Redondo Beach Landmarks Forever Gone

Hotel
Redondo:                                                                              

In 1890, the Hotel Redondo opened at what is today Veterans Park overlooking the ocean near the present day pier. The City was becoming "The Place" for tourists. Railroads and steamships brought people by the thousands, not to mention freight loads of oil and lumber. At this time, Redondo was the first port of Los Angeles County. Steamers from the Pacific Steamship Company stopped at Redondo four times a week, at one of its three piers. The Redondo Railway Company and the Santa Fe Railroad left Los Angeles daily for Redondo at regular intervals. Eventually the City was served by Henry Huntington’s Big Red Electric Cars.

The Hotel Redondo, with its 18-hole golf course, lush landscaping, tennis
courts and 225 luxurious rooms induced more visitors than ever before to
venture to the coast. If the price of hotel accommodations was too steep, one
could rent a tent at nearby Tent City on property just north of the
Hotel. Patrons were charged $3.00 per week, or $10.00 per month for a
tent. Wooden floors and electric lights were included in the price. Because of
prohibition, the $250,000 Hotel Redondo closed its doors and in 1925 was sold for scrap lumber--the price was $300. Redondo Plunge: The Redondo Beach Plunge, billed as the "largest indoor salt-water-heated pool in the world", was built in 1909 by Henry Edward Huntington. Four-stories and Moorish in style, it housed three pools heated by Pacific Light and Power's steam plant (originally built to generate electricity for the Red Cars). 

A tower, two diving boards, and a trapeze were features of the large main
pool.  It was located on the beach, between the ends of the Horseshoe Pier,
where a parking structure stands today. Redondo Beach Racer: One of the popular tourist attractions was The Redondo Beach Lightning Racer roller coaster which had two parallel tracks.  In cars traveling over 6000 feet of track, riders had the sensation of racing those in the adjoining car.  First opened to the public in 1913, the Lightning Racer was located on the beach just north of old Wharf One (and today's Municipal Pier).   Severely damaged by an extreme storm in March 1915, the coaster was demolished.

Other Redondo Beach attractions adjacent to the Plunge included the Casino and
Dance Pavillion / Auditorium located at what is now the north end of the Horseshoe Pier. In 1892, the Pavillion could accomodate 1,000 people. In 1905, a bowling alley and other amusements were added. The first pavilion would be replaced by a grander pavilion in 1907 designed by Edward Kent which could hold 1,500 people. For more South Bay History, visit my webpage http://www.southbayhistory.com on my website http://www.maureenmegowan.com .