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INVENTORY OF THE GARDENA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COLLECTION, 1950-2004
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Table of contents What's This?
  • Descriptive Summary
  • Administration Information
  • History
  • Scope and Content
  • Indexing Terms
  • Related Material

  • Descriptive Summary

    Title: Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce Collection
    Dates: 1950-2004
    Collection Number: Consult repository
    Creator:
    Extent: 13 boxes 4.5 linear ft
    Repository: California State University, Dominguez Hills Archives and Special Collections
    Archives & Special Collection
    University Library, Room G-145
    1000 E. Victoria Street
    Carson, California 90747
    Phone: (310) 243-3895
    URL: http://www4.csudh.edu/libarchives/index
    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 from 1950 to 2004.
    Language: Collection material is in English

    Administration Information

    Access

    There are no access restrictions on this collection.

    Publication Rights

    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.

    Preferred Citation

    [Title of item], Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce Collection, Courtesy of the Department of Archives and Special Collections. University Library. California State University, Dominguez Hills

    Acquisition Information

    Donated by the Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2015.

    Processing Information

    This collection was processed by Robert Bush in March of 2016.

    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.

    Scope and Content

    The collection 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.

    Arrangement

    Arranged by folder

    Indexing Terms

    Subjects

    Boards of trade
    Chambers of commerce
    Motorcycle racing
    Casinos

    Personal Names

    Bradley, Tom, 1917-1998
    Bush, George, 1924-
    Hahn, Kenneth
    Meese, Edwin
    Weinberger, Caspar W.
    Wilson, Pete, 1933-

    Corporate Names

    Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce

    Geographic Areas

    Gardena (Calif.)
    Los Angeles County (Calif.)

    Contributors

    [Contributors]

    Titles

    [Titles]

    Related Material

    [material related to the collection]