Collection Guide
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Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce Collection
SPC.2015.003
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections
Title: Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce Collection
Creator:
Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce
Identifier/Call Number: SPC.2015.003
Physical Description:
13 boxes
Physical Description:
4.5 Linear Feet
Date (inclusive): 1888-2004; undated
Date (bulk): 1960-1990
Abstract: The collection consists of scrapbooks, documents, publications, photographs, videotapes, and other material related to the
history and activities of the Gardena, California, Chamber of Commerce.
Language of Material:
English
.
There are no access restrictions on this collection, except where notated at file-level.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives
and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical
materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
For information about citing archival material, see the
Citations for Archival Material guide, or consult the appropriate style manual.
This collection was processed by Robert Bush in March of 2016.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by the Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2015.
Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce History
The Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce was incorporated on April 29, 1933, three years after the creation of the City of Gardena,
California. The Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization whose volunteer membership includes businesses, civic leaders,
and government officials from the Gardena Valley area, which is located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County.
In its early years, the chamber's main concerns were supporting civic improvements, such as paved streets, street lighting,
a sewer system, and gas and electricity. Its primary function historically has been to further the interests of local businesses
through promotion, the sponsorship of community events, and engagement on legislative issues.
The Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce Collection (1888-2004; undated) contains 13 boxes and 4.5 linear feet of material that
documents the evolution of the business community in Gardena. It consists of scrapbooks, minutes, official records, publications,
photographs, and awards documenting the organization's history and activities. Chronological scrapbooks include newspaper
clippings, photographs, correspondence, and memorabilia. Publications in the collection include commemorative newspapers,
a local business directory, and editions of the chamber's official publication, "Gardena Valley Business Life". Documents
include board minutes, organizational charts, annual reports, correspondence, and economic and demographic profiles of the
City of Gardena.
An extensive collection of photographs documents Chamber of Commerce officers and members, including official photographs
of the organization's presidents and board members. Also documented are organizational activities, local business openings,
and local and area sites. Local, state, and national dignitaries pictured in the collection include Los Angeles mayor Tom
Bradley, Los Angeles County supervisor Kenneth Hahn, California Governor Pete Wilson, United States Attorney General Edwin
Meese, United States Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, and President George H. W. Bush. Individual albums include images
of the 1971 Gardena Expo, the Gold Cup motorcycle races held at local race promoter J. C. Agajanian's Ascot Park race track,
and the construction of the Hustler Casino.
A small collection of VHS videocassettes containing episodes of a Chamber of Commerce television show and other locally broadcast
events is also included.
oversized materials are stored separately from the rest of the collection.
For related material please see: City of Gardena Collection;
Gardena Valley News; Donald Greaton Gardena Collection; and James H. Osborne Gardena Photograph Collection.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Boards of trade
Motorcycles, Racing
Casinos
Chambers of Commerce
Gardena (Calif.)
Los Angeles County (Calif.)
Bradley, Tom, 1917-1998
Bush, George, 1924-2018
Hahn, Kenneth
Meese, Edwin
Weinberger, Caspar W.
Wilson, Pete, 1933-