Fall 2012 ARC Update

by Julie Lugo Cerra, Vice President, Museum/ARC and City Historian

A Busy Summer At The Arc

First, let us say that this simmer has not been without its challenges, but we are now very “cool” in many ways! We are back in business with air conditioning in “the West Wing” which is so important for our collection and our volunteers, alike.

This summer, we hosted many visitors, including youngsters from the Parks & Recreation Community Services (PRCS) camp program on August 1. CCHS Board members Jeanne Conklin and Joy Jacobs helped to make them feel welcome, sharing historical information about the Society and the city’s heritage.

A Variety Of Costume & Photo Displays

We have had a lot of foot traffic to see our summer exhibit. The LA84 Olympic display is on loan from founding member Pat Clapp. We even have her uniform from her time at the UCLA’s gymnastics venue where she volunteered.

Costume Chair Sharon Shore’s choice of costumes was very well received, especially the bodysuit worn by Esther Williams in Neptune’s Daughter – and watch for an Esther Williams “presence” at the entry to the plunge.

Look for some great oversize movie photos in the hall in the Veterans Memorial Building. We have been working on this display with Susan Obrow – thanks, Susan!

The Fiesta La Ballona exhibit included a princess dress from the early days of the Fiesta, along with other early items including some great photos, buttons, trophies, and even a young boy’s shirt on loan from Cathy Zermeno.

Display & File Cases Add Structure To Presentations

Organization in small spaces is never easy, but we are really making headway with the presentation of our wonderful collections. Special thanks to Bill Barnett who searched for, found and graciously donated many flat files, which are now numbered and being loaded with many prized items. President Louise has been vigilant finding other display options, including a glass display case. We are getting ready to load our new winged files as well.

Society Videotapes Noted Archeologist Charles Rozaire

At a special ARC event on September 18, we had the opportunity to videotape one of our most noteworthy members, Dr. Charles Rozaire, who grew up in Culver City and attended Culver Grammar School with friends like Virgie (Tinger) Eskridge. Charles, a noted archaeologist and anthropologist, offered keen insight into our early inhabitants from a professional perspective, and especially enjoyed talking about growing up in the city, near prominent city officials such as Mike Tellefson, Bill Douglas and others. Special thanks to all who attended and helped – notably our own photo/video guy Kevin Lachoff. The guest of honor was accompanied by media expert and friend Michael David McGuire, who came in from NY to transport Charles to our picnic and for this interview.

New Culver City Expo Line Station Profiled

Culver City is covered in the summer edition of Metro Motion – for the opening of our Expo Line station. Go to www.metro.net/news/metro-motion/ to view the summer edition – you may recognize many familiar faces and local spots.

Archives and Resource Center Plays Various Roles For Community

Prior to the Fiesta, I enjoyed speaking at local service clubs, like the Exchange and Rotary clubs. They loved the photos of “the olden days” and they were good sports with my Fiesta Trivia Quiz. Fiesta weekend, we visited with many delighted and delightful guests. It was great to see the old “Pokey”, refurbished by the Rotarians!

In advance of the city’s 95th Anniversary, legendary Oscar-winning icon, Margaret O’Brien donated a number of her personal photos to our collection. We will be pleased to enjoy them on a special exhibit at the Archives.

A Big “Thank You” To Our Wonderful Volunteers!

The Archives is changing due to the hard work of our volunteers like Sharon Shore, Bill Barnett, Joy Jacobs, Steve Rose, Lydia Spiegelman, Martha Sigall, Cathy Zermeno, Tami Eskridge, Jeanne Conklin, Carol Schwab, Jerry Sallus, Linda Forman, and of course president Louise. Some work out front, and others in the background, but a huge thanks to all!

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