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- Collection: Lower Topanga
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Lucy and Charles Greenleaf and friends at Topanga Beach
Photograph "when hearts were young and gay; Topanga pioneers live again in historian Nelson's fine picture of long ago" Ben Failor, Columbus (Moose) and Lucy Cheney, Mrs Ed Erdman, Claud Morton Allen
The Rust family at Topanga Beach
The Rust family at Topanga Beach.
FRONT:
Ellen Rust Penland, Joanne Simmons, Thais Rust, Ray and Leon Simmons, Ella Rust, Avis Wendill, Fern Rust, Raburn Stedman Rust.
MIDDLE:
Clayton Rust, Roy Rust, Claude Simmons, Edythe Rust, Fleta Rust,…
FRONT:
Ellen Rust Penland, Joanne Simmons, Thais Rust, Ray and Leon Simmons, Ella Rust, Avis Wendill, Fern Rust, Raburn Stedman Rust.
MIDDLE:
Clayton Rust, Roy Rust, Claude Simmons, Edythe Rust, Fleta Rust,…
Thais Rust in Brookside
Thais Rust as a teenager sitting on a '35 Ford Coupe in Brookside in Lower Topanga.
Topanga Beach houses along the old coast road
Topanga Beach houses along the old coast road, before they were swept away by high waves in a February 1926 storm.
Garapatos School children at Arch Rock
Lucy Cheney (standing left) and a teacher with Garapatos School children at Arch Rock at Topanga Beach.
Geraldine & Bill Flaxman ride horses up Topanga Creek, 1/2
Geraldine Flaxman rides Mare (Dean Skipworth's horse), her husband Bill rides Moon (King Zimmerman's horse, which had been in the 1976 Olympics), and they are followed by their dog Spunky (and Judy's dog Melody) in the Rodeo Grounds, on their way…
Topanga Explorers, Kelp Devils at Topanga Beach
Topanga Scout Post 220: Topanga Explorers, Kelp Devils (Sea Scouts), go skin diving in homemade wetsuits at Topanga Beach. STANDING: Bill Sloan (post committee member), George Schreder, Jon Sloan, Rick Hass, Tom Lennan, Star Soderstrom, Mark Squiers,…
Brownie Scout Troop 1667, led by Kay Saltman (Queen K.)
Brownie Scout Troop 1667, led by Kay Saltman (Queen K.), at Topanga Beach.
The Rust family at Topanga Beach
The Rust family at Topanga Beach. Ella Rust sits in the center of sons Archie and Don Rust and their families. Granddaughter Thais Rust is at right.
Guy Bodman and Donny Hirlinger on the Topanga Beach Bus
Surfers Guy Bodman and Donny Hirlinger ride the Topanga Beach Bus to catch some waves.
A boulder fell on Topanga Canyon Blvd., 2005, 1/4
A 300-ton boulder fell on Topanga Canyon Blvd. in a mudslide on January 9, 2005, about 1.5 miles from the beach. Photos of this "rock star" appeared in the news around the world.
The Malibu Feed Bin and the Morehart family
In 1961, Ace Smith created the Malibu Feed Bin at the corner of Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Pacific Coast Highway. In 1966, he sold it to Marty Morehart, pictured here with his wife Patricia and two daughters, Katie and Kasey, holding their own…
Potter's Topanga Trading Post, Christmas card
A Christmas card shows Charlie Potter and Eleanor Potter in front of Potter's Topanga Trading Post. The signed message says, "Holiday Greetings."
Potter's Topanga Trading Post matchbook
Potter's Topanga Trading Post matchbook. The grocery store advertises, "You don't get soaked here."
Topanga Canyon Road under construction
A chain gang works on rebuilding and widening Topanga Canyon Road in the S-Turns.
A party in Michael Greene's art studio, 1/3
People have a lunch party in Michael Greene's art studio at 3726 Rodeo Grounds.
Claude Bal leans on his colorful house in The Rodeo Grounds
Claude Bal leans on a yellow ladder at his colorful house at 3726 Rodeo Grounds.
Kristin Dittrich rides a horse in The Rodeo Grounds, 1/2
Kristin Dittrich rides a horse on the dirt road in The Rodeo Grounds.
Robert Campbell and Pablo Capra look at comic art
Robert Campbell (1951-2004) shows Pablo Capra his graphic novel On a Purple Spiral Floating in Capra's greenhouse at 3712 Rodeo Grounds in 2002, the year they cofounded Brass Tacks Press. Capra celebrated the 20th anniversary in 2022 by publishing…
A leafy tree grows on the dirt road in The Rodeo Grounds
A cottonwood tree grows in the dirt road at the entrance to The Rodeo Grounds. It's full of leaves. A "Slow" sign hangs on the bridge at right.
Hammocks hang in the Cassers' yard in The Rodeo Grounds
Hammocks hang in Ray and Renate Casser's backyard at 3703 Rodeo Grounds.
Renate and Ray Casser at home in The Rodeo Grounds
Renate (1939-2022) and Ray Casser (1934-2024) were both from Westphalia, Germany. Ray, a gardener, moved to Topanga Lane in Lower Topanga in 1960. Renate, a nanny, married him a short time after. They moved to higher ground at 3703 Rodeo Grounds…
Marinos' Seafood Restaurant
Marinos' Seafood Restaurant on 18661 Pacific Coast Highway was run by Greek fishermen, and later sold to Earl Holbert and Lionel LeBourget. There was also a part called "The Living Room," and a liquor store. The Raft and The Reel Inn were later…
Topango Radiant Springs truck
Distributor Harry "Sox" Kuhlmeyer stands with his Topango Radiant Springs truck. The company delivered water from a spring at the bottom of the S-turns. Joy Pierce was the manager.
Elkhorn Camp sign on Topanga Canyon Blvd.
A car drives by Elkhorn Camp's sign and picnic benches on Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Lower Topanga.
Aerial view of Topanga Beach, 1980s
Aerial view of Topanga Beach, from Las Tunas Beach to the Chart House Restaurant, along Pacific Coast Highway.
A flood engulfs Robert Varnum's house on Brookside Dr.
The Topanga Creek flood engulfs Robert Varnum's house and a panel truck (or van) on Brookside Dr.
A fire burns to Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Firemen stand by a fire truck, watching as a fire burns to Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Lower Topanga.
The Topanga Creek flood wrecks cars against debris
The Topanga Creek flood wrecks two cars against debris on Shady Lane in Lower Topanga Canyon.
Lower Topanga residents flee past downed telephone poles
Lower Topanga residents, some of them carrying pets, flee from the flood danger, past downed telephone poles, along Topanga Canyon Blvd. Numerous mudslides were reported during the 1969 storm.
A man watches a house wrecked by the flood
A man watches a house that the Topanga Creek flood had carried for half a mile in Lower Topanga Canyon.
John Foundoukos carries a girl across Topanga Creek flood
Greek fisherman John Fondukas [John Foundoukos] carries a girl across Topanga Creek during a flood in Lower Topanga Canyon. Firemen, deputy sheriffs, and private citizens used rowboats and swam to rescue those marooned by the 1941 rainstorm.
Women in bikinis eat popsicles at The Raft restaurant
Two women in bikinis eat popsicles at The Raft restaurant at 18661 Pacific Coast Highway, Topanga Beach. Behind them is a ship's figurehead with large breasts.
Don MacVicar, bassist of surf rock band Blue Juice
Don MacVicar, bassist of surf rock band Blue Juice, pours a glass of beer at Madame Wong's West in Santa Monica.
Lori Shellist hugs J. Murf, singer of Blue Juice
Lori Shellist hugs J. Murf, the leader of the surf-rock band Blue Juice, as he plays guitar at Madame Wong's West in Santa Monica.
Ginger Snips Salon & Spa, Menu of Services, c. 2001
Ginger Snips Salon & Spa. "A Magical Oasis." 18803 Pacific Coast Highway. Malibu, CA 90265. (310) 455-2460. Menu of Services. Body. Hair.
Canned Heat on Topanga Beach after a flood, 1/2
The band Canned Heat poses on Topanga Beach with driftwood: Larry Taylor, Bob Hite, Alan Wilson, Henry Vestine, and Adolfo de la Parra.
Canned Heat on Topanga Beach after a flood, 2/2
The band Canned Heat poses on Topanga Beach with driftwood: Bob Hite, Henry Vestine, Larry Taylor, Alan Wilson, and Adolfo de la Parra.
Woody Woodward does headstand on Makaha skateboard
Woody Woodward, aka "Woody the King," does a headstand on a Makaha skateboard.
Molly Gordon at Topanga Beach
Molly Gordon, a couple months before marrying Topanga Beach resident Larry Franklin.
Evelyn Franklin at Topanga Beach
Evelyn Franklin sitting on the bench that Charles Pritchard built at Topanga Beach
The Berkeley family with wrestler Primo Carnera and friends
TOP: Ted and Sylvia Berkeley, unknown. BOTTOM: Primo Carnera, Bob and Kay McLaughlin, unknown, Bunny and Dorothy Berkeley. At the Franklin family's house at Topanga Beach.
Sylvia and Ted Berkeley, with daughters Wendy and Bonnie
Sylvia and Ted Berkeley, with daughters Wendy and Bonnie, pose with Ted's surfboard at Topanga Beach.
Robbie Dick shapes a surfboard with Glen Kennedy
Robbie Dick shapes a surfboard with Glen Kennedy in the Wilken factory on 22nd St. in Santa Monica. Glenn, a Wilken team rider, was working on a knee board when Robbie and Rich Wilken found him using the wrong tools. Robbie humorously went overboard…
Christian Andersen holds a red surfboard at Topanga Beach
Christian Andersen: "My mom's Hawaiian boyfriend had this surfboard made for me in Hawaii with my named stenciled on it in 1966. It was the first short longboard that any of the Topanga guys had seen."
First surfboard shaped by Dave Sweet and Howard Terrill
First surfboard shaped by Topanga Beach surfers Dave Sweet and Howard Terrill from balsa wood in the 1940s. Dave Sweet became a pioneer of shaping foam surfboards in the 1950s.
Actress Lindsey Wagner at Topanga Beach
Lindsey Wagner starred in "The Bionic Woman," a TV show that aired from January 14, 1976, to May 13, 1978.
Surfer JoJo Perrin displays his artwork
In the early 1980s, surfer JoJo Perrin (1950-2023) would spend the afternoons in the parking lot at Topanga Beach nearly every day, selling his artwork from his van.
JoJo was revered for his an innovative surfing style. In the 1960s and '70s, he…
JoJo was revered for his an innovative surfing style. In the 1960s and '70s, he…
Big money encroaches on Topanga, Jody Roberts, 1992
Artist Jody Roberts drew this comic map for the "Messenger" newspaper, showing "Big Bucks Estates" and "Big Development" encroaching on Topanga.
A beach house wrecked by a storm and big waves
Just west of the Topanga Beach Lagoon, a house is wrecked by a storm and big waves.
Topanga Beach map, 1868
Topanga Beach map, 1868, shows: Laguna de Topanga [Topanga Lagoon], a post in a mound of stone, Rocky Point (Mal Paso) [Arch Rock]
Topanga Beach map, 1874
Topanga Beach map, 1874, shows: Arroyo Topango [Topanga Creek], a post in a mound of stone at Point Topanga [sic], a point of rocks (Mal Paso) [Arch Rock]
Topanga Beach map, 1877
Topanga Beach map, 1877, shows: Tepango Canon [Topanga Canyon], Johnson Peak, and a kelp bed.
Rancho Boca de Santa Monica map, 1851
Rancho Boca de Santa Monica map, 1851, specifically a diseño (a rough map required to accompany Spanish and Mexican land grant petitions), shows: Punta de Topanga [Topanga Point], Lomas Alta [high hills of the Pacific Palisades], Santa Hermonica…
Topanga Beach map, 1876
Topanga Beach map, 1876, shows: Tepango Canon [Topanga Canyon], Johnson Peak, and kelp bed.
Painter George Demont Otis paints Topanga Creek
Painter George Demont Otis paints Topanga Creek. The back of the photo says, "Given to Mavis by Mrs. G. Otis -- Clara. Topango Canyon 1923"
Topanga Beach, 1924
Topanga Beach, 1924, showing beach houses, tents, Cooper's Camp, and cars on the highway.
Fisherman Spere Aneme mends his net
Captain Spere Aneme [Speero Anegone] mends his net. He lived at Topanga Beach with fellow Greek fishermen John Foundoukos and Mike Leonadas [Mike Leonis]. They opened a fish market there around 1923.
Greek fishermen at Topanga Beach
Greek fishermen at Topanga Beach.
1. Captain Spere Aneme [Speero Anegone] and partner Mike Leonadas [Mike Leonis] take a boat to their lobster traps.
2. Captain Spere throws back a baby lobster.
3. Captain Spere measures a lobster to see if…
1. Captain Spere Aneme [Speero Anegone] and partner Mike Leonadas [Mike Leonis] take a boat to their lobster traps.
2. Captain Spere throws back a baby lobster.
3. Captain Spere measures a lobster to see if…
Aldo Vidali
In 1930, Aldo was born to an Italian family in Ixelles, Belgium. As a child he went to Italy and from there he began his life of traveling. His travels have taken him to almost every continent in the world. He has studied at the University of…
Las Tunas Isle Motel brochure
From the brochure for the Las Tunas Isle Motel, located on Las Tunas Beach: "On the Ocean Side at famous Malibu, Las Tunas Isle Motel offers the ultimate in comfort and relaxation for the casual and commercial traveller, The Las Tunas has been the…
George Trafton rides a wave in Blue Cheer ad "Cheer Up!"
George Trafton rides a wave in "Cheer Up!" ad for Blue Cheer surfboards, 3112 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Horse, carriage, and three men at Arch Rock, c. 1880
Horse, carriage, and three men at Arch Rock, c. 1880. Two more carriages approach in the background.
Bonifacio Marquez and son Miguel, c. 1875
Bonifacio Marquez and son Miguel, c. 1875, of the Rancho Boca de Santa Monica. Bonifacio inherited the Topanga portion of the ranch.
Topanga Beach map, 1881
Topanga Beach map, 1881, showing Arch Rock ("Rocky Point Mal Paso") and markers in stone mounds.
Topanga Beach map, 1881
Topanga Beach map, 1881, showing Arch Rock ("Arch in conglomerate rock," "Rocky Point Mal Paso") and markers in stone mounds.
Land allotted to Bonifacio Marquez in 1883
Land allotted to Bonifacio Marquez in 1883 from the Rancho Boca de Santa Monica.
Rancho Boca de Santa Monica cattle brands
Rancho Boca de Santa Monica cattle brands belonging to Francisco, Ramona, Francisca, Bonifacio, and Ysidro Marquez.
Topanga Beach map, 1895
Topanga Beach map, 1895, shows a Mexican's house at Las Tunas Beach, a house in Tuna Canyon, and plowed land in Peña Canyon.
Topanga Beach map, 1896
Topanga Beach map, 1896, shows a Mexican's house at Las Tunas Beach, a house in Tuna Canyon, and plowed land in Peña Canyon.
Two men with rifle under Arch Rock, 1890s
Two men with rifle under Arch Rock, 1890s. Stereoscope image.
The former Las Tunas Isle Motel has a stained-glass window
A stained-glass window shows an underwater scene with fish, seaweed, and a mermaid at the former Las Tunas Isle Motel at 18904 PCH.
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