The Downey Conservancy

Downey, California
Woman’s Club of Downey home tour.
Early 1960’s

Downey, California
1898-1913 - Old Downey Post Office can be visited at Knott’s Berry Farm Ghost Town. It has been the Boarding House and Haunt Museum.
Be sure to check it out next time you’re at Knott’s.

Downey, California
Beautiful original wood windows. Many original windows in Downey’s older homes have leaded glass, which can add value and beauty to a home. If you’re interested in having your windows repaired instead of replaced. Please see the information below.
Window Restoration and Repair in Los Alamitos
562-493-1590
https://www.windowrestorationandrepair.com/

Downey, California
Airstream Travel Trailer Display, sometime in the late 1950’s or early 60’s. Stonewood was an outdoor center at the time. They put the roof on in 1989 if I remember correctly. Wish they’d bring back that open air mall again.
Photos courtesy of the Downey Historical Society

Downey, California
Then and Now
Mid century modern architecture
Location: 10841 Paramount Blvd.
Photos courtesy of Downey Historical Society and Google Maps.

Downey, California
Downey High School / Downey Junior High School
Then and Now
Location: Brookshire Ave. and Firestone Blvd.
1930’s/40’s. and present day.
Photos courtesy of Downey Historical Society Archives and Google Maps.

Downey, California
Downey Theatre.
1970/71
Adrian Wilson and Associates Architect
Then and Now
Does anyone know where the interior tile mosaics that were in the lobby have gone ?

Downey. California
Then and Now
Masonic Temple built 1922
Location: corner Downey Ave. and 3rd St.
The building was located where the parking lot is located now.
Photos courtesy of Downey Historical Society and Google Maps.

Downey, California
Big News for 1965 newspaper clip.
Then and Now of the Masonic Lodge and Broadway Department Store.

Downey, California
Then and Now
10840 Paramount Blvd.
Now home to Cartozian and Associates.
Photo courtesy of Downey Historical Society.

Downey, California
Then and Now
Not sure the year, but probably 1960’s.
Location: 8050 Florence Ave.

Memorial Day
Remember those who sacrificed their lives so you may have your freedom.

Downey, California
Now and Then
Design by Cliff Olsten and Associates Inc. Los Angeles 1962
Mid century modern neo-classical architecture
location: 7515 Sarabeth in Yankee Circle.
From the files of the Downey Historical Society.

C'mon over to the California Fish Grill at the Downey Promenade to enjoy some delicious food and support The Downey Conservancy! Be sure to tell the cashier that you are with The Downey Conservancy or type in "FUND2024" at the kiosk or online. Fundraiser is on until 8:00pm.
Thank you!!

Our California Fish Grill fundraiser is TODAY!!
Enjoy a meal at the Downey Promenade location (8990 Apollo Way) between 4 and 8 pm and help support our preservation efforts at the same time!
When ordering in person, tell the cashier that you're with The Downey Conservancy. If ordering online or at a kiosk, use the promo code 'FUND2024".
Thank you for your support!

Our Fundraiser is TOMORROW!!

Downey Conservancy friends,
we've got the perfect excuse to eat out!
Order from California Fish Grill, 8990 Apollo Way, tomorrow (Thursday, April 11th) during 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM and 25% of your sales will be donated back to The Downey Conservancy. Your support is MUCH appreciated and all you need to do is order online using the promo code FUND2024 or in store mentioning The Downey Conservancy!

Then & Now... Skate-O-Rama

Opened its doors on April 23, 1957
and closed in the early 2000's.
It has been Providence Pipe Products since 2004.

Read more:
https://www-thedowneypatriot-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.thedowneypatriot.com/articles/looking-back-on-skate-o-rama?amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&format=amp&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D =From%20%251%24s&aoh=17124367208013&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedowneypatriot.com%2Farticles%2Flooking-back-on-skate-o-rama

Our California Fish Grill fundraiser is next Thursday, April 11th, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm! Enjoy a healthy meal and help support our efforts to promote and preserve Downey's historic and cultural resources. Thank you!

Downey, California
Court Professional Building April 1963 photo
Robert W. Essig Architect
Hanes and Essig Architecture/Planning
Location: Third Street at New Street
Photos property of Downey Historical Society

Our fundraiser is coming up next week Thursday April 11. 4PM - 8PM at the California Fish Grill at 8990 Apollo Way at the Promenade Downey. Come on out and support our preservation efforts here in Downey. They will donate 25% back to us as long as we have 20 people use the code. Hope to see you there.

Downey, California.
Preservation Alert
This just showed up on the Ring Doorbell community page.
Looks like the church will remain on site. With development toward the rear of the lot.

Hello Downey Conservancy enthusiasts, here is you chance to make your voice heard for the 2030 strategic plan. Check it out here and be sure to voice your opinion on our history here in town if you feel strongly enough about it.

Downey 2030 Strategic Plan | City of Downey, CA The City of Downey is developing a new strategic plan to guide the City’s activities for the next 5 years. The goal of the plan is to help the City identify major strategic priorities and create a clear path to achieve those goals.

Preservation Quiz of the Week:
What do these two buildings have in common, other than the fact that they were both preserved and adaptively reused as new businesses instead of being demolished?

Thank you for participating!
Great answers and discussions.
The two buildings were both originally built as restaurants by the same corporation. The first building on Woodruff Ave. is now Majestic Trophy, but was originally a Kentucky Fried Chicken. The second building on Paramount Blvd. is now The Chicken Koop restaurant, but was originally built as Kentucky Roast Beef, a KFC spin-off that only lasted for a couple of years.

***SAVE THE DATE!***April 11th***
Enjoy a meal at Downey's California Fish Grill on April 11th between 4:00 and 8:00 pm and 25% of your purchase will be donated to The Downey Conservancy!
Just mention our name to your cashier or use the promo code FUND2024 at the self-service kiosk, website, or app during checkout. Donations will apply to Dine-In, Takeout, Delivery & Pickup orders.
Our California Fish Grill is located at the Promenade, 8990 Apollo Way.

Downey, California
Housing ads from the 1950’s Downey Live Wire

Downey's great friend and one of the key people who helped to save our iconic McDonald's from demolition, Chris Nichols, is featured in this episode of "Lost LA". He joins the host, Nathan Masters, at our world famous, oldest operating McDonald's to talk about its important architectural and cultural history.

Lost LA | Fast Food and Car Culture | Season 6 | Episode 1 | PBS Iconic fast-food chains from McDonald’s to Taco Bell were born in SoCal.

Congratulations to the Downey Rose Float Association.
Winner Wrigley Legacy Award 2024
Rhythm Of The Caribbean

Downey, California
Downey Rose float Association since 1952.
This is a self funded float run by volunteers. If you ever go to the Furman Park Concerts during the summer time the concessions are run by DRFA. Every dollar spent helps build the float.