In a bustling room full of different generations, nostalgic memories of Boyle Heights filled the air in celebration of the neighborhood’s 150th anniversary.
The event, hosted at the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum by Boyle Heights Community Partners and Boyle Heights Historical Society, featured a conversation diving deep into the community’s history.
“Today represents a turning point,” said Boyle Heights Historical Society President Eliseo “Alex” Tenorio. “There’s been tremendous growth in the community, the culture and the people.”
Homestead Museum Director Paul Spitzzeri began the conversation by introducing Andrew Boyle Workman, a direct descendant of William H. Workman, one of the founders of Boyle Heights.
Workman was named in honor of Andrew S. Boyle, the namesake of the Eastside community.
“My dad fondly recalls memories of him and his siblings sitting around my great-grandfather and him telling stories about riding his horse to school in downtown Los Angeles from Boyle Heights across the L.A. River,” said Workman to a crowd who responded with laughter.
“It’s very easy to forget community history, and if you forget, you’ll lose things forever,” he added. “If people know where they come from… it gives life more meaning.”
A gallery walk of historic images allowed attendees to explore that history and the transformation of notable landmarks in the neighborhood – all while enjoying a concha con cafe. Many were also able to tour the Homestead Museum grounds, viewing historic buildings on the property.
Preserving and highlighting history is what Rudy Martinez has been doing for over a decade.
During the event, the Boyle Heights native and historian shared photos and information about the neighborhood’s 150 years- from highlighting the “Queen of Boogie” Hadda Brooks to even the first light pole that brought electricity to the Eastside.
“Boyle Heights has such a diverse history that encompasses so many different facets resonating beyond its borders,” said Martinez.
Martinez writes entries for the Boyle Heights History Blog, an online page exploring unique aspects of the community, and serves as a board member for the Boyle Heights Historical Society.
What he remembers most growing up in Boyle Heights was a melting pot of cultures.
“My neighbors were Armenian. There was a drugstore down the street… called Tommy’s Drugstore owned by a Latino. There was an auto repair shop called Mas Auto owned by Japanese residents. Next door it was Gus Hamburgers owned by Greeks. There were African Americans and Jewish people living in the community too,” said Martinez.
Highlighting that diverse history is crucial, according to Boyle Heights native Ruth Wakabayashi Kondo, who was born at the former Japanese Hospital and raised in the neighborhood.
Historical photos of Boyle Heights featured at the event. Photos by Carol Martinez.
Kondo attended Hollenbeck Middle School, Roosevelt High School, and California State University, Los Angeles. Even though she now lives in South Pasadena, she tries to visit her hometown as often as she can.
“I think as an adult, I see that my growing up was very diverse. I carry that as a very valuable experience,” said Kondo. “I had warm friends and family, the neighborhood was very close…I don’t think all communities were like that, so I really appreciate the experience.”
In addition to Sunday’s event, Boyle Heights Community Partners and Boyle Heights Historical Society are planning another event in the Fall in Boyle Heights for the commemoration, with details to be shared in the near future.