 The
Westdale Homeowners Association (WHA) was established
on August 30, 1949. Its present paid and unpaid membership is comprised
of approximately 900 single-family dwellings. The WHA Board of Directors,
consisting of many dedicated neighborhood volunteers, is committed
to improving the quality of life in the community. Westdale residents
— home owners, and tenants (if given written permission by their
respective homeowner) are eligible to become voting members, upon
payment of their annual dues.
Westdale is bounded within the geographical
confines of National Boulevard on the north, Sawtelle Avenue to the
east, Palms Avenue to the south, and Inglewood Avenue to the west.
[Map]
The year was 1947. Developer, Paul W. Trousdale had begun construction
on the first of approximately 450 single story tract homes based on
five floor plans. The tract was a section of the former Stevens Ranch,
and extended south of National from Corinth on the east, Granville
on the west, Kingsland on the south and the then four-plex apartments
along National Boulevard. In the original Trousadale's advertisements
it was known as "Westdale Village."
Steven's Ranch consisted of citrus orchards, celery, bean and corn
fields prior to purchase by the developer. Shortly after completion,
two additional tracts were added by other developers, adopting a similar
style which brought the number of homes in the area to approximately
900 units.
The price of the homes for the first phase began at $14,500. Prices
increased to $15,500, to $16,500 as each phase sold out. G.I. loans
were available to WW II Vets at 4%. Conventional loans at 6.6% and
7.2% were considered high......Many of the original residents were
men and women who had recently discharged from from the armed services.
The homes in the tract were larger than those in surrounding areas
which made the homes desirable to buyers. In addition, tree lined
streets and harmonious architecture made the area desirable for
the many young families.
INTERESTING WESTDALE FACTLETTES
DO YOU REMEMBER?
- At Barrington and National was Paul J. Howard's Flowerland Nursery.
It was a huge and beautiful nursery. Mr. Howard had moved his
nursery from 3rd and La Brea to this location as he felt there
was a great future here in the outskirts of Los Angeles. How right
he was! Howard built one of the outstanding nurseries in the country
on his 40 fertile acres.
- "Colonial Corners" was the name given to the intersection
of National and Barrington when Howard's Nursery started in 1940.
- Howard also owned the parcel of land across the street where
Whole Foods Market now stands. It was formerly a Westward Ho Market.
"Apothecarey Pharmacy" occupied the corner store.
- Across the street was Kay's Deli, where you could buy the best
deli in town.
On the other corner was The Williamsburg Inn, a fine restaurant,
which continued the colonial theme for many years until it eventually
became the Orleans Restaurant. Now people line up in the morning
for Starbuck's Coffee.
- On Sawtelle and National where Washington Mutual (formerly
Great Western) Bank is located, was Gordon's Drug Store and Lunch
Counter. Roy's Barber shop was next door on National.
- McDonald's was a Jack Finch's Flying A Service Station. KFC
was Ted's Bar and Grill, which later became Chris and Pitts.
- Marie Callendar's was Ward's Hardware. Sooner or later everyone
shopped at Ward's.
- Just south of Palms Boulevard, between Sawtelle and McLaughlin
was the CoursWestward Ho Golf Course. Peerless Builders bought
and subdivided it and built three bedroom homes on it.
- Former Westdale Neighbors: John Wooden, former
great UCLA basketball coach; Lloyd Bridges, film
star and his family including Beau and Jeff, who are stars in
their own rights; Jerry West, great Laker all
star and General Manager; Dean Martin's parents,
the Crocetti's, lived on Grandview hill for many years; Hal
Goodman, a writer for Jack Benny, and others.
For a more in depth history of "Those Were the Days"
please contact: Ethel Oderberg (310) 391-2015 or Gene Manusov (310)
837-9734.
Acknowledgement: This brief Westdale mini-history was compiled
from the historical research of the late WHA homeowner, and realtor,
David Braverman, Also WHA Board members, Brad Pollard, Christine
Yoshihara and Gene Manusov |
