@HJmaniac Jeep Willys Truck - part of the Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation lifeguard crew in 1959. Hello, When we used to go surf the Los Angeles County Beaches, Manhattan Beach Pier was a stop over. The swells and tide had to be right to make the surf break better than it normally is/was. There were good days and most of the time, a quick look and drive by as the waves were not the best. But, who could not like a beach Pier atmosphere and wide sandy beach to just lay around and enjoy life? Great food was just up the main road leading to the pier and it just had the “beach lifestyle” attitude going, so we felt at home in this northern road trip area. My wife and her family lived and went to school there in the early 50s, before taking off in the 55 Chevy sedan to OKC for their dad’s new job. Then after spending a year and a half, they moved back to So Cal near Knott’s Berry Farm where the housing was abundant and not as pricy as beach town values. Even today, it is the same. Manhattan Beach 1955 During the time we frequented the Los Angeles County beaches, jeeps and jeep trucks were the main emphasis with their rugged builds and 4 wheel drive. But, the primary lifeguard brand was Ford for all utility trucks in service. Jnaki The old 1959 photo was probably taken on the beachfront trail leading to the pier from the northern section. The trail was for walking, but allowed only the lifeguard trucks faster access to the long sandy beach for rescues and emergency activity. Manhattan Beach beach trail facing South Manhattan Beach beach trail facing North When my wife and I were in the So Cal road trip venues, Manhattan Beach appealed to us. A small community and ties to when she was little. But, the stores and shops also were nice to visit. But, when we were headed back to our Southern coastal area homes, we always stopped here for a late lunch or dinner if the traffic near the LAX airport was clogging up the freeway. After a nice dinner and walking around, including the pier, the traffic died down a little. Sometimes it was enough to get back on the freeway, but there were plenty of times we just headed down PCH through the rest of the beach communities and ended up near our Westside of Long Beach homes area. Then further South into the OC beach communities. Freeways are not the only way to get around in So Cal. YRMV
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