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Venice
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Original ly named "Rancho la Ballona" by Mexican Governor Juan Alvarado in 1839, it wasn't until 1900 that real estate entrepreneur Abbot Kinney founded and named Venice. Kinney's dream was to turn the area into a "Venice of America" complete with canals, gondolas, amusement piers, Venice Beach hotels and Venetian-styled structures. He succeeded and on July 4, 1905 20,000 spectators celebrated with yacht races, swimming races (in a man-made lagoon), band concerts and fireworks at the lagoon's 2500 seat amphitheater. Venice thrived, and over the next twenty-five years attracted millions of tourists. When World War II started, a blackout was put into effect which allowed only daytime use of the piers and their attractions. For four years Venice's nightlife practically ceased to exist. During the 50's, the Lawrence Welk Band brought a new resurgence of business to the ailing dance halls and piers. A televised show made Welk a national celebrity. Ironically, Welk's conservative "polka era" was soon replaced by a life style representing the other side of the cultural spectrum, and one whose influences mostly represent Venice today. The "Beats" as they were referred to brought a Bohemian life style that centered around art, poetry and new-jazz. Venice was tolerant of their life styles and their homes were the local coffee houses. The flower children of the 60's flocked to Venice to experience free expression during the 1967 "Summer of Love." Locals Jim Morrison and the Doors provided the soundtrack for the era and much of Oliver Stone's film "The Doors" was filmed here. To get a true taste of Venice, simply walk down the boardwalk on any weekend afternoon. Today, Venice is the number one seaside destination on the West Coast! |
