Hello, Downtown Los Angeles was home to the largest row of banks, savings and loan offices and federal credit unions that we had ever seen in one street. Every city had their row of banks. Downtown Long Beach on pine avenue was the banking row. But, as one drove closer to the ocean, the banks turned into large office buildings and the varied department stores. Until it came to the main east-west street called Ocean avenue and that is where most of the downtown movie theaters were located. The Los Angeles area was known as the financial district. And had every well known bank company from across the USA, plus some local credit unions not found in any other city. Jnaki Our dad used his favorite bank when he had time from his workplace. But, back in the Westside of Long Beach, the Security First Bank building was in the middle of downtown Long Beach on Pine Avenue. We always like to go with him to do his banking on his day off. We knew if we tagged along, then a short walk closer to the ocean would be our favorite place for a drink and a hot dog. The famous dinky Orange Julius stand or as we called it later as teens, a “hole in the wall” place. If one drove by at a normal speed on pine avenue toward the ocean, the small, dinky shop would whiz on by as it was so small. But, going to the bank always had its rewards. Sometimes, when I took my own bank savings book, our dad put in a dollar in my hands to deposit, to show how banks work. We knew, but it was a “dad” lesson in savings. So, as a “big kid” during Christmas season, we were able to go to the bank and withdraw money for presents… if there was any.. YRMV
The Jalopy Journal
