Park West in Culver City in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Veterans Memorial Building (VMB)
Photographed By Michael Kindig, January 21, 2012
1. Veterans Memorial Building (VMB) Marker
Inscription.
Veterans Memorial Building (VMB). . Culver City purchased a major portion of this land, known as Exposition Park, in 1938. It was officially designated as Veterans Memorial Park on August 8, 1949. Bond financing of $550,000 guaranteed the construction of the Veterans Memorial Building on the corner. The original plans promised a "recreational building with a stage, restaurant, film museum, playroom, and large gymnasium." The "tourist tower" was designed to view "back lot" movie sets at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios across the street. The cornerstone was laid on April 15, 1950. The VMB was dedicated on March 9, 1951, with Goodwin Knight, Lt. Governor at the time, in attendance. The Gold Star Mothers were the guests of honor. This structure designed to serve the entire community, once included a "Tower Restaurant." The entry proudly exhibits a growing number of markers, placed to honor and remember the veterans who served our country, and who fought for our freedom in many wars., Native Americans traversed this land before it was claimed as a portion of Rancho La Ballona in 1819. The Spanish Period yielded to Mexican control, followed by California statehood in 1850. This site was part of the original land acquired to incorporate as Culver City in 1917.
Culver City purchased a major portion of this land, known as Exposition Park, in 1938. It was officially designated as Veterans Memorial Park on August 8, 1949. Bond financing of $550,000 guaranteed the construction of the Veterans Memorial Building on the corner. The original plans promised a "recreational building with a stage, restaurant, film museum, playroom, and large gymnasium." The "tourist tower" was designed to view "back lot" movie sets at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios across the street. The cornerstone was laid on April 15, 1950. The VMB was dedicated on March 9, 1951, with Goodwin Knight, Lt. Governor at the time, in attendance. The Gold Star Mothers were the guests of honor. This structure designed to serve the entire community, once included a "Tower Restaurant." The entry proudly exhibits a growing number of markers, placed to honor and remember the veterans who served our country, and who fought for our freedom in many wars.
Native Americans traversed this land before it was claimed as a portion of Rancho La Ballona in 1819. The Spanish Period yielded to Mexican control, followed by California statehood in 1850. This site was part of the original land acquired to incorporate as Culver City in 1917.
Erected 2011 by Culver City Historical Society. (Marker Number 13.)
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1855.
Location. 34° 0.806′ N, 118° 24.14′ W. Marker is in Culver City, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Park West. Marker is on Overland Avenue south of Culver Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City CA 90230, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 742 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on January 22, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
