Pacoima in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Nancy C. Avery Square

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 23, 2026

1. Nancy C. Avery Square Marker

Inscription.
First African American postmaster of a major post office, 1961-1984.
City of Los Angeles

Erected 2026 by City of Los Angeles.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications • Women.

Location. 34° 15.746′ N, 118° 25.643′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Pacoima. It can be reached from the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Kewen Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13507 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima CA 91331, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s The Valley — the San Fernando Valley

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles

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of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ritchie Valens Post Office (a few steps from this marker); Pacoima Neighborhood Mural (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stylesville Barbershop (approx. 0.6 miles away); Ritchie Valens Recreation Center (approx. 0.6 miles away); PFC David M. Gonzales (approx. 0.9 miles away); Cesar Chávez (approx. 1.3 miles away); Father Junipero Serra (approx. 1.6 miles away); Casa de Lopez (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.

More about this marker. Identical markers are on all four corners of the intersection in front of the Pacoima post office..

Regarding Nancy C. Avery Square. It was historic when in 1961 President John F. Kennedy named Avery the postmaster for Pacoima. At that time, Postal Service appointments were made by the President.
While there had been Black postmasters before, they had all worked in smaller, more rural offices.
Avery was known for her positive spirit and her ability to challenge those around her to be better. Employees she hired eventually became postmasters themselves, proving that her mentorship created

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 23, 2026

2. Nancy C. Avery Square Marker

In front of the post office.

a lasting chain of leadership.
Avery served as the postmaster until she retired in 1984. She died in January 1992 at 72 years old.
The Nancy C. Avery Square was dedicated on Feb. 23, 2026.

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 23, 2026

3. Nancy C. Avery Square Marker

Identical markers are on all four corners of the intersection.

Pacoima Post Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

4. Pacoima Post Office

Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 20 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 24, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on January 16, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.