MEMORIES:
NostalgiaTV remembers...I was in California again this past summer and I finally got to see The Santa Monica Pier. I played ... More »
Posted on 10/02/07
It’s the finish line of the historic Route 66. It’s been featured prominently in numerous films and TV shows, and it's been a California icon for almost a century, jutting out 1,600 feet into the Pacific Ocean and providing millions of visitors with a place to cool down and take a break from the summer heat. It’s the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.
When the pier was first constructed, it was simply that; a wooden pier whose purpose was to carry sewer lines beyond the breakers. However, a man by the name of Charles Looff, who had built the famed carousel in Coney Island, NY, saw bigger potential for the pier. In fact, he decided to build his own pier alongside and offer a roller coaster, a building he called “The Hippodrome” to house his wooden carousel, and a number of other attractions and concessions. In 1934, the La Monica ballroom opened at the pier and quickly became the place to be for big band swing dancing.
Unfortunately, years upon years of wear and tear (not to mention a number of severe storms) began to take their toll on the pier. In 1963, the ballroom closed its doors and within 10 years, city officials began to discuss demolishing both piers, much to the horror of local residents. A massive and successful “Save the Pier” campaign was launched and resulted in a comprehensive effort to restore the pier, aided by the fact that the Hippodrome and its carousel were deemed National Historic Landmarks. Even the 1983 El Nino storms, which managed to wash away 100,000 square feet of the pier failed to deter the restoration and in 1988, an entirely new amusement park, “Pacific Park”, an aquarium, and numerous shops and restaurants were built. The pier was back and better than ever. Ballroom dancing has even resurfaced on every Thursday during the summer months.
The pier has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows such as A Night at the Roxbury, Titanic, Three’s Company and a memorable scene from The Sting, featuring the Hippodrome and its carousel.
Today, the pier offers welcome relief from the summer heat to numerous residents and visitors. You can take a long walk to the end, grab your fishing pole, and join the others, eager to catch the evening’s dinner. Or, simply relax in one of the numerous restaurants that offer a variety of treats from fine seafood to more recreational fare like burgers and cotton candy. And for those looking for the charm of yesteryear’s boardwalk amusement parks, a thrilling ride on the roller coaster or a more serene trip aboard the Ferris wheel is sure to thrill the kids.
It’s a truly unique California landmark that is, hopefully, here to stay.
