South Redondo in Redondo Beach in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Plunge and The Lightning Racer
Photographed By Michael Kindig, March 25, 2016
1. The Plunge and the Lightning Racer Marker
As the 1890s evolved into the Roaring '20s, people came by train, Red Car or Model T to enjoy Redondo Beach's advertised "clean water" at The Plunge and to experience the thrill of riding the Lightning Racer roller Coaster.
The Moorish style, four-story Plunge, also known as the "Bath House," was built in 1909 by Henry E. Huntington, covering 43,688 square feet of waterfront. Advertised as the "largest indoor saltwater heated pool in the world," the main pool could accommodate more than 1,000 swimmers at a time, many wearing the latest in wool bathing costumes. A smaller diving pool featured a tower, two boards and a trapeze where the legendary surfer, George Freeth, could be seen performing his daredevil stunts. Pacific Light and Power's steam plant, located to the north, heated the pools. The Plunge closed in September 1941.
The Lightning Racer
The best view of the entire waterfront entertainment area was from atop the Lightning Racer, a rambling roller coaster, with 6,000 feet of track, located between Beryl and Coral Streets on El Paseo. The storm-battered coaster was repaired and rebuilt many times, eventually succumbing to fire and storm damage by the 1930s.
Erected 2004 by Bichlmeier Insurance Services, Bay Cities National Bank, Mauro & Jess Gonzalez
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1941.
Location. 33° 50.697′ N, 118° 23.656′ W. Marker is in Redondo Beach, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in South Redondo. Marker is on Portofino Way, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200-308 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach CA 90277, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bill and Bob Meistrell (a few steps from this marker); King Harbor and The Marinas (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Redondo Beach Plan (approx. 0.3 miles away); 9-11 Tribute (approx. 0.4 miles away); George Freeth (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old Salt Lake (approx. half a mile away); Hotel Redondo (approx. 0.6 miles away); The First Bank of Hermosa Beach (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Redondo Beach.
Photographed By Michael Kindig, March 25, 2016
2. The Plunge and the Lightning Racer Marker
Photographed By Michael Kindig, March 25, 2016
3. Site of The Plunge
Photographed By Michael Kindig, March 25, 2016
4. Site of The Plunge
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 729 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on March 29, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 26, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
