Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
La Monica Ballroom
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 15, 2022
1. La Monica Ballroom Marker
The famous La Monica Ballroom, built by internationally renowned ballroom designer T.H. Eslick on this site in 1924, was once the largest ballroom in the world. Vast and ornate, the ballroom consumed so much of the Pier that, when viewed from the beach, it appeared as a monumental building floating magically above the sea.
Its storied run on the Pier included the dance marathons during the Great Depression depicted in director Sydney Pollack's 1969 film "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?". In 1948, popular country swing music star Spade Cooley first televised his weekly TV program from this ballroom; it was the first time that a TV variety show was ever televised live.
Erected by Marcerich and Santa Monica Place.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 34° 0.543′ N, 118° 29.865′ W. Marker is in Santa Monica, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Colorado Avenue west of Ocean Avenue. Located on Santa Monica Pier. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this
this page online
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: Muscle Beach (here, next to this marker); Sinbad's & Moby's Dock (here, next to this marker); Playland Arcade (here, next to this marker); Santa Monica Harbor and Breakwater (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Santa Monica Pier (about 600 feet away); The Santa Monica Pier Carousel (about 600 feet away); The Purser Hotel and Apartments (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colorado Avenue Viaduct (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Monica.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 15, 2022
2. La Monica Ballroom Marker
Located on a little kiosk on the Santa Monica Pier along with two other plaques (this one is on the left)
Santa Monica Public Library
3. La Monica Ballroom - 1926
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 982 times since then and 124 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 12, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on July 5, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
