Torrance Historical Places of Interest

The Torrance Historical Society  began a 1983 program of placing bronze Plaques on Torrance landmarks that were deemed worthy of recognition. Each plaque is headed by historic building/landmark” followed by landmark name, historic dates and Torrance Historical Society. The society has placed thirteen plaques.

• Torrance Public Library, 1345 Post Avenue, 1936 -1978
• Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co., 1266 Sartori Avenue, 1928 -1953
• U.S. Post Office, 1433 Marcelina Avenue, 1936
• Torrance City Hall, 1511 Cravens Avenue, 1936 -1956
• Stone and Myers Mortuary, 1230 Cravens Avenue, 1936 -1956
• Jared Sidney Torrance Memorial Hospital*, 1425 Engracia Avenue, 1924 -1971
• Torrance Woman’s Club, 1422 Engracia Ave., Est. 1921-Built 1925
• Torrance High School, 2000 Carson, First property in Torrance to be  placed on the National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1983
• Fern Avenue School, 1314 Fern Avenue, Est. 1929-Built 1932. Third Property in Torrance to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, 1992
• Miramar Park (Torrance Beach) Site of Hollywood Riviera Beach Club, 1931-1958. Historic Societies of Torrance and Redondo Beach.
• Methodist Episcopal Church, 1551 El Prado, Est. 1922-Built 1923. Place of worship until 1961.
• Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge, Torrance Boulevard, west of Western Avenue. Designed by Irving Gill, architect in 1913. Second property in Torrance to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, 1989.

  

   

• Pacific Electric Railway Station: The Depot, Built 1912, designed by Irving’ Gill, architect. This Depot was part of  “The World’s Greatest Interurban,” the Pacific Electric Railway System. Pacific Electric tracks Crisscrossed the southland carrying passengers and freight on the famous red cars for over three decades. The Pacific Electric main repair shops were located nearby. Depot functions ceased in 1981 under the ownership of Southern Pacific Transportation Company.

  

• The Rocketship, Los Arboles “Rocketship” Park, 1960, Restored 1992. Additionally the Historical Society has placed a bronze bust and plaque of City founder Jared Sidney Torrance on the lawn of the museum.

*Demolished in 1994. Bas relief that was over the front door was saved from the wrecking ball and is mounted on the wall in a lovely setting.