Dana Graham

History & Current Events Category

May 2023 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor: Local real estate prices continue to hold up better than most of us predicted, the primary reason being a lack of houses for sale.  Reasonably-priced houses are selling instantly, often with multiple offers. Nationally prices are down 12% from the June 2022 peak, although locally it feels like they are down less.  One reason for the smaller than predicted decline, apart from others I’ve discussed in previous newsletters, is the reticence of current homeowners to give up their low...Continue Reading!

The History of Palos Verdes

As you probably know, I've lived in Palos Verdes for 75 years -- probably why they made the President of the Palos Verdes Historical Society.  On May 12 at 4 pm at Hesse Park, I will be giving a one hour presentation on the history of Palos Verdes, beginning with Frank Vanderlip's 1913 purchase of the Peninsula.  I'd like to begin in 1821 with Mexico's independence from Spain, but I only have an hour.  Much of this is from my...Continue Reading!

The History of La Venta Inn

If you're interested in Palos Verdes history, do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear the owner of La Venta Inn discuss its history Wednesday, February 8, at 4 pm at La Venta.  Mark Matthews lived at the Inn as a child when it was the family home.  THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT and space is quite limited, so get your reservation in today either via the link in the flyer or by emailing me at [email protected]   Continue Reading!

Around the Hill in 80 Minutes

Around the Hill in 80 Minutes – Apologies to Jules Verne - A Self-Guided Driving Tour. By Dana Graham   AROUND THE HILL IN 80 MINUTES – APOLOGIES TO JULES VERNE-A SELF-GUIDED DRIVING TOUR By Dana Graham The scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula, apart from hikers and bikers, is a favorite drive primarily for the scenery.  But you may be driving past a lot of the history.  So next time you are on quarantine and want to take a drive, take this with you and...Continue Reading!

November 2022 Newsletter

                                                                                                                                                               ...Continue Reading!

The History of the Haggarty Mansion/Neighborhood Church — Part I — 1864-1931

  HISTORY OF NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH – 1864-1931 By Dana Graham, President of the Palos Verdes Historical Society Image: The iconic cave and waterwheel under construction -- 1928 The history of Neighborhood Church really begins with the birth of John Joseph Haggarty in London England, in 1864.  By 1887 he had eared what amounts to a Masters Degree and emigrated to the US, landing in St Louis where he worked for a major dry goods retailer and discovered that he had a real aptitude for...Continue Reading!

The History of the Haggarty Mansion/Neighborhood Church — Part II — 1931-1949

History of Neighborhood Church -- Part II -- 1931-1949 By Dana Graham, President of the Palos Verdes Historical Society The Haggarty Mansion soon after completion We left the newly completed Haggarty Mansion in 1931 on the front edge of what became the Great Depression, though the severity of it wasn’t apparent for a year or two. John Joseph Haggarty and wife Bertha had just completed their 3rd mansion at 421 Paseo Del Mar, fully furnished it, but had never moved in, Bertha preferring...Continue Reading!

The History of the Haggarty Mansion/Neighborhood Church — Part III — 1949 to 1996 or so

  HISTORY OF THE HAGGARTY MANSION/NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH – PART 3 – 1949-1996 OR SO... By Dana Graham, President of the Palos Verdes Historical Society Image - At the time of purchase We are now up to 1949.  The Neighborhood Church was still meeting at Malaga Cove School, with services held in the auditorium and Sunday School classes in the classrooms.  Post-war Palos Verdes was growing by leaps and bounds with returning servicemen starting families and building a lot of 2-3 bedroom 1200-1800 square foot...Continue Reading!

May 2022 Newsletter

Out here in the trenches it’s fairly clear to me that the real estate market is slowly cooling off – rising prices and rising interest rates are having the predictable effect.  Whereas a couple of weeks ago there were only 40 properties for sale of all types and prices, today there are 72.  May not seem like many but, as I’ve observed before, these things always sneak up on you while the media reports, dealing with sales made 60-90 days...Continue Reading!

LA VENTA INN IS UNDER ATTACK!

  No, this is not some story about a Japanese submarine off-shore shelling La Venta in 1942.   YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS, BUT LA VENTA INN IS STILL UNDER UNRELENTING ATTACK BY A COUPLE OF NEIGHBORS who, with misinformation, have stirred up the others.   I am sorry to have to put this out there again, but just when we all thought there was an agreement 2 months ago, which La Venta had bent over backwards to achieve, the goal posts have...Continue Reading!