Art District in Culver City in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Helms Building
Photographed by Michael Kindig, November 26, 2011
1. Helms Building Marker
Constructed in 1930 in Zig-Zag Moderne style, the Helms Building played an important part in the history of Culver City. It housed the Helms Bakery until 1969, a family owned business founded by Paul Helms. Helms Bakery was known as "the home of Helms Olympic Bread" since it was a food supplier for the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles. Locals listened for the whistle of more than 1000 Helms Coaches as the vehicles traversed Southern California with their fresh baked goods. The building remains an important commercial structure, and although it is located in the City of Culver City and the City of Los Angeles, it was awarded Landmark status by the City of Culver City.
Erected 1997 by Culver City Historical Society. (Marker Number 9.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 34° 1.794′ N, 118° 23.047′ W. Marker is in Culver City, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in the Art District. It is at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Helms Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Washington Boulevard. Touch for map.
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ivy Substation (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Culver Studios (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Citizen Publishing Building (approx. 0.7 miles away); Rocha Adobe (approx. 0.7 miles away); Main Street (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Culver Hotel (approx. 0.7 miles away); West End Hotel (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Hull Building (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Culver City.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. - The Helmsman statue, originally in front of this building, now
Photographed by Craig Baker, May 23, 2018
2. Helms Building Marker
Also see . . . The Helms Bakery. Their unique mustard yellow colored trucks and distinct "toot-toot" whistles would signal that the Helmsman had arrived in your neighborhood. This scene was repeated on a daily basis by a fleet of approximately five hundred trucks all over Southern Californa. "Three times around the world every day" was the Helms Bakery slogan. (Submitted on November 30, 2011.)
Photographed by Michael Kindig, November 26, 2011
3. The Helms Building
The marker is on the building to the left of the first red umbrella.
Photographed by Craig Baker, May 23, 2018
4. The Helms Building
The opposite side from the marker, on Venice Blvd.
Photographed by Craig Baker, May 23, 2018
5. The Helms Building
Photographed by Michael Kindig, November 26, 2011
6. The Helms Building Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,190 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on January 10, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on November 29, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 2. submitted on May 23, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on January 22, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 4, 5. submitted on May 23, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6. submitted on November 29, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
