Long Beach Heritage will host its annual meeting and reception at two historic downtown buildings from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 27. The meeting will begin in the vintage lobby of the Farmers and Merchants Bank main branch at 302 Pine Ave. Built in 1922 in the classical style, the downtown F&M’s interior was restored recently to its original splendor. A red Italian marble entrance with doors made of brass-plated steel opens onto a lobby with pink marble on the floor and the customer counter, metal teller wickets, terra cotta friezes with classical motifs on the mezzanine walls, 12 brass chandeliers with inlaid turquoise enamel, and skylights of amber stained glass.
In addition to year-end reports on Long Beach Heritage activities and events during the past year, installation of officers, including new president John Thomas, and recognition of the 2008 Heritage volunteer of the year, Heritage board member and local architecture expert Louise Ivers will speak about the branch’s history and architecture.
Following the meeting, a reception will take place at The Cellar, the newly opened entertainment venue in the Insurance Exchange Building on Broadway. Designated as a national historic landmark in 2003, the Insurance Exchange Building was designed by famed architect Harvey Lochridge and completed in 1925. Many of the building’s original architectural details, including Art Deco touches added in a 1930s remodel, were preserved and restored during the building’s conversion to lofts. Only meeting attendees will be allowed to attend the reception.
For reservations, call (562) 493-7019 or e-mail preservation@lbheritage.org.
