Descendants of our Early Settlers give us wonderful “pieces” of history by sharing memories that describe our cultural landscape. We are lucky to have many stories of the founding families of Rancho La Ballona: brothers Agustin and Ygnacio Machado, Felipe Talamantes and his son, Tomas.
Margaret Lamorie Cruz, a descendent of Felipe Talamantes, reached a milestone this past May when she turned 100 years old!
Seen here in this photo, Margaret proudly displays her “Nuestra Senora de Sapopa.” In the case, she also keeps a piece of he mother’s bridal bouquet and other meaningful memorabilia. Born in 1911 at her grandmother’s home on a dirt road, now called Sepulveda Boulevard (near Washington Blvd.), Margaret is a wealth of information of the “olden days” – including memories of attending the first La Ballona grammar school.
Margaret still has a twinkle in her eyes, a taste for tequila, and she especially remembers the good times. Margaret, you are really something. Happy 100th birthday! And thanks for your memories!