BoxRec

Rick, you wrote: "Personally, I think Hearns took a lot out of Cuevas." I agree 100%. You could stick a fork in Cuevas after the Hearns fight; he was done.

-Rick[/quote]
Rick...When I think of the Olympic and what it once was, I want to cry a tear of saddens, but then I let my mind go back to those days gone by, and I'm back in the 1950's-60s, 1970s when my boys turned pro, into the early 1980s and a smile come to my face and I say "Yes, I was there!"[/quote]

Frank
You've got the right take on that. Those days aren't coming back,but you have those memories.

I used to go to L.A. several times a year to see a big fight. Unfortunately I never saw your sons. I saw Rick once on the undercard of Napoles/Lewis at the Forum,but honestly I don't remember.

But keep the stories coming. Guys like you and Rick and Hap are what makes this thread keep going.

Rick...When I think of the Olympic and what it once was, I want to cry a tear of saddens, but then I let my mind go back to those days gone by, and I'm back in the 1950's-60s, 1970s when my boys turned pro, into the early 1980s and a smile come to my face and I say "Yes, I was there!"
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Frank . . .
Yes, you were there. I'll never forget it. We have in our minds a solid memory of a place we spent a lot of time at, we were young and around some of the greatest fighters in the world. We saw them in the gym, and in the Olympic ring, sometimes fighting for world titles. These weren't strangers, they were our friends, guys we spent time with as they ascended to greatness in boxing. It had an energy that we still feel today. L.A. Boxing is in our DNA. It's nice when we can transcend that energy, even a tiny particle of it makes for a good tale. A reason to smile.

I have many more personal photos and clips from the era. In time I'll get them out.


-Rick Farris

When it rains,it pours. More kids.L to R.Sitting: Christian(great grandson),Amanda(grand daughter),Cindy(great grand daughter),Erik(great grand son),Kalina(grand daughter),Adam(grandson).Standing:Erika(grand daughter) and Cruz(grand daughter)

Maria is making carne asada and flautas for everybody

raylawpc wrote:Rick, you wrote: "Personally, I think Hearns took a lot out of Cuevas." I agree 100%. You could stick a fork in Cuevas after the Hearns fight; he was done.

I agree, Tom. Hearns broke him.
He wasn't in the ring with Andy Price, he was in with Tommy Hearns.
Hearns made him go backwards, kept him at the end of those long arms.
And Tommy Hearns could bang!

You knew Team Cuevas was cashing in on the Duran fight.
At the time, both sought the Jr. Middleweight title.
The fight did well in L.A.

Many would learn that Roberto Duran was born in Panama, but half the blood flowing thru his veins is Mexican.
Duran's father is an American of Mexican descent from Arizona.
While in the Army and stationed in Panama, Duran's father met his mother and made Roberto.
The father left Panama and returned to Arizona after his enlistment ended. The future boxing great was born shortly afterwards.

Duran was still a question mark. In the early seconds of the opening round of the Duran-Cuevas fight, Roberto answered that question.
He let Pipino feel that power, and it was just a matter of time how much Cuevas would take before quitting.
He may not have said "no mas" or thrown in the towel, but Pipino was beaten long before the fight was halted.
The power of Hearns still fresh in his mind, and now Hands of Stone? No way, Jose!

Another chapter in the career of Roberto Duran was about to be written, Pipino Cuevas would serve as the "opening page" of the the new chapter. World Jr. Middleweight & Middleweight championships were on the Horizon for the ageless Duran.


-Rick Farris

I just got done polishing this off. Belch

kikibalt wrote:Rob...Thanks so much for that journey down memory-lane.

You are more than welcome Frank. I knew you guys would appreciate it somehow. I am perceptive like that.

18th & Grand . . .

The first time I laid eyes on the building was in the 50's.
I was probably four or five-years-old, but I remember what I saw, and I knew what it was.
It was a prizefighter. A huge mural of a boxer that adorned the outside wall of the Olympic Auditorium.
We were just driving by, I was with my parents.

I came to believe that the boxing we watched on friday nights came from that buildling, but I was wrong.
The fights I remembered came from back east, and around the country.
However, that building spelled boxing to me. Just look on the wall when you pass by on the 10 Freeway.

Of course, that mural was peeled off nearly twenty years ago when Jack Needleman bought the building and renamed it the "Grand Olympic Auditorium".

Nobody needed to tell guys like Frank and I that the Olympic was Grand. The old broad must have laughed herself, at the irony.
Jack Dempsey himself was there when the ground was broken. He was heavyweight champ at the time.
She was around when there was competition in town. There was once a place called the Hollywood Legion Stadium just down the road.

When Needleman took over, he thought the place needed a face lift to rejuvenate it.
What it needed was a promoter.
Without an Eaton, Parnassus, Working, Navarro, etc. and their brilliant ring attractions, the place was destined to fail.

Now we have Indian Reservations, and Vegas. We have MMA and PPV, and women's boxing.
Thank God for YouTube and DVD's. The only place where you can find evidence of talent.

Today, you have to look backwards, or just forget about it.


-Rick Farris

I am a Hollywood Legion guy for all time, but here is my bit on the great Olympic Auditorium:

I was born about three blocks from where they built the Olympic and I lived for a bit near Washington and Grand, where I sold the Evening Express paper for a few pennies at that intersection. The old Polytechnc High School, which I attended later for a semester, was right there, too.

My first visit to the Olympic dressing rooms was by accident on an mateur fight night. A fine trainer, Billy East, saw me standing rather forlorn at the dressing room entrance, and for some reason (fate) handed me a cardboard box containg, gloves and other light equipment, and told me to follow him into the building.......Lord's truth, fellas, that was my start in the game.
I then found a seat and enjoyed the bouts courtesy of that kindly fellow.

After that I hung around that back door entrance on pro nights but all i got once was my hair touseled by a great matchmaker, Joe Waterman, who also noticed my zeal at the sight of the boxers arrival. When the bouts began I would run home and catch the main event on radio, then return to the club's back door and catch a glimpse of the star boxers as they left the building. I never dreamed I would ever become a part of the game, let alone a matchmaker. C'est la vie!

hap navarro

Dongee wrote:I am a Hollywood Legion guy for all time, but here is my bit on the great Olympic Auditorium:

I was born about three blocks from where they built the Olympic and I lived for a bit near Washington and Grand, where I sold the Evening Express paper for a few pennies at that intersection. The old Polytechnc High School, which I attended later for a semester, was right there, too.

My first visit to the Olympic dressing rooms was by accident on an mateur fight night. A fine trainer, Billy East, saw me standing rather forlorn at the dressing room entrance, and for some reason (fate) handed me a cardboard box containg, gloves and other light equipment, and told me to follow him into the building.......Lord's truth, fellas, that was my start in the game.
I then found a seat and enjoyed the bouts courtesy of that kindly fellow.

After that I hung around that back door entrance on pro nights but all i got once was my hair touseled by a great matchmaker, Joe Waterman, who also noticed my zeal at the sight of the boxers arrival. When the bouts began I would run home and catch the main event on radio, then return to the club's back door and catch a glimpse of the star boxers as they left the building. I never dreamed I would ever become a part of the game, let alone a matchmaker. C'est la vie!

hap navarro

Hap . . . What a great story. That guy had no idea who he was introducing to the world of pro boxing.
You would publicize, matchmake and promote at one of the greatest boxing clubs in american history. You helped create L.A. boxing history.
Kind of interesting is how you'd wait for the fighters by the door.
I remember doing the same thing near the entrance to the dressing room. Wanted to be close to the boxers.
In recent year I've read a lot about Joe Waterman. Much has come from you. Tom Kennedy, other names.
It must have all been pretty new back then. You have see so much, Hap.

-Rick Farris

After the Olympic Auditorium was refurbished in the late 1980s, it may be that the great venue needed another promoter like Aileen Eaton to stage boxing shows there. But the surrounding area of the Olympic was going downhill by the 1980s, which made it less likely that fans would show up at the time.

- Chuck Johnston

Havoc at the Hard Rock II: No Mercy
June 22, 2009 by Felipe Leon

First class professional boxing returns to downtown San Diego, CA, when Rogue Boxing Promotions presents “Havoc at the Hard Rock II: No Mercy” at the Woodstock Terrace of the beautiful Hard Rock Hotel on Friday, July 10th. The open-air terrace proved to be the perfect southern California venue as more than 900 boxing fans enjoyed the inaugural fight card showcased by Rogue Boxing Promotions last month.

In the featured bout of the evening, unbeaten Filipino lightweight prospect Mercito Gesta (15-0-1, 6KO) returns to face the rugged Damian Fuller (30-6-1, 14KO) in a scheduled eight round bout. Gesta is coming off a 44 second destruction of Tijuana’s 2008 prospect of the year Alain “Konan” Hernandez last may in his first fight of 2009. Gesta forced the stoppage with a shock and awe display of speed and power as he connected a barrage of unanswered punches. Gesta is originally of Cebu City, Philippines but resides in Chula Vista, CA.

Now Gesta will take a significant step up matching up against the vastly experienced Fuller of Detroit, MI. Fuller, whose career is helmed by the renowned Jackie Kallen, owns a win over local favorite Jairo Ramirez and has faced former world champions Diego Corrales and Lovemore N’Dou during his eleven-year career.

“As soon as we had the opportunity to put this exciting match up together, I instantly thought it was a great fight for the San Diego boxing fans to witness,” Derek Pierce, President of Rogue Boxing Promotions, stated. “Through it all, Ms. Kallen has been a real pleasure to work with.”

In the co-feature bout, the “San Diego Sensation” super flyweight Sergio Espinoza is slated against TBA in a six round affair as he makes a run towards a title. Espinoza, who at one point was ranked in the top fifteen in his division by the WBC, is the only San Diego based fighter to have won four major amateur titles, the junior nationals, the national PAL boxing championships, the national gold gloves and the USA nationals.

The night will also mark the return of southern California amateur standout Angel Estrada (3-0-1, 2KO) in a four round bout after a two-year hiatus. On his way in amassing more than 125 amateur fights, Estrada captured multiple amateur titles including three Silver Gloves National championships. Estrada will be matched up against an opponent to be named.

Two more explosive fights round out the card.

The Hard Rock Hotel is located at 207 5th Ave downtown San Diego, one block west from Petco Park. The venue is all ages and food and drink will be served. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first punch thrown at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $35 and are available by visiting www.rogueboxing.com or by calling 619.313.8048.

HERE'SSSSS ED

I stopped watching Late Night TV after Johnny Carson went off the air.These other Late Night Shows we have today pale in comparision. Johnny was on the air since the early 60's after replacing Jack Paar. His guest list was like a Who's Who in the entertainment industry. Along with Johnny was the NBC Orchestra led by Doc Severinson. Talk about a class group of musicians.They were big time. Sitting on the couch next to Johnny was his friend and announcer Ed McMahon. Ed was with Johnny since the beginning.

When Carson left,they asked Ed if he'd stay on.
"No way. When Johnny goes,I go. I wanted that in my contract."

Ed McMahon had one of the most infectious laughs in show business. Watching those Carnac segments was proof of that. Carnac(Johnny)wearing that Turbin would hold the card to his head and Ed would say the answer. Carnac would respond with the question. Ed would be busting up before the question and the first thing you know everyone was in stitches.

Ed helped Jerry Lewis every year with his March Of Dimes Telethon. He hawked everyting in the world from Alpo to Budweiser. He emceed game shows.But the quality of Ed was his solid and loyal presence. Combine that with that infectious laugh and we had an American icon.

Ed McMahon. Marine Corps pilot,entertainer,loyal friend,the straight man who made people laugh. We'll miss you pal.

Ed to Carnac:"Siss Boom Bah"
Carnac:"What sound does a sheep make when it explodes?"

delete

FLASH.Just clicked onto my Yahoo News. HEADLINE:QUARRY FOUND IN HOLY LAND MAY DATE BACK TO TIME OF JESUS.

I clicked on to read the story. Nope,It wasn't Jerry.

Rick Farris wrote:

raylawpc wrote:Rick, you wrote: "Personally, I think Hearns took a lot out of Cuevas." I agree 100%. You could stick a fork in Cuevas after the Hearns fight; he was done.

I agree, Tom. Hearns broke him.
He wasn't in the ring with Andy Price, he was in with Tommy Hearns.
Hearns made him go backwards, kept him at the end of those long arms.
And Tommy Hearns could bang!

You knew Team Cuevas was cashing in on the Duran fight.
At the time, both sought the Jr. Middleweight title.
The fight did well in L.A.

Many would learn that Roberto Duran was born in Panama, but half the blood flowing thru his veins is Mexican.
Duran's father is an American of Mexican descent from Arizona.
While in the Army and stationed in Panama, Duran's father met his mother and made Roberto.
The father left Panama and returned to Arizona after his enlistment ended. The future boxing great was born shortly afterwards.

Duran was still a question mark. In the early seconds of the opening round of the Duran-Cuevas fight, Roberto answered that question.
He let Pipino feel that power, and it was just a matter of time how much Cuevas would take before quitting.
He may not have said "no mas" or thrown in the towel, but Pipino was beaten long before the fight was halted.
The power of Hearns still fresh in his mind, and now Hands of Stone? No way, Jose!

Another chapter in the career of Roberto Duran was about to be written, Pipino Cuevas would serve as the "opening page" of the the new chapter. World Jr. Middleweight & Middleweight championships were on the Horizon for the ageless Duran.


-Rick Farris

The way Duran finished it was a lesson in finishing. He knew he had Cuevas at his mercy and just dropped down a gear and and picked his shots with deadly accuracy, mostly to the head, before switching to the body and landing that final rib-cruncher.

I remember watching Al Galindo fight a few times, didn't always win, but always gave 110 % of himself.
Looking at his record, it looks like he spent most of his entire career fighting 4 round fights, he did have a few 6 round fights



division welterweight
nationality United States
residence Los Angeles, California, United States
won 18 (KO 2) + lost 15 (KO 3) + drawn 2 = 35
rounds boxed 149 : KO% 5.71

1952-08-26 137½ Tommy Manaois 131 16-8-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L UD 4 4

1952-08-02 139 John Richards 135 9-15-5
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States L SD 6 6

1952-06-28 136½ John Richards 135 8-15-5
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States L PTS 4 4

1951-12-11 142 Doug Kirby 135 6-3-0
Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California, United States L PTS 6 6

1951-11-14 143¼ Bobby Brewer 139½ 13-18-4
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1951-10-23 149 Marvin Smith 137 19-6-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1951-09-18 141 Joe Fisher 139 20-6-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L KO 4 6
~ referee: Charley Randolph ~

1951-09-07 143½ Joey Gurrola 136½ 12-3-3
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States L UD 6 6

1951-08-28 138 Sammy Figueroa 136½ 16-3-5
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L PTS 4 4

1951-06-22 140 Sammy Figueroa 137 15-3-4
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States L UD 6 6

1951-04-17 142 Joey Davis 142½ 8-6-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W KO 4 4

1951-04-02 146 Silent Benjamin 145 1-0-0
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1951-03-16 139 Juan Zavala 144 5-6-2
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1951-03-02 142 Juan Zavala 143¼ 4-6-1
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States D PTS 4 4

1951-02-26 142 Aaron Junior 141 13-18-7
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1951-02-23 140 Joey Davis 138¾ 6-2-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1951-02-09 139 Tello Cruz 135 34-18-5
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States L PTS 4 4

1951-02-06 140 Tello Cruz 136 33-18-5
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L PTS 4 4

1951-02-05 139½ Aaron Junior 138 11-16-6
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States L PTS 4 4

1951-01-19 139½ Cristo Sandoval 136¾ 0-0-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1951-01-15 137 Perk Glenn 137 13-5-3
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1950-11-03 138½ Juan Hernandez 137 0-10-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W TKO 3 4

1950-10-30 136 George Cramer 137½ 11-9-0
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1950-10-24 135½ George Cramer 141 11-8-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1950-10-17 134 Tommy Manaois 135 9-4-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States L PTS 4 4

1950-10-09 135½ Aaron Junior 139 3-12-5
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States L PTS 4 4

1950-09-29 137¼ Frankie Muche 138½ 24-10-2
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States L KO 5 6

1950-09-19 136 Ruben Orono 140 1-0-0
San Jose, California, United States W PTS 6 6

1950-05-02 130½ Ruben Salazar 131½ 6-16-2
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1950-05-01 136 Ruben Salazar 136 6-15-2
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1950-03-13 130½ Ruben Salazar 128 4-14-1
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States D PTS 4 4

1950-02-28 130 Jose Reynaldo 125½ 2-0-0
Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States W PTS 4
Reported in the Los Angeles Times as Pepino Reynaldo


1950-02-24 132 Rudy Abad 129½ 0-2-0
Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1950-02-20 131 Rudy Abad 129¾ 0-1-0
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States W PTS 4 4

1949-09-19 129 Fugi Rodriguez 129 0-0-0
Arena, Ocean Park, California, United States L KO 3 4

I'll drink to Ed

Chuck1052 wrote:After the Olympic Auditorium was refurbished in the late 1980s, it may be that the great venue needed another promoter like Aileen Eaton to stage boxing shows there. But the surrounding area of the Olympic was going downhill by the 1980s, which made it less likely that fans would show up at the time.

- Chuck Johnston

The Neighborhood . . .

Chuck . . . I have read this and heard a few people mention it, however, the area never kept true boxing fans away. It was in an area that was light industrial, schools, close to the garment district, but there were no gangs or wild people hanging around. It was not "skid row", it was not a "ghetto" or "hood". Located downtown, right off Interstate 10, just the otherside of the freeway from where the Staples Center now stands, it was not the area that ended the Olympic. It was the lack of quality promotion. The legends had died off, and the newer generation of promoters could not renew the magic. It would take a boxing genius to have done that, and the brains behind L.A. boxing were long gone. The quality of fighters was brilliant when I fought in L.A., but they were not quite what was seen in the 40's & 50's. By the 80's, the quality of talent, trainers, and promoters had deteriorated in L.A.

Today, the Staples Center sits just a few blocks from the Olympic. You can see one building across the freeway from the other. The Lakers have no trouble attracting sellout crowds for every game, same for rock shows, etc. The neighborhood had not deteriorated one bit from what it had been when Cal & Aileen put on shows there.


-Rick Farris

You are right, Rick. That area had always been upper middle class from the time I was a kid and lived at Barnard Park street, a short lane that ran from Washington Blvd. to the fenced field of Poly High. Later, that street was closed and the school took over the whole schmeer. Eventually, Poly High was relocated to the San Fernando Valley.

Just east of Grand, at Washington, the old Washington ball park had stood for years, and when baseball moved out of there, it became the site for carnivals, the circus and revival meetings. As kids, we would comb the grounds after a carnival and hunt for coins or other valuables that had been dropped on the sawdust grounds.

Much later, a high rise merchandise mart was built on the corner of Washington and Broadway, on the street--front portion of the old ball park. By the way, many boxing shows were planned for Washington Park but I do not think they ever materialized. I believe Jim Jeffries was interested in promoting there in the early 1900sm but finally decided to show at Vernon.

Some of my fondest boyhod memories are from that area and incidentally, both Don Fraser and I grew up living on Grand avenue, me at 20th and Grand, Don around 30th and Grand. We both attended John Adams Jr. High, at 31st and Main streets.

hap navarro

More on the old neighborhood:

Washington and Grand was one busy intersection. A drugstore on the southwest cornerk, an area telephone company on the southeast corner.
Just a few yards south of the intersection, I was hit by a car when I darted out into its path. Luckily, the deiver had just turned the corner at Washington and had not picked up much speed. But the impact bounced me onto the street car tracks, scared hell out of me and the driver, who was white as a ghost when he tried to pick me up. No harm, no foul, i ran home to tell my uncles and they didn't even look up from their eternal card game.Just another close call for an airheaded kid.

hap navarro

How many of you remember these gas pumps? I do and so does Hap, I'm sure, Hap?

Frank:

I rmember those pumps well. In fact I remember the surprise I got one time when they gasssed up my car and to refill the pump the attendant pushed a button and refilled it automatically, instead of the old way I had been used to, when they would pump it full by cranking a lever at the bottom of the pump.

Remember Earl Gilmore's gasoline was red and his slogan was "Roar with Gilmore?" He as a friend of sports, always.

hap navarro

Dongee wrote:Frank:

I rmember those pumps well. In fact I remember the surprise I got one time when they gasssed up my car and to refill the pump the attendant pushed a button and refilled it automatically, instead of the old way I had been used to, when they would pump it full by cranking a lever at the bottom of the pump.

Remember Earl Gilmore's gasoline was red and his slogan was "Roar with Gilmore?" He as a friend of sports, always.

hap navarro

Hap, I vaguely Earl Gilmore

The Gilmore Family
In the 1880s Arthur Gilmore purchased a small piece of Rancho La Brea near the old Rocha Adobe. Gilmore used the old adobe as his home and it was there that his son Earl B. Gilmore was born. Gilmore operated a dairy on his farm. In 1903, while drilling a well for artesian water, the dairy farmer found oil instead. He drilled numerous other wells, all bringing in gushers. Soon, the little dairy farm became an oil field with tall wooden derricks, processing structures, and a shantytown to house oil workers. The dairy was sold and the A.F. Gilmore Oil Company was founded.

Arthur's son, Earl B. Gilmore, enlarged Gilmore Oil into the largest independent oil company in the western United States. Earl Gilmore had ample opportunity to live in a huge mansion on a grand estate, but he chose make his home at the little old adobe house where he was born. In the 1920s, the young oil magnate had major improvements made to the aging dwelling, which by then became known as the Gilmore Adobe. Gilmore hired John Byers to restore and remodel the adobe. The north wing and a low second story were added to the original structure. Pitched gable roofs with terra-cotta tiles were also added. The place was modernized to the 1920s standards of living.

Soon the environment around the old adobe started to lose its quiet rural quality and become more updated. In 1934, the Farmer's Market was established at 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue, bringing hordes of farmers and consumers together. That same year saw the construction of Gilmore Stadium, an 18,000 capacity sports complex located at the corner of Beverly Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. In 1939, Earl Gilmore opened his newly completed Gilmore Field on the site of his father's first oil field. For several years it served as the home field of the Hollywood Stars, a professional baseball team from the defunct Pacific Coast League. Both Gilmore Stadium and Gilmore Field were torn down to be replaced by the present CBS Television Studios in 1952.

As all this building activity engulfed the area, the Gilmore Adobe had withdrawn into a tiny oasis of trees and grass in the middle of an asphalt covered parking lot. It was kept from almost certain destruction by its owner, Mr. Gilmore. On February 27, 1964, Earl Gilmore died in the same bedroom of the adobe where he was born.

Present Day
On March 6, 1991 the Rancho La Brea Adobe also known as the Gilmore Adobe was designated Los Angeles Cultural and Historical Landmark #534a.

Today, the adobe stands at the end of Gilmore Lane north of 3rd Street and east of Fairfax Avenues on a privately owned parking lot. The adobe his hidden in an oasis of trees and hedges in an expanse of asphalt. It's no longer a residence and now serves as the corporate offices of Farmer's Market. It's not open to the public for display and trespassing is forbidden, but a glimpse an iron barred gate between the thick spruce trees reveals the front of this resplendent adobe. The courtyard, with its beautifully manicured lawn, is completely surrounded by trees and shrubs, so the front gate is the only view available, although it is partially obstructed. From this vantage point, one can see the front "corredor" (porch) shaded from the afternoon sun from the overhang of the red tile roof. This darkened area adorned with potted plants and flowers seems so inviting on a warm summer day.

There is a hope that one day the beauty of this hidden landmark may be opened for the enjoyment of a citizenry that cherishes its historic past.

Rancho La Brea Adobe
(Gilmore Adobe)
6333 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, Ca.

(Private Office Not Open to the Public)

National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame


Earl Gilmore
Inducted into the Hall of fame in 1989

Earl Gilmore, was inducted into the Midget Hall of Fame in 1989. He is considered “The Father of Midget Auto Racing” by many, and all agree that he was the Tony Hulman of the sport.
The builder of Gilmore Stadium owned the Gilmore Oil Company and sponsored race cars. He saw the potential for advertising his company’s products through midget auto racing.

The company’s colors were red and cream and its mascot was a lion.
Gilmore Stadium presented midget auto racing in Los Angeles from 1934 to 1950 and featured the “Turkey Night Grand Prix,” a tradition which remains to this day.

When the stadium was sold to CBS and dismantled, many thought the event had died with it, but after a four-year absence, another Midget Hall of Fame member, J.C. Agajanian, revived the nation’s oldest midget racing event.

It was with Gilmore’s backing that Fred Offenhauser developed the 97-cubic inch version of his famous racing engine and placed it in a chassis built by Indy 500 builder, Louis “Curly” Wetteroth. The engine dominated midget racing for 40 years.
Earl Gilmore died on Feb. 26, 1964.