Heisler Park

Eiler Larsen

Laguna Landmarks6&7 March 20, 2008

Known as “The Greeter,” Eiler Larsen has truly become an indelible Laguna Beach mascot.

Larsen (1890-1979). was born in Arhus, Denmark. He pursued life like a vagabond, traveling the world capriciously. Larsen sold Danish butter in Siberia, attended college in Minnesota and “hopped a freighter to South America,” according to the LA Times. Upon returning to America, Larsen fought in World War I against France where he was shot in the leg.

Being a retired solider, Larsen worked as a bank messenger on Wall Street during the roaring 20’s. When the Depression struck, Larsen hightailed it to Washington, D.C. where he first began “greeting” by waving to pedestrians. In D.C. Larsen even received a wave or two from President Hoover.

Another significant event in U.S. history caused a change in Larsen’s location—the Dust Bowl. With a slew of migrants heading west, Larsen’s eye was caught by sunny Laguna Beach. It was here Larsen spent the remainder of his days, participating in local events such as The Pageant of the Masters where he was cast as Judas in “The Last Supper” for several years.

Although Larsen no longer greets pedestrians and passers by, two statues of him on South Coast Highway will greet visitors forever. Further memorializing Larsen is a street named after him, Eiler Larsen Lane, by the local library.

As new generations filter through our town, the spirit of Eiler Larsen, with his shoulder length hair and grey beard, will not be forgotten. He has greeted many and inspired even more.

By Lizzy FarnellReporter

Of the many wonders of Laguna Beach, Heisler Park seems to stand out. Since 1905, Heisler Park has attracted many tourists and locals with its natural beauties, including beaches, trees, gardens, views and much more. Artists go to Heisler to admire and paint the breathtaking view.

Sandra Lorraine, a local painter in Laguna Beach, enjoys this park every day as she works on her artwork.

“Heisler is my inspiration to paint,” Lorraine said. The park provides a variety of activities such as walking trails, beautiful vistas,

public art displays, picnic and barbecue areas and marine and tide pool reserve areas, according to http://www.ocregister.com. It is a great place for people of all ages.

“Heisler has a very warming and encouraging vibe,” Lorraine said. A huge celebration is held in Heisler Park each year for the Fourth of July. Many

families, including visitors and locals, gather at the park to watch the fireworks. “My family and I come here every year for the fourth; it’s become a

tradition,”Andrew Darr, a local in Laguna, said. All sorts of parties are held at Heisler, as people enjoy the area, view and

atmosphere of the park. Minutes from downtown Laguna Beach, Heisler Park has oceanfront trails, which prove popular for joggers and those merely out for a stroll.

For those who enjoy lawn bowling, you’re in luck. Laguna Beach provides its own lawn bowling club in the heart of beautiful Heisler Park.

“I love it here. I feel so lucky to have this amazing view,” said Jan Grace, a dedicated lawn bowler in Laguna.

Since Labor Day, the park has been under construction. Recently, Mayor Jane Egly cut the ribbon to announce the re-opening of Heisler Park, according to http://www.ocregister.com. Laguna now has a new and improved park for people to en-joy.

Laguna Beach Lifeguard TowerBy Brit YeagerReporter

When one thinks of Laguna Beach, he or she might think of Main Beach, Hotel Laguna, the Greeters Corner, Lauren Conrad (the Laguna Beach show), and of course the famous Laguna Beach lifeguard tower. The lifeguard tower is locally significant not only to the local Laguna Beach Artists but also to its historic preservationists.

Circa 1926, Laguna Beach took on an old tower from the nearest gas station and created it into the famous lifeguard tower. There was a serious renovation which took place back in the 1970’s in order to rebuild some of the structure. It has also been stated that many of the lifeguards help preserve and maintain much of the lifeguard tower. Back in the 1990’s, the crumbling tower was recognized once again for an-other renovation. Nine years ago, the local activists in Laguna urged the city council to include the lifeguard tower’s renovation in its capital improvement budget.

Due to the tower’s accessibility to Main Beach, there was much concern with how to renovate the deteriorating edifice. The wooden planks that held up the galvanized steel structures had begun to rot. Also, the plumbing and electrical systems were so corroded that they were a hazard, which caused a desperate need of replacement.

Back in 1998, when El Nino happened, there was talk about upgrading the base-ment floors. The local lifeguards fixed up the floors by taking existing ply wood from nearby structures and placing them on the floors of the tower. It was up for specu-lation if the tower should be upgraded with firmer more durable floors, but there was some concern that a waterproof basement floor would become a more buoyant composition during storms. So in order to upgrade the basement floors, bricks were placed directly over the existing sand floors.

Historic preservationists want to maintain the tower’s original exterior because it is said to be a symbol of Laguna Beach. Many residents of Laguna Beach would not recognize their town without the famous tower.

The Garden of Peace and Love

Locals and visitors of Laguna Beach flock to the Garden of Peace and Love, lo-

cated above Mountain Street beach. Renowned for its serenity and quiet beauty, the Garden was conceptualized and arranged by Michel Martenay, an individual with AIDS and resident of Laguna Beach, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Overlooking Laguna’s picturesque coast line, the flower-filled Garden is adorned with ivory cherubim statues and heart-shaped rocks, which represent loved ones lost to AIDS.

Now being treated for his illness at an Anaheim hospital, the native Parisian Mar-tenay planted the garden more than 20 years ago in order to commemorate the lives lost to HIV/AIDS.

“I love how there’s this little garden in the middle of Laguna; it’s so cool and quiet there,” says sophomore Ren Slater.

The peaceful garden inspires tranquility and invites meditation, especially at night, when the statues are lit up with glowing lights.

By Jill SeegmillerReporter

Down Forest Avenue, stationed in front of “Chantilly’s” ice cream store, hangs “The Gate.” Although small, the gate is hard to miss. Written on the gate is a poem containing an old story dating back to 1915 that reveals to present day residents how the gate came to be a Laguna landmark.

In his book This was Mission Country, Orange County, California: the ‘reflections in orange,’ Merle Ramsey depicts Orange County’s pioneer heritage. According to Ramsey, “before Mr. Carl Hofer went off to World War I, he had opened an ice cream parlor.”

This ice cream parlor was located near Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach and was in desperate need of an original name.

“[Hofer] needed a name for his establishment, something that would distinguish it from the other stores among the trees. He offered a leather pillow as a prize for ideas,” Ramsey writes.

The book explains how a young girl named Isabel Muchet entered the ice cream store and offered Hofer the name “the Gate” after a pub her father had seen in England. On the gate in front of the pub in England was a welcoming greeting engraved on it.

In Merle Ramsey’s other book Pioneer days of Laguna Beach, he illustrates the past century’s events in Laguna Beach history. “The girl [Isabel Muchet] got the pillow,” Ramsey stated, “[and] Hofer said his father made the gate and put it up.”

To this day the gate is suspended by a pole and is accompanied by the American flag. So, the next time you pass “The Gate,” look at it again and remember the story of the pleasant poem.

The GateBy Nusheen GoshtasbiReporter

Heisler Park

By Chloe CunninghamNews Editor

Eiler Larsen

Peppertree Lane is often a tourist attraction on a hot summer’s day because of the prime location of Gelato Paradiso.

However, Peppertree Lane has been in Laguna Beach for many years, dating back to 1934.

It was built over seventy years ago around a pepper tree, thus receiving the name Peppertree Lane.

It is now labeled historic and is a landmark for Laguna Beach that one would not want to miss.

With its brick pathway and arches, Peppertree Lane provides a beautiful and quaint change from the beach feel of Laguna Beach.

Peppertree LaneBy Alexandra MichelsonOpinions Editor

You may have noticed a lighthouse on your way into the canyon throughout the years…well, it’s not really a lighthouse.

Sitting on top of a hill at the entrance to Laguna Canyon Road is a small tower disguised as an old lighthouse, but it is actually part of a sewage system.

Before its relocation, the small tower was part of a treatment plant in the ‘40s that took care of all of the cities’ sewage needs. Now, it serves as a part of the sewage process that lets gasses out in order to prevent a buildup.

As for the disguise? Would you prefer a giant toilet?

The Laguna “Lighthouse”By Greta MartinReporter

(Kellie Benson)

(Kellie Benson)

(Kellie Benson)

(Annie Sasso)