Best Historical Landmark Downey Near Me

4worldlovers:
Casa de Parley Johnson is a two-story Monterey-style residence designed by noted architect Roland E. Coate. Coate, a proponent of the Monterey style, was known for his designs that derived inspiration from Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and typified the Southern California lifestyle of the 1920s and 1930s.

Designed for Parley Johnson, a prominent local citrus farmer, and his wife, Geline "Gypsy" Johnson, the home and its gardens were originally situated in the center of the Johnsons' fifty acres of orange groves.

4worldlovers:
The Woodworth House was built by Wallace Woodworth, prominent merchant of Los Angeles.

Wallace Woodworth was born 28 July 1832 in Essex, Vermont, to John Dennison Woodworth and Samantha Williams. Wallace was the grandson of Nathan, son of Amasa, son of Ebenezer, son of Benjamin, son of Walter. He died in Los Angeles, Calif., 13 September 1882; and is buried Evergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles. Although the home is now located in what is now known as Bell Gardens, the town of Bell Gardens did not incorporate until 1961, and until then the home was a part of greater Los Angeles.


A Google Earth panoramic street view of the mansion area is shon below. The old pickup is parked in front of the next door warehouse.


The mansion had for years been a place of social activity and free swimming for youth. However, it fell on hard times during a period when a new caretaker, living there free, did not care for the home as agreed upon. See


For a while, the Bell Gardens city surplus trolleys were stored in its parking lot.

The mansion is now the home of the El Rancho San Antonio Historical Society, (323) 927-5055

Additionally one of his nine children, Vicente, married and built a two-story adobe home in 1850, located at 6360 Gage Ave. A daughter of Don Antonio Maria married Stephen C. Foster, Mayor of Los Angeles in 1854 and lived in an adobe house just east of 6820 Foster Bridge Road, now marked by a parking lot sadly.

Wallace Woodworth served as county supervisor for one term. He was elected to office in 1868 to a two-year term. On September 1, 1869 elections were held for the County's newly devided four district supervisorial seats. Woodworth was not re-elected , but all the incumbents remained in office through 1871.

Woodworth was born July 28, 1832, in Johnstown, Ohio, where he grew up and attended public schools.

In 1853 when he was 21, Woodworth moved to Los Angeles County and became manager of his uncle's ranch. Woodworth got involved in the cattle business, making money buying and selling on a large scale.

In 1858 he left the ranch and formed a partnership with W.H. Perry. The firm of Perry & Woodworth made and sold cabinets and furniture on Main Street. In 1867 the firm organized a natural gas company, and established the first working gas jet lines in Los Angeles

Woodworth's business success and prominence in political circles led to his election to the county supervisorial seat. After leaving County service, Woodworth later became a member and president of the Los Angeles City Council.

In 1872 his company deversified into the lumber and millling business. Woodworth amassed a larger fortune, and was considered one of the wealthiest men and landwoners in the County.

During this time, Woodworth continued his involvement in politics. He was staunched Democrat, and in 1180 was a delegate to the county convention in Los Angeles, the state convention in San Francisco, and the national convention in Cincinnati.

In the last few years of his life, Woodworth took up framing and specialized in the growing of grapes, oranges, and olives.

His credits included membership in the Masonic Temple, donating to the local orphanages and being considered one of the early pioneer businessmen of Los Angeles.

4worldlovers: Anna J. Martin Park covers two acres and is a passive park with play equipment and a picnic area. This neighborhood park offers beauty and serenity for those seeking a peaceful environment. Fun play equipment is available for smaller children.

Behringer Athletic Facility North covers nine and a half acres featuring four lighted softball fields and two lighted overlay soccer fields. Behringer Athletic Facility South covers ten acres and includes four Little League fields (two of which are lighted), two lighted senior fields, and three overlay soccer fields (two of which are lighted). Behringer is a popular location for enjoying youth sports throughout the year.

Creek Park covers 26 acres along the La Mirada flood control channel. The eastern end of this creatively designed passive park features a fire ring and an amphitheater that accommodates up to 65 individuals. A horse arena is located to the west. Creek Park's lush green grass, rolling topography, and beautiful trees combine to bring contentment to visitors. Creek Park is the perfect setting for a peaceful morning jog or a family picnic. Each July, Creek Park is home to the popular “Stroll in the Park”. This event features food booths and musical entertainment. The amphitheater is open to the public by reservation.

The City of La Mirada recently approved a Master Plan to improve Creek Park. Built in the 1970's, the park is in need of infrastructure improvements, renovations and enhanced ADA accessibility. For the most updated information on the Creek Park Master Plan, click here.

Frontier Park covers six acres and is a passive park with play equipment and picnic areas. This neighborhood park has beautiful green grass, and lovely trees. The park offers a fine location for a family picnic or a game of basketball. Future improvements planned for Frontier Park include a new Community Building, tetherball, and handball area.

Gardenhill Park covers six acres and features a community room, an amphitheater that accommodates up to 65 individuals, two lighted tennis courts, a lighted basketball court, a playground, a horseshoe pit, and picnic areas. The mature trees help to make this park a quiet setting. The facilities offer friends and families a location for recreational games and sports. The community building is used for Tiny Tots and is designed to provide a location for meetings, classes, and similar activities. The playground offers tiny tot and older children’s play apparatus.

The La Mirada Gymnasium covers 20,000 square feet and includes one full-size regulation high school basketball court and two smaller courts that can be converted into three volleyball and badminton courts. Adult and youth leagues are offered throughout the year, and open gym time is available at various times. A multi-purpose room is used for senior exercise and special classes. Click here for Gymnasium Activities.

Regional Park covers 100 acres and is owned and maintained by Los Angeles County. It has multiple recreational uses which include lighted softball fields, lighted tennis courts, handball courts, several disc golf courses, a swimming pool, numerous playgrounds, and picnic areas. The park features beautiful green hills, mature trees, and a serene lake.

La Mirada Regional Park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities to the community. For further information, call 800-404-5888.

Los Coyotes covers ten acres and includes four youth baseball fields, two lighted football/soccer overlay fields, and two lighted senior fields. This active sports field plays an important role in meeting the recreational needs of the community.

Neff Park covers ten acres and includes three historic buildings, a gazebo, basketball court, tennis court, horseshoes pits, a playground, and picnic areas. The historic buildings include: Neff Home, George House, and Neff Barn. The Neff Barn, which displays an extensive collection of historic memorabilia, is used for group reservations, meetings, summer and holiday day camps, and special events. The gazebo can also be reserved for special ceremonies, and the sport facilities are open play.

This lovely stretch of passive parkland, which extends southwesterly from Creek Park, is perfect for a quiet stroll. Oak Creek Park is located south of Imperial Highway and east of La Mirada Boulevard.

4worldlovers: Rancho Los Cerritos is located on the ancestral and current homelands of the Tongva/ Gabrielino people who are the past, present, and future caretakers of the Los Angeles Basin and Southern Channel Islands. We honor and extend our respects to the many Indigenous people who call these lands home.


Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation works to preserve the historic site and to honor and illuminate the region’s

Cultural heritage through innovative opportunities that expand access to all communities. This statement is

Intended to describe our core DEIA values that we will uphold and model as we advance our mission. Read More.