Next Thursday is a big day in the history of the city of Signal Hill. May 22, 2008 is the 50th anniversary of the 1958 Hancock Oil Refinery fire. The three-day fire was kept at bay and was brought to an end by the courage of several local fire agencies—a true act of mutual aid. Next week, the Signal Tribune will bring to our readers a very special stand-alone section recalling the history of the fire and honoring those who so bravely battled the blazes. We have all worked very hard to bring you a printed keepsake commemorating the event. The piece will feature interviews from those who were there, photos from our private collection and those shared by our readers, as well as archived articles originally run in newspapers near and far who recorded the happenings from the words of their reporters.
The city of Signal Hill will host a public event at the Signal Hill Park Community Center on May 24 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. where locals can view a documentary film showing recent interviews of the firefighters from 1958 and film of the actual fire. The Los Angeles County Fire Department will also have vintage firetrucks on display. More about this in our issue next week…
Speaking of history—for those of you looking for a fun way to visit the past this Sunday, consider attending the Spring Festival: Sights and Sounds of the ’30s at Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site. Located northwest of the intersection of San Antonio Drive and Long Beach Boulevard, the event will be a great way to have fun in the great outdoors. Cost for the event is $3 for children 12 years and under and $5 for adults.
The folks at the Rancho remind us that the 1930s were chock full of events worth remembering and learning about. Classic literature such as John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath was written, and young people flocked to hear and dance to the big bands. The Empire State Building was built and a young actress named Shirley Temple stole America’s heart. People of all ages will have the opportunity to learn and experience life in the 1930s by meeting “Will Rogers,” exploring “modern” inventions of the 1930s, playing miniature golf, learning to swing dance, and much more. You can listen to stories and songs of the Dust Bowl era, enjoy a hilarious radio show by “The RLC Players,” and dance to big band music by Bobby Brent Connection.
The event will take place at 4600 Virginia Road in Long Beach Sunday, May 18, from 12:30 p.m. — 4:30 p.m. For additional information, please call (562) 570-1755.
