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Much of Santa Monica (known as Rancho San Vicente y Santa Monica or Boca de
Santa Monica) was first acquired by Robert S. Baker, who later sold 75% of his
interest to Nevada Senator John P. Jones in the early 1870's. Shortly
thereafter the senator laid out the site plans for the town and Santa Monica
became a township in 1875. One short year later the town boasted 1,000 residents,
several new businesses and a newspaper!
The first business in Santa Monica was a grocery store, closely followed by a
hotel. Other early merchants to Montana Avenue included blacksmith shops
and gas stations. Early merchants saw the need to serve the population of beach goers, which
continue to flock to this popular community from all over the world.
Some of the earliest businesses are still around today such as the Aero Theatre
which marks its beginning in the 1920's. Shops in operation since the
1930's include: Carl's Bakery, Le Petit Moulin restaurant and the Esquire Barber
Shop. Moody Printing has been a Montana Avenue merchant since 1942.
As you journey down Montana Avenue visiting the various merchants, you will be
stepping into some of the original buildings from those early years.
Construction and renovations attempt to respect the early architecture and no
structure is more than two stories in height. Special attention is given
to the Avenues landscaping and sidewalks making a visit to Montana Avenue a
relaxing and pleasant day out.
Today, the Montana Avenue retail corridor from 7th street to 17th street is home
to over 200 merchants - many of whom are Santa Monica residents.
Residents, Landlords, and merchants enjoy a symbiotic relationship that many
communities would appreciate. Santa Monica property owners and merchants
take great pride in the neighborhood and the neighbors, the architecture and the
land and the history as well as the future. These attributes make Montana
Avenue an ideal business location.
If you would like to explore more of Santa Monica's history, visit the Museum of
History and Culture at Colorado Avenue and 20th.
References:
Jewel of the Sunset Bay by J. Wolfe and Katherine Mater
Paradise by the Sea - Santa Monica Bay by Fred E. Basten
Santa Monica - A History on the Edge by Paula A. Scott
Santa Monica - Portrait of a City by Les Strorrs |
