There must be a memorial to the numerous variations of Santa Monica Pier

To the editor: This was an exquisite tribute to 2 amusement piers that introduced folks and good occasions collectively (“A story of two parks: One was a ‘poor boy’s Disneyland,’ the opposite had a Cobra Lady who was actually a person,” July 4).

I dwell within the former honky-tonk neighborhood that was as soon as dominated by Pacific Ocean Park and earlier variations of the pier that stretch again to the Eighteen Nineties. Throughout World Warfare II, the ballrooms on the pier have been open 24 hours a day with massive bands entertaining swing-shift protection employees from close by Douglas Plane.

Sadly right this moment, there isn’t a hint that the pier ever existed. Any person ought to construct a memorial there — to not struggle, however to a spot the place folks as soon as had fun.

Richard Orton, Ocean Park

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To the editor: I actually appreciated columnist Patt Morrison’s piece that talked about the Lengthy Seashore Pike. I grew up in Compton and, from about 12 years on, hitchhiked down Lengthy Seashore Boulevard with buddies to the Pike, the place it was a strict ceremony of passage to journey the Cyclone Racer, ogle the harlots from afar, slum with the sailors and usually get pleasure from being nuisances to simply about everyone close to us.

In some way, none of us obtained into hassle, as we have been all used to being out of the home all day by the age of 8 or 9 and fairly streetwise. As of now, I recall none of us having gone to jail or ending up within the streets, so I suppose my perception is that a little bit publicity to the seamy facet of life as in comparison with the helicopter dad and mom of right this moment shouldn’t be essentially a foul factor. Thanks for the reminiscences.

Dell Franklin, Cayucos