-time and repeat visitors stopped by our Archives & Resource Center (ARC) to see our displays, and we were proud to share our “new improved” air conditioning, thanks to the diligence of Culver City’s Parks & Recreation Department.
Our big fundraiser event this year – “Meet Me in Culver City” – took place at one of our favorite venues, the historic Culver Hotel. As a tribute to our special guest and legendary actress Margaret O’Brien, a costume from the MGM film classic “Meet Me in St. Louis” will be on display at the ARC under the guidance of our Costume Chair, Sharon Shore.
In the interests of documenting local living history, our Culver City Historian and VP of the ARC, Julie Lugo Cerra, arranged a video interview with Dr. Charles Rozaire, esteemed archaeologist, anthropologist and longtime resident, chatting with Culver City schoolmate Virgie Eskridge (and former owner of Culver Flowers and CCHS Treasurer).
We also hope to see you at our General Meeting on October 17th. Jim Lamm, President of the Ballona Creek Renaissance, will present a unique natural history of our communal “back yard.” So do come and learn about a fascinating resource and a wonderful place to take your kids or jaded out-of-town visitors.
Also in October, we will have a table at the 7th Annual Los Angeles Archives Bazaar. This is a jam-packed free event on Southern California’s history held at the Doheny Memorial Library on the USC Campus: Saturday, October 27th, 9am-5pm. Come visit!
And one last thing… The NEW Culver City Visitors Map is now here! You may pick up a copy at the ARC.