Santa Monica History Museum

06/18/2026

What's the biggest fish you've seen? 🎣🐠

In 1959, this fisherman caught this rare fish called a louvar at Santa Monica Pier.

The pier became a popular destination for both locals and tourists, boosting the fishing economy. In the mid-20th century, fishing regulations were introduced to protect marine life. The pier has hosted various fishing tournaments and events over the years. Today, it remains a vibrant fishing spot, with ongoing efforts to maintain sustainable practices.

Learn more about the Japanese and Asian-American fishing community that lived near the Long Wharf on our companion site:
https://explore.santamonicahistory.org

Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.3305)

06/17/2026

Looking for something to brighten that living room wall? 🖼 We have 1,000s of images to choose from in our archives that are available for reprint. Here is one of our favorites: Exterior of Vons market at night on Wilshire and Euclid.

Check out our archives at https://collections.santamonicahistory.org

Info on ordering: https://reprints.santamonicahistory.org

Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.6108)

06/16/2026

As Summer approaches, let's take a moment and thank the lifeguards. 🌊🏄🏽‍♀️🛟

A huge thank you to all the lifeguards who work tirelessly to keep our beaches safe. On busy days, the shoreline can get incredibly crowded, and their vigilance and quick response make a real difference for everyone enjoying the water. We appreciate all that you do to help families and visitors have a safe and enjoyable day at the beach!

The lifeguard service was not official until 1932, but lifeguards were patrolling the Santa Monica beaches as early as 1905.

Learn more about the Santa Monica lifeguards from one himself, Art Verge, in his book "Images of America: Santa Monica Lifeguards." Art was a Los Angeles County lifeguard since 1974. His book tells the story using historic photographs, including scrapbooks of numerous lifeguards.

Available at the Santa Monica History Museum

Outlook Collection (1998.1.1421), 1994 - Lifeguard station #28
Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.2101), mid 1900s - Captain George Watkins inspecting the Santa Monica lifeguards
Santa Monica History Museum/Bill Beebe Collection (36.2.3786), 1952 - Santa Monica lifeguards at station #8
Outlook Collection (1998.1.1303), 1970 - Lifeguard station #17

06/15/2026

Artist Hugo Ballin (1879-1956), a prominent muralist of the early 20th century, created a mural in 1954 for the lobby of the Evening Outlook Newspaper depicting the California Incline.

That mural now hangs at the Santa Monica History Museum. Come visit us to view it and other artifacts of Santa Monica.

We'd love to see your visit! Share a selfie and tag it with

Ballin, who worked from his studio in Pacific Palisades, was a celebrated American painter, muralist, and filmmaker whose work helped shape the visual culture of Los Angeles. Known for his grand murals that blended classical themes with modern storytelling, Ballin left a lasting legacy in public buildings, libraries, and civic spaces throughout Southern California, most notably Griffith Park Observatory and the Los Angeles Times building.

Photo of mural - Outlook Collection (1998.1.1277)
Photo of Hugo Ballin - Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.3396)

06/14/2026

Today commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. President Woodrow Wilson officially established this day as Flag Day in 1916.

From our archives, "The Santa Monica Pleasure Pier Ladies' Orchestra" with their instruments getting ready for a concert with the flag displayed behind them. During the 1910s and 1920s, "ladies' orchestras" were a staple of early Southern California seaside entertainment. These all-female musical groups frequently performed at the piers and waterfront theaters providing lively, refined musical accompaniment.

Santa Monica History Museum Collection (36.2.4843), undated

In our Museum Shop, we have several books on The Pleasure Pier (Santa Monica Pier). Come on in, check them out along with many other great books on Santa Monica.

06/12/2026

On this day in 1916, the Looff Hippodrome opens 🎠

The Looff Hippodrome was designed and built in 1916 by Charles I. D. Looff and his son Arthur to hold a Looff Carousel. The Carousel was replaced by one from Ocean Park Pier (P.O.P) after it was sold in 1939. It became a popular location for the film industry including the film "The Sting" in 1973 staring Robert Redford. The Looff Hippodrome was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

Santa Monica History Museum Collection (36.2.801, 36.2.1264, 36.2.760, 36.2.2197, 36.2.809, 36.2.3810)




https://collections.santamonicahistory.org

06/11/2026

Schoooool's out for Summer! 🎶🏫 Enjoy the summer!

Who wasn't excited for the last day of school? These ones surely are! In 1969, these students from Madison Elementary School, located at 1018 Arizona Avenue, run outside on the last day of school before summer vacation. Teachers are standing at the door and wave goodbye.

Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.7280)

More images of Madison Elementary https://ow.ly/oN6k50Z7eul

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

Toys do more than entertain—they spark creativity, encourage discovery, and create lasting memories. 🚂

From our Bill Beebe Collection, a display of dolls at the W.T. Grant Company in 1937. The department store was located at 1338 Third Street. W. T. Grant was a chain store founded by William Thomas Grant. It was also known as a 25cent store and operated from 1906 until 1976.

How much fun was it to pick out a toy? So many to choose from!

Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.821)

06/08/2026

Raise your hand if you're a donut hole lover! 🙋‍♀️🖐🏽 Do you know how National Donut Day started?

It is a day of appreciation of Salvation Army volunteers who distributed doughnuts to servicemen during the first world war. We have a lovely image from our archives of The American Red Cross Canteen Service (Santa Monica Chapter) serving coffee and doughnuts to servicemen at an Army Service School in 1945. Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.7714)

Does anyone remember what use to be at the now Randy's Donuts location in the '70s and '80s? It was a favorite hangout for the high school in the area.




https://santamonicahistory.catalogaccess.com/photos/15361
https://collections.santamonicahistory.org