Posted by Gurdip Hari on Oct 24, 2019
At the Oct 24, Noon meeting, long time Rotary Club President, Gudiel Crosthwaite, member, called the meeting to order. Before the speaker was introduced by Daniel, there was discussion about the planned Nov 15 , 2nd Food Festival at the home of Ramon Rodriguez (12120 Phillips Ave., Lynwood), which will have the theme of Dia de los Muertos. As there was for the First Food Festival at Martina Rodriguez' home, there will be tickets to distribute for local businesses to encourage attendance at this event. It was also suggested that a flyer be available for distribution that describes Lynwood Rotary in terms of it goals and its community events and accomplishments.
 
The speaker, Illu Johnson, on the staff of the City of Lynwood, Department of Recreation and Community Services, presented Part II of his book that he personally developed on thehistory of Lynwood. (Mark Flores and Jose Trejo, leaders of the Department of Recreation and Community Services, also participated in the creation of this book.) Using a PowerPoint presentation, which showed fascinating photos of the history of Lynwood, Illu talked about the city's history, starting with the two Ranchos with the names of Lugo and San Antonio. These two ranchos acquired the land from grants from Spain. Of note, the area experienced flooding from banks of of Los Angeles and what we now call Rio Hondo. The flooding problem was largely solved with the construction of concrete barriers on the Los Angeles River in the late 30's. Also in the thirties, several photos of earthquake damage from the major quake that occurred in Long Beach. Earlier, gradually, the area was developed as a farming area, specifically for cattle for dairy production. The developer, Charles H. Sessions, named the area Lynwood, based on his wife's given and maiden name, Lynne Wood. Memorable photos are of the Pacific Electric Station, adjacent to what is now the 105 Fwy. Also churches that still exist, in the same location, such as, the Methodist Church on Carlin St. and a photo of the Methodist Church (1942) that is now the Church of the Nazarine (in Spanish) (adjacent to Plaza Mexico). Other memorable photos are several of St. Francis Hospital. Interesting photos of people include a celebration event of the Ham family, inside their restaurant; and also of a ground breaking ceremony in 1956 for the original library with Supr Burton Chace and several city council members and other city and community staff, including
city manager, Al Bateman.
 
Daniel Miller Public Relations/Community Outreach Lynwood Rotary Club