Temple City As It Once Was
Left to Right
Carl Clark, Jack Tyrell, Pete Shabarum, Al Lindberg, Paul Kettle, Herb Hawkins
The Camellia Festival is a celebration for the Youth of Temple City.
In the early years of the parade many types of wheeled vehicles
were decorated with camellias. The Camellia Festival started in 1944.
For many years prior to incorporation Temple City always had a
County Sheriffs Stattion. This stalwart group of officers had their
picture taken in front of a station then located in the vicinity of
Cloverly and Las Tunas Drive. Later the station was moved to
Temple City Boulevard, and finally to the modern facility in use today.
In this view of the beginning of the City Park, the trees that shade the park were
only bushes and saplings. From this view at the corner of Golden West and Las Tunas Drive
the building in the left background is the Pacific Electric Depot, the end of the line from "LA."
Today the deodars planted with loving care by the charter member of the Temple City Womens Club
stand tall giving enjoyment to each new generation of residents. The move of City Hall from a store
front on Las Tunas to the former Library building, brought Temple City a true Civic Center.
The old PE depot was replaced by the County Engineers Building,
which in turn was purchased by Temple City in 1983.
This aerial view shows the area surrounding Longden School long before the present
school was built. This is also the site of the first school in Temple City, then called
Santa Anita School. The intersection pictured at the lower left is Oak and Longden
Avenues. This picture was possibly taken in the early 1950's.
The center of Temple City in quieter days. The Pacific Electric tracks ran down the center
of Las Tunas Drive ending at the depot at Las Tunas and Kauffman. The building on the
left is still in use, and from the bench in front we can deduce it was, as it still is a passenger stop.
Bringing the 'Big Red Cars' to Temple City was the accomplishment of Land Developer
Walter P. Temple. The beauty was the first car (1924) on the run into Temple City.
As in all new housing developments, Temple City had its model home. The small rancho concept
was in vogue in those early years. This model of perfection is still located on Cloverly south of
Las Tunas Drive. Who wouldn't love to have one of those great old cars today!
This view of Temple City Boulevard, looking north toward Las Tunas Drive, was taken
about 1955. At that time the Post Office was located in a building at the left of the picture.
The three buildings in the middle of the right side were removed for the present city
parking lots. One of those buildings was the Sheriffs Station at one time.
Temple City has always been served by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
It wasn't until December 1948 that a fire station was located in the Temple City area.
It has remained on Kauffman Avenue these many years. After city incorporation
it became a contract service between the County and Temple City.
If you viewed this corner today you would be looking at a shopping area and the old supermarket site.
This gas station of the twenties was located at Woodruff and Temple City Boulevard.
It obviously was a full serve station, that cute little building at the rear right is the rest rooms.
Possibly this view of Las Tunas looking east was taken in 1939. Snow in the mountains
and Christmas street decorations indicate December is the month. Along with the used car
lot, the Market Basket and fancy street lights have disappeared. But, that popular local
barber shop has withstood the test of time.
First two businesses in Temple City
Sears Hardware, March 4 and Temple Pharmacy, March 8, 1924
North West corner of Main (Las Tunas) and Sunst (Temple City Blvd.)
First year Anniversary Celebration on September 28, 1924
looking north on Sunset (Temple City Blvd.) and
Main Street (Las Tunas). Temple Drugs on the left.
First mail delivery by the Big Red Car. Persons unknown.
Main (Las Tunas) and Sunset (Temple City Blvd.) 1924
Cash Market on the south west corner of Main Street
Main (Las Tunas) and Sunset (Temple City Blvd.)