Doorbells

I like the architectural details in this entryway—the arches, the coach lights, and of course the bell. I wonder if that's actually the doorbell. It would make a fun alternative to the modern doorbells that most of us have.

The Downey arch—now and then

I learned quite a bit on Saturday's Downtown Downey Historical Walking Tour, which I'll show you over the next week or so. In the case of this arch, which we first wrote about (see This old arch) back when DDP was very young, we didn't know yet about the Downey Conservancy or the Downey Historical Society, both of which have since been a source of historical pictures for us.

So, I'll repeat what Allison first wrote about this arch, and add this picture of the arch in the original Downey City Hall, circa 1956. (Courtesy of the Downey Historical Society)

This arch served as the main entrance for the Downey Grammar School from 1916-1956 and for the first Downey City Hall from 1957-1984. It was moved from 8524 2nd Street to this Civic Center location on December 6, 1984, and was refurbished and preserved. The arch sits behind the Downey Police Station.

A treasure found

Sometimes you can pass a scene dozens of times and not notice it. Then something changes...

That's what happened to me this morning when I turned onto Downey Avenue by the United Methodist Church. Maybe it was because of the rainy, overcast day. These two doors, half hidden behind the garden and wrought-iron gates, suddenly popped out, and I thought, What a beautiful scene! The stained arches, the old stone walls—it felt like it could be a scene from a couple of centuries ago.

Archways

I like archways. There is something both beautiful and magical about them. They give you the sense that you have stepped back into the past.

The first one, above, is a new archway on a home still in the midst of construction. The smaller picture is the entry to one of the older, Spanish-style homes in our neighborhood.

Friendly arches

 

One of the things I love about living in Orange Estates is the variety of the home styles. It is not an area where you will find tract housing and I appreciate the individuality.

Archways appeal to me. I like the repeated pattern and the flow of the architecture. The mission style has a feel that is enchanting and just a little mysterious, but still feels homey.

Mission style arches

While there are many different styles of architecture in our city, I love the Spanish or Mission style. It does speak to our history and has a kind of casual elegance. I like the solidness of the adobe look and the arches add a repeated pattern that is appealing. I have to admit, the arches are my favorite.

It is interesting that although Downey is named after an Irish immigrant, the area has a rich history of both Mexican and Spanish influence. In 1771, under the jurisdiction of the San Gabriel Mission, Juan Nieto was granted 300,000 acres of land that encompassed a significant piece of Southern California. 96 acres of this grant was a parcel known as Rancho Santa Gertrudes, which as early as 1873 was called "Downey City." Click here for more info on the history of Downey.

This old arch

This arch served as the main entrance for the Downey Grammar School from 1916-1956 and for the first Downey City Hall from 1957-1984. It was moved from 8524 Second Street to this Civic Center location on December 6, 1984, and was refurbished and preserved. (As seen on a plaque at the arch.)
The arch sits behind the Downey Police Station.