Van Buren Place Oral History

[As part of the remit to make the Untold LA iPad Book available to as many people as possible I'll be posting pages from the book in sequential order on a regular basis until it is completely online.]

On Page 32 of the book we have the first oral history audio clip on the history of Van Buren Place. In the clip we hear long-time resident Irene Grant talk about the changing nature of the area.

Change is a constant of course, and the change in fortunes of West Adams, from its origins as the original wealthy street-car suburb of Los Angeles to forgotten district, to its current state of renewal is one the major themes of the book.

I decided to illustrate this oral history with a closeup photo of a commemorative sign installed by the residents.  The sign reminded of my years in Belfast; over the years I saw such changes, easing of tensions and all that, but I felt the war was truly over when I saw 'historical signage' being installed around town. The question is posed: does installing historical markers signify the end of history?, (and by history I mean conflict).

Anyhew, you an see in the iPad Book 'screen-grab' below how the oral history audio clip is embedded in the photo.