Roundup: April 10, 2019

Almansor Court – 700 S. Almansor, Alhambra, CA.
Social Hour: 5:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM

Our Speaker: Larry Latimer
His Subject: Downey’s Aerospace History from Biplanes to Missiles to the Moon

Larry Latimer is a business owner, researcher, historian and author in Downey.

His book on the history of Downey was published by Arcadia Press as a part of the “Images of America” series. In addition to his other work, Mr. Latimer also makes occasional presentations to audiences ranging from 3rd graders to senior citizens on Downey’s unique history. Larry is a board member of the Downey Historical Society and a former president of the Aerospace Legacy Foundation which is headquartered at the Columbia Memorial Space Center. The slides in his presentation are from his extensive digital collection of historical images related to Downey and its fascinating aerospace history.

The relationship of Downey and the aircraft/aerospace industry dates back to the early decades of the last century. Private planes and military aircraft were produced in large numbers at plants in Downey. As the industry shifted from aircraft to aerospace, Downey came to the forefront as North American Rockwell, later a part of Boeing, began aerospace operations. Research and engineering studies done in Downey resulted in advances that led to the space capsule and to the space shuttle. A full-size mock-up of the shuttle was housed in one of the buildings. All of this took place in a relatively small area, surrounded by orange groves and housing tracts. Even more interesting is what has happened to the original site where the engineers, mechanics and other professionals transformed the industry from aircraft to taking men to the moon and the International Space Station. Attend this interesting presentation to discover the links between Downey and space flight and what happened to the original plant.

Suggestions for future programs are always welcome!  Contact Ann Shea at 562-408-6959 or annwshea@ca.rr.comwith your ideas and program topics.

Posted by Ann Shea, Deputy Sheriff

Future Los Angeles Corral Events

May 8, 2019 Roundup
Speaker is Michael Eberts
History of Griffith Park

June 15, 2019
Fandango
Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach

July 10, 2019 Roundup
Speaker is the Corral’s Autry National Center Fellow

Dinner Fees, Reservations & Meal Choices

The Roundup Dinner Fee is $40 including ample, convenient and free parking. The dinner choices for this Roundup are beef, chicken and vegetarian. The beef will be grilled and slow roasted sirloin with a wild mushroom sauce. The chicken is roulade of chicken, sliced breast of chicken stuffed with a julienne of vegetables and melted cheeses in a spinach sauce. The vegetarian offering is penne pasta with tomato, basil, carrots, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and green beans.  The dessert this month is something different, a seasonal lemon cake.

Please choose your entrée and make out your check for $40 to “Westerners, Los Angeles Corral,” or submit your payment onlineas EARLY AS YOU CAN but no later than one week before the Roundup date.  Just log onto our website and go to the Members Only tab.  Click on the Roundup Store option and follow the instructions.   Walk-ins can be served, but entrée choices will be limited to what is on hand.  The “late price” is now $45.00.

If you are paying by check, mail it to Ms. Therese Melbar, Registrar of Marks and Brands at 549 South Aldenville Avenue, Covina, CA 91723-2909. Late reservations or questions may be addressed to Therese via Email: tmelbar@cpp.eduor by telephone: (661) 343-9373.

Travel Assistance to Our Fellow Members

Please keep in mind that some of our members can no longer drive or are uncomfortable driving on the freeways at night.  If such members live in your area, please get in touch to see if they would come with you to the Roundups.  Call Michele Clark, our Sunshine Wrangler, at (626) 822-1522 if you need a ride.

Books and Art Pieces for Sale

Books and art pieces will be available for sale at the Roundup.  Once Brian Dillon returns from his travels, you will be able to check out the books and art available on our webpage and purchase your choices online once again.  Previous lists are available below:

Art

To view the items included in this year’s art auction, click here.

Books

To view the items included in this year’s book auction, click here.

Contact Ann Shea, Deputy Sheriff, at 13613 Barlin Avenue, Downey, CA 90242-5107 at annwshea@ca.rr.com or at (562) 408-6959 with any questions or news.