Past, Present and Future: Bluff Park History unveiled

I've been involved with revealing the history of Long Beach for about 15 years. I delight in uncovering the little gems about our city, and in particular, the nooks and crannies of our neighborhoods.

Sasha Witte, the tireless promoter of all things local, all things cool, all things Bluff Park Historic District, has pulled another rabbit out of her tastefully-designed hat. The many dedicated volunteers of the Bluff Park Neighborhood Association are hosting a presentation and a walking tour of its historic neighborhood on Sunday, October 21^st. 

The neighborhood was designated a historic district in 1982 and holds many architectural treasures from the early 1900’s thru 1930’s.  This tour will focus on the first four decades of history and architecture in Bluff Park.  Stories abound of wealthy businessmen, civic leaders, and adventurous women reinventing themselves in the West, building their homes on these prime lots.  Hear about the parties populated with Balboa Studio and Hollywood stars.

Aside from the glitz, though, I've always found Bluff Park an intriguing place to walk. Homes that are decades apart architecturally co-exist quite peacefully. That, in a nutshell, tells the story of the development of what was first known as the Alamitos Beach Townsite, outside the boundaries of Long Beach.

Thanks to this tour, we can all experience walking through the townsite, getting up close and personal with the history and houses that tell this urban planning story.

The event will be held on Sunday, October 21^st from 10:30am to 1:30pm.  It will begin at one of the beautiful historic homes on Ocean Blvd with a presentation by local historians and authors Stan Poe and yours truly - Maureen Neeley.  History, homes and famous residents of the neighborhood will be part of this lively discussion.

Following the presentation, docents will lead small groups thru the neighborhood highlighting homes and history.  A gourmet box lunch by Olives Gourmet Grocer will be provided in one of the lovely back gardens of the community, half way thru the walking tour.

Tickets including a box lunch are $20 each.  Tickets without a box lunch are $15 each.  They can be purchased by visiting www.BluffPark.org or by visiting Sasha’s on Broadway at 3237 East Broadway. 

Folks can get more information by calling 562.434.8824 and speaking with Sasha Witte.  To include a box lunch, tickets should be purchased no later than Friday, October 19^th.