We’re looking along Pico Boulevard from the Pelham Ave corner, not far from the Hillcrest Country Club. Judging from the cars parked outside the windmill-topped Van de Kamp’s bakery this shot was taken in the late 1920s when it must have been nice to drive around Los Angeles and see those charming landmarks. (Historical note: during this time country clubs were “restricted” which was code for “No Jews Allowed” so the numerous Jewish Hollywood power players joined Hillcrest instead.)
That same view today…it’s not quite as charming without the windmill, is it?
This is a view looking west from the Van de Kamp’s bakery located at 10661 West Pico Boulevard on the northwest corner of the T-intersection of Pico and Pelham Avenue. The Standard Oil station in the distance at right is now a Union station (at Overland), and the empty land at the left is the now-empty Westside Pavilion.
Religous discrimination wasn’t limited to Christians only. From what I’ve read, while at Hillcrest one day, Catholic actor Danny Thomas pointed out that Hillcrest was just as discriminatory in refusing membership to anyone not of the Jewish faith.
Only subsequent to Mr. Thomas’s observation was Hillcrest membership open to all religious faiths –
Wow, Matt, I didn’t know that! I’m glad to learn they saw the error of their ways. You can’t really complain about being discriminated against if you’re discriminating against others!
As Hillcrest’s restriction was news to you, a couple more – LA Country Clubs merely reflected prevailing society. Housing developments had codes and covenants written into them with (by today’s standards) unconscionable restrictions. A couple of “gems”:
Beverly Hills: Ownership by racial minorities outlawed. For minorities to reside in town? Allowed as live-in servants only!
Bel Air: Founder Alphonso Bell, included the “stock” racial-religious restrictions. Not finding these exclusionary enough, went a step further and added, get this, actors!
Needless to say Bell changed his tune once the depression hit and all the these restrictions were outlawed by the Supreme Court in the late ’50’s or early ’60’s.
We’re looking along Pico Boulevard from the Pelham Ave corner, not far from the Hillcrest Country Club. Judging from the cars parked outside the windmill-topped Van de Kamp’s bakery this shot was taken in the late 1920s when it must have been nice to drive around Los Angeles and see those charming landmarks. (Historical note: during this time country clubs were “restricted” which was code for “No Jews Allowed” so the numerous Jewish Hollywood power players joined Hillcrest instead.)
This is a view looking west from the Van de Kamp’s bakery located at 10661 West Pico Boulevard on the northwest corner of the T-intersection of Pico and Pelham Avenue. The Standard Oil station in the distance at right is now a Union station (at Overland), and the empty land at the left is the now-empty Westside Pavilion.
Religous discrimination wasn’t limited to Christians only. From what I’ve read, while at Hillcrest one day, Catholic actor Danny Thomas pointed out that Hillcrest was just as discriminatory in refusing membership to anyone not of the Jewish faith.
Only subsequent to Mr. Thomas’s observation was Hillcrest membership open to all religious faiths –
Wow, Matt, I didn’t know that! I’m glad to learn they saw the error of their ways. You can’t really complain about being discriminated against if you’re discriminating against others!
Total agreement. Just keeping the ”playing fields” even – Discrimination in any form, based on religion, race, etc. Is beyond repugnant.
As Hillcrest’s restriction was news to you, a couple more – LA Country Clubs merely reflected prevailing society. Housing developments had codes and covenants written into them with (by today’s standards) unconscionable restrictions. A couple of “gems”:
Beverly Hills: Ownership by racial minorities outlawed. For minorities to reside in town? Allowed as live-in servants only!
Bel Air: Founder Alphonso Bell, included the “stock” racial-religious restrictions. Not finding these exclusionary enough, went a step further and added, get this, actors!
Needless to say Bell changed his tune once the depression hit and all the these restrictions were outlawed by the Supreme Court in the late ’50’s or early ’60’s.