The Footprints of Long Beach.
by Nancy Mueller
My city has an energy that pulls at me from deep inside; encouraging me to learn more about her, her
history and her story. When we think about Los Angeles, our thoughts may turn to the glitz, the glamor,
the clothes, the mystery and the romance of all things Hollywood; Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, Beverly
Hills, The Academy Awards, Movie Stars, the Playboy Mansion and air that’s charged with people who
have made their mark and set the bar for others to follow.
But just about 22 miles (35 km) south of downtown Los Angeles is my city, Long Beach California; a
stretch of beach with enough history to allow me to act as Tour Guide for friends and family members
for years to come. It’s the love I have for this city that makes me very appreciative of the HSLB (Historical
Society of Long Beach). As a local Long Beach business owner, I value our Long Beach history and the
value there is in keeping our history in the foreground of businesses throughout our city.
Perhaps I’m a romantic at heart but when I see a piece of our Long Beach history, whether it’s touring
the Queen Mary, looking at historical buildings or being reminded of the men and women who fought
for our right to live and work in this beautiful city, I am overcome with a feeling of pride. Being a Long
Beach native, I often feel the energy of our city running through my veins and it’s this very reason that
has me writing this article to remind local residents to dine and shop local to support our heart centered
local business people as well as the programs dealing with restoration projects. By keeping the history
of Long Beach alive, we are able to create a sense of pride in the minds of tourists, local business
owners and residents. Pride in our city’s history builds a common bond and when people share a
common bond, their commitment level has a potential to draw the interest of others who want to know
more about the synergy of our interests.
The Long Beach Historical Society has served our city for over 50 years, collecting and preserving its
rich history for current and future generations. If you can stroll with me, through the power of your imagi-
nation as I walk with you down Ocean Boulevard and show you The Breakers Hotel; once owned by
Conrad Hilton (who married Elizabeth Taylor in 1950 and honeymooned here turning this building into
the 8th Hilton Hotel) you can almost journey back in time as you feel history pulling you into its memory
while Cole Porter plays, Anything Goes, softly in the background of your mind, inviting you to imagine
the magical era of the 1930’s!
I hope I have opened a door into your mind inviting you to explore the footprints of Long Beach so you
can add our city to a place that you “must see” to feel the energy that I call home.
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