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INVENTORY OF THE GARDENA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COLLECTION,
1950-2004
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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
There are no access restrictions on this collection.
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.
[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
Donated by the Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2015.
This collection was processed by Robert Bush in March of 2016.
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 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
Boards of trade
Chambers of commerce
Motorcycle racing
Casinos
Bradley, Tom, 1917-1998
Bush, George, 1924-
Hahn, Kenneth
Meese, Edwin
Weinberger, Caspar W.
Wilson, Pete, 1933-
Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce
Gardena (Calif.)
Los Angeles County (Calif.)
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