Ocean Park Mary Hotchkiss Park (part II)
As we know, Mary and husband #2, Dan Mooney acquire the Lucas Mansion and the surrounding 2 acre property from the Nancy Lucas estate in 1883. On January 1, 1903, the Lucas / Mooney Mansion burns to the ground - and is not rebuilt. There are no structures on the property. Mary and husband #3, A.B. Hotchkiss (1839 - 1905) move to the Rose Mansion in downtown Los Angeles.
In 1911, the neighbors and the City complain about the overgrown trees and hedges – “the trees are considered to be a nuisance.” In 1924, 4th St neighbor, Harry C. Brown, announces that he has leased the Mooney Mansion site and is immediately starting on “Rustic Villa Homes” - a hotel plus thirty-five 3-room cottages on the site. He builds four 3-room cottages on the SEC 3rd & Strand. By 1930, there is a gas station on the SWC 4th & Strand, an auto garage on 4th, and 3 dwellings (304, 306 and 316 Strand) at SEC 3rd & Strand.
At 306 Strand are Mary’s relatives - the Stouts - Eldridge and his brother Frank Stout operate the gas station. At 316 Strand is T. Jeff White - Mary’s adopted son - age 53, no occupation, married - but living alone.
In 1934, Mary Green Drury Mooney Hotchkiss Jauch (1851 - 1934) dies, leaving a large estate. Mary Hotchkiss Park is left to the City of Santa Monica. Mary’s husband #4, Dr. Jauch (1863 - 1949), is left the 2- story house in Ocean Park. Amma White (1902 - 2001), daughter of T. Jeff White and Jeannette White (1879 - 1908), is left the Fremont Hotel and $500 per month for life. One third of the estate goes to the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. On the death of T. Jeff White and Amma, the remaining funds go to the Stouts.
In 1936, the Santa Monica City Council votes to accept Mary’s gift of the property, which is occupied by a gas station and several dilapidated buildings. In 1938, the structures are removed and the site graded. Mary Hotchkiss Park opens in 1939.
In 1960, the City is desperately looking for places relocate low income seniors who will be displaced by the Ocean Park Redevelopment Project. The City Planning Director says Hotchkiss Park “…is not ideally suited for recreational purposes, but is an excellent site for a major apartment development.” In the end, the City finds other locations for the displaced seniors.
In 1966, the much traveled, sometimes rejected, 5-ton sculpture “oneness” by Finnish artist Eino Romppanen finds a home at the west end of the park. The City Council accepts the sculpture as a gift from the artist after receiving a 900 signature petition.
In 1969, the City Parks and Recreation holds several skiing on artificial snow classes in City parks - including Hotchkiss Park.
In 1978, plans are underway to replace the 60 year old Ocean Park branch library with a new building at Hotchkiss Park. The Santa Monica Recreation and Parks director says he “….is convinced that Hotchkiss Park would be enhanced by the library addition. The recreational facility has not been well utilized.” The plans are not implemented.
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