LETTERS: WeHo should have a Founders Day

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Noting the numbers of comments regarding John Heilman’s plan to run for City Council and recalling a recent reference to friend Ruth Williams as a “founder” in these pages, I was wont, as old men often do, to shuffle through my memory banks goaded on by the word “founder”.

For five years beginning in 1961, I traveled through the country to introduce a line of Swedish industrial machinery. Much of my business was in smaller cities and towns in the Midwest and South where so. much of the soft goods industry had relocated from the Northeast in search of cheaper labor and taxes. 

Tending to my clients often took me to several towns and I noticed that many celebrated what they called Founders Day to remember and honor those who had started the town.  The occasion was sometimes sponsored by a fraternal club like The Elks, or by the city — but often by the local newspaper which would run special editions recalling  the history and purpose of the town’s founding and the people whose efforts brought it into being.

After  several years of reading the comments from  resident on the pages of wehoville.com I felt that many readers did not know how and why West Hollywood  came into existence.  I believe that we need an annual  Founders Day to keep alive the memory of the our founders and the reason our little town exists. If, by chance, a sponsor (this online mag, for instance) for a Founders Day comes forward, I strongly suggest that it be non-political, and all inclusive.
A great many of our residents were not born when the city charter was signed.  Great way to catch up and increaser knowledge of our unique city.

Carleton Cronin

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About Carleton Cronin
Carleton Cronin and his wife, Toby Ann, have lived in West Hollywood since 1974. They have raised four sons here, and Cronin has long been an astute observer of civic life. Carleton publishes the blog crobarcogito.blogspot.com

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pat d
pat d
2 years ago

cynics that you responders are, i think it’s a wonderful idea, cabot’s cove notwithstanding. let’s bring back some joy to this seemingly small city. let’s have the marching bands, the hot dogs and people getting to know each other. you hard boiled residents can stay home. i am so tired of the vitriol that seems to proliferate when anyone comes up with a positive.mm

Davedi
Davedi
2 years ago

Would be kind of Ironic to finally have a Founder’s day when the city is becoming so lost

Alison
Alison
2 years ago

I am one of those who were living here when the City came to be. I don’t think a Founder’s Day would celebrate all of us who were here. Knowing this town, I think WeHo would only celebrate the LGBT members of the town. There were many of us CIS citizens who wanted rent control to be continued that voted to become a City that would be ignored. Only the most outspoken would be recognized.

Alan Strasburg
Alan Strasburg
2 years ago
Reply to  Alison

I am a G who wants to celebrate everyone including you and Mr. Cronin. History contains many facts that can’t be erased by current performances.

WeHo Mary!
WeHo Mary!
2 years ago

I really love this idea and it could be a lot of fun, in theory. Unfortunately, we don’t live in Cabot Cove, so I don’t think a lot of people would get excited about this.

Ham Shipey
Ham Shipey
2 years ago

No thanks