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Annual Meeting at The Gaytonia a Big Hit
By Bobbi Burket (2007)
It might have been Mae West who said, “It’s possible to be too popular.” Or maybe I
made that up. At any rate, Diane Jordan was beginning to feel too popular as she
saw the reservations come flooding in for July’s Annual Meeting.
Normally hostess to about fifty people for this
event, Diane watched in consternation as the numbers
climbed close to one hundred and twenty. Of course,
we like to feel success like this is due to our own
charm and wit, but it soon became clear that the
real draw was the location; she repeatedly heard,
“I’ve been waiting years to see inside The Gaytonia!”
The problem for Diane was that the site of the
meeting, the sunny deck, was likely to hold only
sixty in comfort. But while it’s true that elbow
room was at a premium, the meeting and the
subsequent tour of the building and two of the
apartments went quite smoothly.
President Stan Poe presented the 2007- 2008 Heritage
Nominees and thanked the outgoing board.
President-Elect John Thomas made an Advocacy report
with the help of Maureen Neeley. Jill Black received
a Volunteer of the Year award for her many hours of
work in a variety of capacities, most particularly
as Docent and Hard Worker at Bembridge House.
A second award was designated for the absent Chris
Myint, who received his plaque at a surprise
ceremony the following week. Because of his
expertise in the area of vintage fashion, Chris has
been of particular help in preparing for events like
the Bembridge Centennial Party, and in assisting in
the cataloging and evaluation of Bembridge textiles.
We also thanked the many volunteers who helped us
throughout the year in events like our home tours,
people whose intelligence and warmth help to place
Long Beach Heritage in a
good light throughout the city.
Gaytonia owner Robert Thomas spoke on the history of
the building and recent events, including the stress
of living in a three-story building for months while
the ancient elevator is repaired. Dr. Louise Ivers,
Professor of Art at California State University
Dominguez Hills, spoke on the style and
characteristics of the Gaytonia, and on the builder
and architect.
Now, while Diane ponders the likelihood of equaling
this success next year, we all want to express our
gratitude to Robert Thomas and his tenants for
allowing us to satisfy our interest and curiosity
about this fascinating building.