WINTER 2019/20
BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH THE WHITTIER PUBLIC LIBRARY “Historic preservation is about engaging the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future.” William J. Murtagh, first “Keeper” of the National Register of Historic Places
Washington Avenue Entrance.
When Whittier’s Civic Center was envisioned in the 1950s, the city hired noted local architect William Henry Harrison to create a hub for civic life. The library, built a couple of years after City Hall, has been recognized by both the Los Angeles Conservancy and the Whittier Conservancy as an exceptional example of midcentury, post-war civic architecture. It was profiled by Julius Schulman, renowned photographer of mid-century architecture, whose work has been exhibited in the Smithsonian and in galleries worldwide. Now, at 60 years old, Whittier’s Central Library has been listed by the Historic Resources Commission as a local historic resource worthy of Landmark Designation. Early next year, the library—under the direction of CWA AIA, Inc.—will undergo a major makeover in electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems as well as shelving configurations and aisle accommodations. The $15,000,000 renovation has been underwritten by a state grant, Supervisor Janice Hahn, the City, the Library’s Engineering Account, and from generous contributions raised by the Whittier Public Library Foundation. To ensure that the historic nature of the building, especially its exterior defining features, be maintained and incorporated into the job, the Conservancy’s Library Support Committee has compiled a detailed report to assist the architect, city planners, and councilmembers as this legacy project takes shape.
Here you will find the history of the library, the importance of its architect, and the role of 1950s Mid-Century Modern design in defining Southern California as it came of age. The hey-day of the aerospace industry, fast-food, drive-in theaters, Googie restaurants, and sign-blazing car washes takes us on a nostalgic trip “back to the future”!
East entrance and circulation desk View of the “stacks”in the 60s B&W Photos this page: J. Paul Getty Trust, Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles; Julius Shulman, 1959
INSIDE: Whittier Public Library Renovation Mid-Century Modern Architecture in the Southland Architect William Henry Harrison Historic Landmarks & Plaques Parks Department & Tree Ordinance Update 1
THE PRESERVATIONIST
The Carnegie Library at the NE corner of Greenleaf & Bailey
THE HISTORY OF LIBRARIES IN WHITTIER The Quakers who migrated west and established Whittier in 1887 deeply valued education. Thus the Whittier Academy (later to become Whittier College) and a library were up and running within the first year of the settlement. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union had donated sixty books and 200 magazines to a collection maintained by a Mr. Hester who monitored the “reading room” from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in exchange for space in a storefront for his telegraph office.
WHITTIEr CONSERVANCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By 1900 the newly-incorporated town boasted a Library Board of Trustees whose first meeting was held at Landrum Smith’s drug store at Philadelphia and Greenleaf. Soon thereafter, the philanthropy of railroad tycoon Andrew Carnegie made possible the construction of hundreds of libraries nationwide. In 1905, the City of Whittier became the recipient of a $12,500 Carnegie Grant and architect F.P. Burnham designed the Classical Revival style building at the northeast corner of Greenleaf and Bailey.
2020
INTERIM PRESIDENT
MARY GORMAN-SULLENS VICE-PRESIDENT
FRED KERZ TREASURER
MEL STURR SECRETARY
Opened on June 29, 1907 and enlarged by the city in 1928, it served the community for over half a century until the sad day of its demolition in 1959 to pave the way for a J.C. Penney store. The loss is irreparable.
GWEN WOIRHAYE TANIA CRUSE DAVID DICKERSON CONNIE MILLER JUDITH PRATHER THERESA RIVAS
Between 1899 and 1917, 142 public Carnegie libraries were built in California with only 21 located in the Southland. We are fortunate to have had both a Carnegie library and a great midcentury modern library as part of Whittier’s rich architectural history. Let’s make sure the current one is maintained for future generations to enjoy.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HELEN RAHDER P. O. Box 9114 Whittier, CA 90608
www.whittierconservancy.org info@whittierconservancy.org Photos on this page: Whittier Public Library Historical Photograph Collection
WINTER 2019/20
the importance of
Theme Building at LAX Pereira & Luckman Architects, Paul Williams and Welton Becket
Mid-Century
MODERN
Architecture During World War II, the Southland was the center of aviation history. It was here that jets broke the sound barrier, factories were pounding out airplane parts, air force bases were prolific, and thousands of soldiers were stationed to keep things humming. During the postwar building boom, companies like Lockheed, Martin, Boeing, Rockwell, McDonald, Douglas, and Hughes were teaming up with institutions like Cal Tech to launch the aviation industry into the Jet Age of the 1950s and the Space Age of the 1960s. This reach-for-the-stars optimism was reflected in a new kind of
architecture—commercial as well as residential— open and flowing, with big windows, lots of light, and sweeping angles jutting out into the air and pointing toward the heavens—exactly what society was aiming for. This style attempted to retain the best of the past while creating new forms with new materials that captured the prosperity of the growing post-war middle class and its fascination with the promises of the future. This movement helped put Whittier Blvd on the map—in songs, movies, and pop culture. When we preserve, reuse, or maintain the best of our past, we gain an understanding of the vision of those who built that environment, knowledge that can aid us in creating tomorrow. Retaining and reusing the best of what we have is the most sustainable practice at our fingertips to honor the workmanship, labor, and energy that has produced our community as we know it.
Car Wash 5 Points Intersection, Whittier
Friendly Hills Bowl - Adaptive Reuse, Whittier Blvd
Below: Bank Building with marble facade and sculpture at Whittier Blvd. and Santa Gertrudes in East Whittier. - Noted artist Millard Sheets, who designed the series of Home Savings buildings in Southern California, advanced the view that commercial buildings could make fine art accessible to all. His ideas evolved into the concept of “art in public places,” now a requirement of major development projects in Whittier. Friendly Hills Bowl Sign - Adaptive Reuse, Whittier Blvd
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THE PRESERVATIONIST
Whittier City Hall, 1959
Whittier Peace Memorial, 1976
william hen 18 97 -
Whittier Whittwood Branch Library, 1968
Harrison was born a birthright Quaker in Richmond, Indiana. After a short stint in the army during WW I, William attended Cornell University where he graduated in 1921 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. In 1922 he married Quaker Josephine Lewis. They moved to Los Angeles in 1926 where he worked for some of the city’s most prestigious architects before starting his own firm in 1930. In 1929, Harrison was co-winner of a first place prize in a design competition for “an Ideal Community Airport.” His hubconcept design was incorporated thirty years later at LAX. By 1938 the Harrisons, with two children, were living in Whittier where his aunt, uncle (Susan and A. C. Johnson) and grandmother lived in two homes across from Central Park.
The material on Harrison and the Public Library in this newsletter was drawn from a Whittier Conservancy, and recently serialized in Sustainable City News. Vicki Schramm
Sierra High School, 1955
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Dexter Middle School, 1952
Lou Henry Hoover Memorial Hall - Whittier College, 1948
WINTER 2019/20
Whittier Library, 1959 Whittier Public Library Historical Photograph Collection; Julius Shulman
National Trust & Savings Building, 1932
ry h a r r i s on - 19 8 8 Susan taught at Whittier College while A. C. co-founded the National Trust & Savings Bank in Uptown. Johnson Hall at Whittier College is named for them. The Harrisons later bought and restored the family’s Central Park home at the corner of Friends and Bailey, now the Johnson/Harrison House, a Local Historic Landmark. They were active in civic affairs and life-long members of the Whittier Quaker Meeting. Harrison’s legacy can be seen all throughout Whittier’s civic and institutional buildings. He designed many of Whittier’s schools, including Sierra High School with its acclaimed arches. The Whittier we know is identified by its relationship to Harrison structures that are both familiar and iconic.
Abraham Lincoln Elementary, 1935
a monograph by Linda de Vries, produced for the Library Board at the request of the m, President of the Whittier Art Association and Gallery, provided additional research.
Whittier Art Gallery, 1939
Lou Henry Hover School, 1940
Whittier High School Auditorium & Administration Buildings, 1940
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Qualifications for Landmark Designation In order to qualify as a “landmark,” a structure or site must meet specific criteria established by law that follows a rigorous application process establishing one or more of the following: • It is particularly representative of a distinct historical period, type, style, region, or way of life; • It is connected with someone renowned, important, or a local personality; • It is connected with a use that was once common, but is now rare; • It represents the work of a master builder, engineer, designer, artist or architect whose individual genius influenced his age; • It is the site of an important historic event or is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the state or city; • It exemplifies a particular architectural style; • It exemplifies the best remaining architectural type of a neighborhood; • It embodies elements of outstanding attention to architectural or engineering design, detail, material or craftsmanship; or • It has a unique location, singular characteristic or is an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the city.
Celebrating the installation of the Landmark Plaque on City Hall are: City Manager Jeff Collier, Mayor Joe Vinatieri, Conservancy Executive Director Helen Rahder, Landmark Chair Gwen Woirhaye, Councilman Henry Bouchot, Conservancy President Mary Gorman-Sullens, Board Members Dave Dickerson and Connie Miller.
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The Conservancy is providing plaques for any site that has already been designated a historic LANDMARK by the City Council after recommendation by the Historic Resources Commission. Of the 120 landmarks in Whittier, these have been honored with plaques. 13424 Beverly Blvd. 5810 Bright Ave. 5818 Bright Ave. 5847 Bright Ave. 6055 Bright Ave. 6235 Bright Ave. 6317 Bright Ave. 6516 Bright Ave. 13223 Broadway Broadway Park Girl Scout House 13421 Camilla St. (Bailey House) 7332 College Ave. 7758 College Ave. 7308 Comstock Ave. 5810 Friends Ave. 5837 Friends Ave. 6056 Friends Ave. 6546 Friends Ave. 6554 Friends Ave. 6237 Greenleaf Ave. 7333 Greenleaf Ave. (The Depot) 13648 La Cuarta 14932 La Cuarta 13634 Mar Vista 8201 Michigan Ave. 7058 Milton Ave. 6716 Newlin Ave.
6221 Painter Ave. 6222 Painter Ave. 6353 Painter Ave. 13230 Penn St. (City Hall) 13400 Philadelphia St. 6526 Pickering Ave. 6732 Pickering Ave. 14148 Second St. 13952 Summit Dr. 5837 Friends Ave. 6056 Friends Ave. 6546 Friends Ave. 6554 Friends Ave. 6237 Greenleaf Ave. 7333 Greenleaf Ave. 13648 La Cuarta St. 14932 La Cuarta St. 5814 Washington Ave. 5826 Washington Ave. 6050 Washington Ave. 6318 Washington Ave. 6521 Washington Ave. 6522 Washington Ave. 6543 Washington Ave. 6547 Washington Ave. 6547 Worsham Drive 6799 Worsham Drive
Girl Scouts and leaders from Whittier Troop 1 join in the celebration as their beloved meeting house gets honored with its historic landmark plaque.
WINTER 2019/20
We invite you to Join The Whittier Conservancy Add your voice & efforts to a great history of community involvement!
Mission Statement
Please consider making a tax deductible contribution.
The Whittier Conservancy is committed to the preservation and enhancement of Whittier’s unique character and quality of life. The Conservancy promotes awareness and appreciation of Whittier’s historic, aesthetic, and natural resources. The Conservancy works for the preservation and sensitive use of Whittier’s significant residential structures, landmark commercial buildings, and notable landscapes, including its valuable cultivated trees, public parks, and the natural beauty of the Whittier Hills.
GO TO: www.whittierconservancy.com
View of Penn Park
Seven of our parks are home to designated historic landmarks:
• Penn Park • Founders Park West ~ Founder’s Cemetery • Founders Park East ~ Mount Olive Cemetery • Girl Scout House at Broadway Park • The Depot • The Bailey House • The Hybrid Walnut Tree on Whittier Blvd.
Conservancy Helps Save Parks Department and Tree Ordinance Like many cities in California, Whittier is facing a budget shortfall due to the high cost of employee retirement contributions along with lagging annual revenue. Recently, the city announced plans to fire the entire Parks Dept. staff and contract both daily maintenance and tree trimming to outside vendors. This proposal was met with fierce resistance from the community and the Conservancy took an active role in opposing this drastic response. Without a locally-based, in-house staff, it is impossible to implement and oversee our hard-foughtfor Tree Ordinance. The Director of Parks relies on seasoned workers with first-hand knowledge of our parks and their particular needs, like the Parnell Park Zoo. These local treasures require consistent care by dedicated city employees who—with the equivalent of over 300 years of institutional knowledge—live, work, and play in Whittier. Their commitment cannot be duplicated by large, for-profit corporations with multi-city contracts. The City Council listened to the community and this disastrous effort was derailed at the final hour. The protection of our urban forest during Climate Change is a job that cannot be subbed out to those who mow, blow, and go. Stay tuned. 7
NONPROFIT ORG.
THE PRESERVATIONIST
U.S. POSTAGE
The Whittier Conservancy P.O. Box 9114 Whittier, CA 90608-9114
PAID WHITTIER, CA PERMIT NO. 177
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Support Whittier’s unique history and quality of life!
VOTE YES ON PROP W
WHITTIER CITY ELECTIONS MARCH 3RD COMMUNITY CALENDAR / EVENTS / NOTES Sycamore Canyon Bird Walk Sat. Mar 14 - 8AM, Apr 11 - 7AM FREE Beginner bird walk the second Saturday of each month from Sept through June. Meet at 5040 Workman Mill Rd Organizer: Jay Oberholtzer, Whittier Audubon Society ~ whittieraudubon.org Whittier Central Library Let’s Read Together with Dogs every Tuesday eve 6:30 ~ 7:30 Kids can practice their reading skills with friendly, certified therapy dogs! Reading aloud to these sweet, non-judgmental animals, helps kids gain confidence and reading skills! www.whittierlibrary.org Contact: 562-567-9900
The Two Gentlemen of Verona, a comedy - William Shakespeare March 5th, 6th & 7th @ 7:30pm; March 8 @ 2:00 pm General Admission $20 Students $10 - 562-907-4203 Ruth B. Shannon Center - 6760 Painter Ave, Whittier box office@whittier.edu
Arbor Day - Thur, March 5 ~ 10AM - 2PM Guirado Park! Schools welcome! Whittier Art Gallery Supporting local artists since 1939! Wed - Sun, 1 ~ 5PM Free Admission , Children’s Programs 8035 Painter Ave. Whittier CA 90602 (562) 698-8710
Whittier Founders Day / Central Park Sat, May 9 - 10AM ~ 1PM Come visit the Conservancy booth at Whittier Founder’s Day! A free, fun, family event. Music, dance, food, and booths for many Whittier institutions, clubs, and non-profit organizations.
Friends of the Whittier Public Library Support your library, donate and shop at the “Friends” bookstore, corner of Comstock & Bailey. Hours: Tues 10-2, Fri 9-12, Sat 10-12 562-696-4498
25th Annual Uptown Art & Antique Faire Sat, April 4 - 10AM ~ 2PM Whittier Uptown Association
CA Grown - Certified Farmers Market - 8AM ~ 1PM The corner of Philadelphia & Bright. Every Friday
Earth Day / 50th Anniversary - Sat, April 25 ~ 10AM - 2PM Greenleaf Mall, Uptown, across from Mimo’s!
PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY’S
FINANCIAL FUTURE AND QUALITY OF LIFE
BY KEEPING TAX DOLLAR$
IN WHITTIER VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION MARCH 3RD
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SEE NEW VOTING INFORMATION BELOW FOR CITY ELECTIONS ON MARCH 3, 2020
VOTING PERIOD Voters in L.A. County now have 11 consecutive days to vote in-person at ANY Vote Center in the County. For the March 3 Presidential Primary Election Vote Center voting begins FEB 22 & lasts through 8 PM on Election Day. EARLY VOTING AT THE REGISTRAR’S HEADQUARTERS: If a voter can’t make it to a Vote Center and wants to vote in-person they can vote at the Headquarters in Norwalk starting 29 days before Election Day. Voters are not required to bring anything with them, however you are encouraged to bring the Sample Ballot or Interactive Sample Ballot to speed up the voting process. Norwalk HQ: 12400 Imperial Hwy. Third Floor, Room 3002 Norwalk, CA 90650 Contact the Norwalk office at 1(800) 815-2666, option 2 - to confirm business hours.
NEW VOTING INFORMATION FOR MARCH 3, 2020 ELECTION All City of Whittier registered voters will be receiving a Vote-byMail (VBM) ballot for March 3, 2020 General Municipal Election. Voters can either return the VBM ballot and envelope via USPS (postage pre-paid), or drop it off at any Vote Center location. This info & a map of the 9 Vote Centers for those voters who want to vote in person or drop off the Vote-by-Mail ballot is here:
https://www.cityofwhittier.org/Home/ Components/News/News/1274/