Late-Night Thursdays with Torrance Historical Society – Oil
In Celebration of Jared Sidney Torrance’s birthday (August 3), we welcome you to Late-Night Thursdays at the Museum during the month of August. The Museum will extend it hours until 7:00 PM, and treats will be served each Thursday. Visit with volunteer historians – Paul Wisman, LeRoy Jackson, and Mike the Map Man (between the hours of 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM). They will share ephemera, photos, stories, maps, and more!
Thursday, August 13th – Oil
Oil was discovered in Torrance in 1922. The first major gusher came in on June 7, 1922, at Del Amo No. 1, located on what is now Kent Avenue.
Come early, stay late, or drop in for a minute. While your there, you can also explore the Torrance Historical Society’s other collections including . . .
- See the World Cup Soccer Exhibit showcasing items from when the inaugural FIFA World Cup took place in July of 1930 through the decades
- Capture a Kodak moment with Jared Sidney Torrance
- Touch one of the original Torrance cowboy’s saddle (yes, Torrance used to be a farming community — right down to cows, pigs, minks, turkeys, strawberries, and flowers)
- View the training shorts and sweatshirt Louis Zamperini wore during the 1936 Olympics, the luggage the community bought for him to attend the Olympic Tryouts in NY, and other “Lucky Louie” treasures
No reservations required!
Other events:
Thursday, August 20 – Pacific Electric Railway & Railroad
The Pacific Electric Railway was America’s largest interurban electric railway system, covering the Los Angeles region with more than 1,000 miles of rail lines.
Thursday, August 27 – Wilson Park – Naval Annex
The Naval Annex was used as an auxiliary storage facility to the Long Beach Naval Station. When the Navy announced plans to close that base as of June 1974, the city of Torrance began its active pursuit of the property. Stop by to learn more!