The Quarterly Newsletter of the
HERMOSA BEACH
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Volume Seventeen .......................................... Number Four..................................................... November 2005
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John Hales 1918-2005 Hermosa Beach lost one of its most treasured residents when local historian John Hales died this September 24 at the age of 88. John was born in Washington, D.C., November 14, 1918. He and his family moved to San Diego in 1922. He grew up in three differ-ent houses in the Hollywood area and graduated from Fairfax High School in 1935. He was a member of the school's track team.
Hales earned an associate degree from Los Angeles City College as an art major in 1937. He was also a member of the college's track team, and ran the 440 and the 800. The team earned the title of Southern California Junior College Champions in 1936 and 1937. Hales then attended both the Chouinard Art Institute and the Art Center School. Hales worked for Douglas Aircraft Company for 12 years, Hi-Shear Corporation for nearly 20 years and Nissan Moter Company for about two years. He retired from the professional world in 1993. John married his second wife, Lorraine Mavity Deason, in 1947; the couple had one child, Donald. John had been a Hermosa Beach resident since 1947 and bought his house in 1953. He was a mem-ber of the Hermosa Beach Historical Society, the Friends of the Library and the Chamber of Commerce; and served two terms on the city's Planning Commission. The Chamber named him Man of the Year in 1963. "John has dedicated his life to our city and on behalf of the Hist-orical Society, he will be missed. He is considered one of Hermosa Beach's brigghtest stars," said society president Rick Koenig. "The contributions that he has made throughout the years, even into his 80's are just amazing." Over the years, Hales chronicled the history of Hermosa Beach through a series of hand written timelines and scrapbooks (total-ing more than 30) covering topics from general history to athletics to World War II. When someone wanted information on a certain person, place or thing specific to Hermosa Beach, Hales was the man to ask. John was also known for his avid participqation in the city's Sand and Strand Run (31 years) and other running events such as Manhattan Beach's Hometown Fair 10K. Hales, then 85, celebrated his 25th year of running in the race in 2002. Since 1966, Hales has participated in about 170 runs. While training for the 2002 run, Hales injured his elbow, prompting him to drop out of the race until, with the help of 10K organizer Russ Lesser, he was able to participate by riding in a wheelchair as five volunteers pushed him through the course to the finish line.
John was famous for his creation of the city's logo which comp-rises of ocean waves, a cattle brand, a house, baseball bat, tennis racket and a lawn bowling ball that lay in between a capital "H" and a lower-case "b" which is enclosed in a sunburst. Hales also designed the Hermosa Beach School District emblem in 1969. Hales made headlines this year as the city began putting the logo on its manhole covers that needed replacement, with the first one being installed at the intersection of Ardmore Avenue and Eighth Place near his home. The logo design will eventually go on every manhole cover in town, replacing an older 50-year-old generic pattern. "I didn't approach creating the design as an amateur," said Hales earlier this year, who had professional exerience as a graphic design artist. John also created the Historical Society's logo which appears on its Web site and its newsletter. When asked this year what it felt like to be immortalized by a seal that has shown up in the form of city pins and now mahole covers, Hales laughed modestly and said, "It makes me feel like I've been a good citizen in our town over the years in my contributions." A memorial service for John was held October 1st inside the Hermosa Playhouse. Windmills & Festivals
By Joanne Purpus: "Have you even wondered where that old windmill on PCH came from? Here is the story. Carol Tanner and I were on the City's Improvement Commission...which was formed to keep the city neat and tidy. We were horrified when this darling little train depot building on the corner of Pier Ave and the Santa Fe tracks suddenly disappeared....overnight. So when we heard that the Hermosa Windmill, along with its water tower was going to be demolished to make way for a batch of apartments, we sprang into action. The windmill was a landmark to us, having been built many years previously to water local fields of flowers.
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Fortunately, the City Council at that time was very commission friendly and we were told if we could find a suitable site and a way to move the structure with NO city money, we could try and save it. The little park at the corner of Pacific Coast Hwy. and Pier Ave. was a perfect spot . We heard of a nearby group of Seabees and lobbied them to come down and look the situation over. They agreed to do the move. A local artist, Harold Grieve, did a wonder-ful woodblock print of the windmill and we sold prints for 'seed money' and the City Clerk, Mary Edgerton, was a huge help in the political arena . It took a few weeks for the dismantling (the Seabees were only on active duty on the weekends ) and what fun it was. Somehow we got possession of a real, live, catering truck and on it we cooked hot dogs, chili and assorted hungry man stuff to feed the volunteers. Most of the town came to watch and cheer as the structure was moved down PCH to its present location . We finally had our very own historic landmark. When the windmill was dedicated we decided to have a little art festival on that piece of parkland. People came with children, dogs and picnics and all had a wonderful time.
It was so wonderful that Carol and I were asked to try an art festi-val at the foot of the Pier. We called it the "Festival by the Sand and Sea" or something relating to our beach with ribbon participa-tion awards festooned with little sea shells . All local artists were invited to participate. We even got Parks and Rec. to let us use their tables and chairs and businessmen donated coffee and donuts for those who participated. We
had painters painting, weavers weaving and many things for children.
Pat Woolley was helping youth with silk screening, Doc Ackroyd had his
potter's wheel churning away, and Leroy Grannis was there with his surfing
photos. Of course there was NO CHARGE to the exhibitors as we wanted
this to be a fun, family day, showcasing local artists and allowing
them to sell The
festival was such a huge success that we were encouraged to have it
as a yearly event. We did, and as it grew and grew we had to do without
the tables and chairs and coffee and donuts, but still kept it free
for the artists. The Chamber of Commerce then asked to take it over
as a money making event, so we gave it to them. As Hermosa grew, so
did this little " Festival by the Sea ". Now I see it is a
huge event happening two times a year! Goodness, what changes a few
decades make!" (Note: Thank you Joanne Purpus for submitting this
article.) The Sign of the Times In case you haven't noticed, the next time you drive up Pier Avenue and cross Valley, look up to the right and you can see the latest addition to our expanding museum -- a wonderful welcoming sign for all to come and enjoy!!
President's Message Dear HBHS Directors and friends, I am pleased to report that with Hermosa's 100th birthday approaching in 14 months, the HBHS is experiencing an unprecedented show of participation and enthus-iasm. Since the installation of our signage on the Community Center, we have had record numbers of visitors to our museum, donation of items to be displayed, book sales and membership requests. On September 29th the HBHS presented the first in a series of Certificates of Appreciation for Historic Preservation to "PINK", owned and operated by Barbara Robinson who through a labor of love restored the property at 238 Pier Avenue (originally built in the early 1900's) to its original splendor. Sales of the book "Images of America -- Hermosa Beach," (written by Chris Miller and Jerry Roberts) have been better than expected and ongoing. If you purchase the book directly from the HBHS or the HB Chamber of Commerce, ALL profits go directly towards our museum expansion. A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA. I am pleased to report that at our last Board meeting we welcomed Annie Seawright and Chris Miller to our list of Directors and Advi-sors. Their spirit, skills and lineage have already shown to be a real asset to our organization. The Hermosa Beach pier dedication ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 19th from 11:30 a.m. to Noon. The centerpiece of this ceremony is a 13-foot round laser cut marble Hermosa Beach City Seal designed by the late John Hales. I hope to see all of Hermosa there to celebrate the life of an amazing man and the unveiling of a long awaited improvement to our community. John, you are not forgotten. Thanks to Howard Fishman (newly elected Hermosa Beach City Council Member and HBHS Board Member) and Dr. Sharon McLain (Hermosa Beach School District Superintendent) who are anxiously awaiting a response from a History Channel grant appli-cation which when approved will provide funds for the HBHS to work with local teachers to educate and empower our students by furthering their knowledge of our rich history in a "hands on" environment. In closing, I would like to thank all of you who have taken a pro-active interest in our organization by donating your time and money to help bring our mission, vision and values to fruition. Without your ongoing dedication and support we would not be able to hit our 100th anniversary of Hermosa Beach deadline for the completion of our museum expansion and the many programs we have planned. We are currently seeking corporate and private sector sponsorships whose name(s) will be permanently emblazoned on a "Museum Expansion Founders Plaque." If you can assist with this fundraising effort, please contact me in a timely manner. Your in service, Rick Koenig. (310) 318-1403 |
