Golden Gate Theatre

It seems kind of large for a drug store, though.

I guess a Walgreens is a “positive re-use”, depending on how much is left after the renovation. Better than demolition, anyway.

Here is an undated architect’s sketch from the LAPL:
http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics50/00044623.jpg

truly some amazing detailed photos of what was once the flagship theatre of that area. thank you ken for jarring my memory.

Excerpt from an LA Times article dated 2/9/27:

This week will mark the beginning of building operations on the theater project on Whittier Boulevard in Golden Gate Square. The theater proper will seat about 1500 persons, and will contain thirteen stores. There will also be several apartment units. It is planned as a legitimate playhouse, but will be equipped for motion pictures as well.

I took a batch of photos yesterday, which I will post later. Very sad to see the building deteriorating. If nothing is ever going to be done with that, it should be razed.

His name was the first strike (from the LA Times, 11/30/29):

Walter H. Tinklepaugh was named yesterday in a complaint charging robbery of the Golden Gate theater at Whittier and Atlantic Boulevards. Mr. Tinklepaugh was identified by Helen Weddle, cahier, as the man who robbed her on September 3 and 11th inst., of $102 ad $23, respectively.

Add the Terrace Theater to the list of long-gone movie palaces of East Los Angeles. The theater was located in City Terrace on City Terrace Drive. The theater was informally known as “the Show” to the citizens of City Terrace, and it was a special place to anyone fortunate enough, and old enough, to have attended a Saturday matinee. I remember the students of City Terrace Elementary School meeting every Saturday in the first three rows of the theater (no one sat with their parents). The price of admission was 25 cents for two features, and the theater boasted a balcony and a glass enclosed room for mothers with babies or small children. I remember watching all of the Three Stooges Meet…(Snow White, Hercules, etc.) movies. Does anyone else remember “the Show?” Can anyone offer more information about the B-17 Spirit of City Terrace?

A 1930 picture of Whittier Boulevard showing the Golden Gate Theatre. You can also see, farther down the street, a Van De Kamp’s Bakery with its windmill.

I was born in Los Angeles in 1944 and my family moved to ELA when I was a baby. We lived on Record Street, just below Union Pacific, until 1952 when we moved to Downey Rd. I attended Eastman St. school through 6 grade. Is there anyone out there who went to Eastman? I have fond memories of the Golden Gate and the other theatres in ELA. I saw “Gone With The Wind” there in 1954. I saw many movies at the Boulevard Theatre. I remember seeing “From Here To Eternity” in 1953. My friends and I often caught the bus for a dime and went to the Montebello Plunge. My brothers and I all learned to swim in that pool. We left ELA in 1956 and moved to Montebello for 2 years and then on to La Puente. That was the route that many people took back in the mid-fifties, moving out to the suberbs where it was more affordable. I have gone back to the old neighborhood several times over the years to have a look, but it is depressing. Too many changes, and not for the better. I am glad that I grew up in the fifties and have the memories that I do. I have lived in many different places and am happy where I am now, but my heart will always be in East LA.
Beverly W.

the court house and/or coroner must have existed before the 710 fwy because i have never seen or heard of either. i have live in the area since mid fifties. i may be wrong or your location may be wrong. (unlikely) Now my interest is peaked. i will investigate.

Wow… Thanks for the pictures
I am glad I came across many great comments. I have lived in East Los Angeles all my life (28). The area has changed so much even in a short time. It is a shame that people here are not caring for the area as much as I am. I had never heard such history the area has. I just have questions regarding a courthouse, coroner’s office and so on near Ford and Whittier Bl. Where was it actually located at? Do you have any information regarding Ford Boulevard Elementary School?
Anyone know any information regarding the church on the corner of, Fetterly and Olympic Bl? I came across a man that told me it was once an opera house. It is now San Francisco Church; this man attends church just to reminisce when his wife used to sing there.

-B

Here is a photo from the 1920s – no theater, or at least no marquee. Interesting:
http://tinyurl.com/qc2ul