Histories
Oral Histories
Oral histories were converted from cassette tapes to MP3 files in 2019. These MP3 files that can be downloaded from the Oral History Project directory on the Historical cloud drive and played on computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.
│ ├── Oral History Project Audio
│ │ ├── Anna Schaefer 1998-05-11.mp3
│ │ ├── Betty McMechen 1993-06-03.mp3
│ │ ├── Bill Williams.mp3
│ │ ├── Doris Sevilla 1995-08-17.mp3
│ │ ├── Ethel Anderson Tape 2 dates 1993-10-23 and 1993-10-27.mp3
│ │ ├── Ethel Andrson Tape 1 1993-07-31 interviewed by Claire Walker.mp3
│ │ ├── Ethel-Anderson-possibly-1993-Tape-03-two-sides (1).mp3
│ │ ├── Ethel-Anderson-possibly-1993-Tape-03-two-sides 170kbps.mp3
│ │ ├── Ethel-Anderson-possibly-1993-Tape-03-two-sides.mp3
│ │ ├── Ethel-Anderson-possibly-1993-Tape-04-two-sides (1).mp3
│ │ ├── Ethel-Anderson-possibly-1993-Tape-04-two-sides 170kbps.mp3
│ │ ├── Ethel-Anderson-possibly-1993-Tape-04-two-sides.mp3
│ │ ├── Ethel-Anderson-possibly-1993-Tape-05-side-A.mp3
│ │ ├── Ethel-Anderson-possibly-1993-Tape-05-side-B.mp3
│ │ ├── Gard Sellers 1994-02-23.mp3
│ │ ├── George Burleigh 1994-05-04.mp3
│ │ ├── Gordon and Lucile Gregson 1993-06-18.mp3
│ │ ├── Helen Marshall 1996-04-17 13251 st andrews 35L.mp3
│ │ ├── Historical Society 30 year resident program 1994-11-16 2PM Bill Williams speaker good history.mp3
│ │ ├── Historical Society Business Minutes 2004-04-28.mp3
│ │ ├── Historical Society Meeting 1996-03-25 Highway to Heaven in LW.mp3
│ │ ├── Historical Society Meeting 2004-01-28 guest speaker ANN Healthcare Administrator.mp3
│ │ ├── Historical Society Meeting 2004-02-25 many audio problems.mp3
│ │ ├── Historical Society Minutes 2004-03-24 170kbps.mp3
│ │ ├── Historical Society Minutes 2004-03-24.mp3
│ │ ├── James and Virginia Edwards1994-05-13.mp3
│ │ ├── Mabel Gaffeny 1994-03-04 101-years-old.mp3
│ │ ├── Maryhelen Whitlock 1998-02-09 age-101-years-old.mp3
│ │ ├── Merva-Lanning-1993-08-27-Seal-Beach-Planning-commission.mp3
│ │ ├── Peggy Planenz 1993-05-03 worked for Cortese before LW was built.mp3
│ │ ├── Remembering Ethel Anderson.mp3
│ │ ├── Reverend Robert Graham 1994-02-17.mp3
│ │ ├── Rose Nicholas 1998-04-02 she is 99-years-old.mp3
│ │ ├── Victor Ruwe 1993-06-18.mp3
│ │ ├── William and Mary Moberle 14221 El Dorado 63C on NO DATE.mp3
│ │ └── histocial meeting 1995-10-20 many first residents speak.mp3
│ ├── Oral History Project Docs and Photos
│ │ ├── Bill Williams Tape Failed 1995-04-17 no recording.doc
│ │ ├── Completed Oral Histories folder says as of 1998-03-17.pdf
│ │ ├── Doris Sevilla Oral History Photograph.jpg
│ │ ├── Ethel Anderson Oral History Photograph.jpg
│ │ ├── George Burleigh Oral History Photograph.jpg
│ │ ├── Helen Marshall Oral History Photograph.jpg
│ │ ├── Isabella Arend Oral History Photograph.jpg
│ │ ├── Ken Walker Oral History Photograph.jpg
│ │ ├── List of Photos needed for Oral History Project.pdf
│ │ ├── Lucille and Gordon Gregson (2nd from right in dark clothes) Oral History Photograph.jpg
│ │ ├── Oral History Transcription of Merva Lenning by Ken Walker 1993-08-27 .pdf
│ │ ├── Oral-History-Details-from-cassettes.doc
│ │ ├── Peggy Planenz 1997 Oral History Photograph.jpg
│ │ ├── Robert (Bob) Graham Oral History Photograph.jpg
│ │ ├── Video Producer Notes on Oral History Project 2009-05-07.pdf
│ │ └── William and Mary Moberley Oral History Photograph.jpg
Video Histories
Please see the Videos page for Histories of clubs and individuals.
Written Histories
Barracks 2860 was formed by Leisure World residents who served in WWI. It had over 500 members. The Barracks was closed when there were only a few members remaining. The history of the Barracks was kept in a scrapbook by Lawrence "Westy" Westerman covering 1962 until his death. There is a video of Westy's 100th birthday on our Youtube channel. The scrapbook is at the UCI archives.
│ ├── Biographies and Autobiographies
│ │ ├── Alice MacKenzi photographs 1985 and 1995.jpg
│ │ ├── Alice MacKenzi photographs 1985 and 1995_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Alice MacKenzi photographs 1985 and 1995_002.jpg
│ │ ├── Alice MacKenzi photographs 1985 and 1995_003.jpg
│ │ ├── Alice MacKenzie biography folder.pdf
│ │ ├── Dr Howard Rolfe biography 2001 .pdf
│ │ ├── Ethel Anderson Report 1992-10-24 Medical Plans approved by Golden Rain Fdn.pdf
│ │ ├── Ethel Anderson transcription of her Oral History Tape est date 1993.pdf
│ │ ├── Ethel Anderson.jpg
│ │ ├── George Burleigh -- Oral History Project deceased 1997-02-21.jpg
│ │ ├── George Burleigh -- Oral History Project deceased 1997-02-21_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Helen Marshall 1997 photo by Ken Torrey -- Oral History.jpg
│ │ ├── Helen Marshall 1997 photo by Ken Torrey -- Oral History_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Highlights of My Life and the Korean War Story -- Luki Ik Chnag Kim MD.pdf
│ │ ├── Ken Walker -- Oral History Project photo 1997 by Ken Torrey.jpg
│ │ ├── Ken Walker -- Oral History Project photo 1997 by Ken Torrey_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Organizations Join efforts to honor Westy Sunday 1996-01-11 .jpg
│ │ └── Peggy Planez -- Oral History Subject.jpg
│ ├── Club and Organization Histories and Information
│ │ ├── Garden Club history by Florine Housel.pdf
│ │ ├── Garden club history 1964 - 2012 prepared by Maria Giegerich Co-President 2011-09-01.pdf
│ │ ├── Hike and Tour club history by Louise Law.pdf
│ ├── Hi-Lites Historical Society Newsletter
│ │ └── Hi-Lites historical society quarterly full run 1999-2013.pdf
│ └── Holy Family Catholic Church History paper and photographs.pdf
│ └── Impaired Vision Club Minutes 1972-06-13 to 1976-07-13.pdf
Kiwanis Club of Seal Beach Leisure World
│ └── KIWANIS CLUB OF SEAL BEACH Leisure World 15th Anniversay 1979-06-22.pdf
Leisure World Community Orchestra
│ └── Story of the Leisure World Community Orchestra.pdf
│ └── Lawn BOWLING CLUB Membership and Handbook started 1972-01-00 disbanded 2001-12-21.pdf
Leisure World Foundation AKA National Golden Rain Foundation
│ ├── Introduction to Cooperative Housing by Lewis Letson President National Golden Rain Fdn.pdf
│ ├── Leisure world fdn 1965-02-01 budget issues and history of managment company.gdoc
│ ├── Leisure world fdn 1965-02-05 budget issues and history of managment company
│ └── Leisure world fdn 1965-02-05 budget issues and history of managment company.pdf
│ ├── Photographs
│ │ ├── Aerial 1962-1963 Leisure World without trees.jpg
│ │ ├── Aerial 1962-1963 Leisure World without trees_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Aerial 1962-1963 Leisure World without trees_002.jpg
│ │ ├── Aerial 1962-1963 Leisure World without trees_003.jpg
│ │ ├── Aerial photo faded date 1967-12-20.jpg
│ │ ├── Astronomy club.jpg
│ │ ├── Astronomy club_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Black and white photo of the front gate dated 1997-06-00 in Ethel Anderson collection.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_002.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_003.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_004.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_005.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_006.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_007.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_008.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_009.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_010.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_011.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_012.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_013.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_014.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_015.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_016.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_017.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_018.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_019.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_020.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_021.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_022.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_023.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_024.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_025.jpg
│ │ ├── Black white photos no date various subjects_026.jpg
│ │ ├── Color photo aerial view NO DATE.jpg
│ │ ├── Front gate and Globe after restoriation 2016.jpg
│ │ ├── Front gate and Globe after restoriation 2016_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Globe and front grate NO DATE.jpg
│ │ ├── Globe and front grate NO DATE_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Globe at Night.jpg
│ │ ├── Globe by Eveyln Crawford.jpg
│ │ ├── Globe early pictures 1967 with original southwestern landscape seen from Guard Shack.jpg
│ │ ├── Globe early pictures 1967 with original southwestern landscape seen from Guard Shack_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Health care center no date.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Aerial without trees circa 1965.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Aerial without trees circa 1965_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Aerial without trees circa 1965_002.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World postcard mailed 1978.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World postcard mailed 1978_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_002.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_003.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_004.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_005.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_006.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_007.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_008.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_009.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_010.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_011.jpg
│ │ ├── Old photos no dates_012.jpg
│ │ ├── Photograph taken from plane landing in 1990.jpg
│ │ ├── Photograph taken from plane landing in 1990_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Ross W. Cortese -Founder of Leisure Worlds photograph.jpg
│ │ ├── Ross W. Cortese -Founder of Leisure Worlds photograph_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Ross W. Cortese -Founder of Leisure Worlds photograph_002.jpg
│ │ ├── Security Officers 1976 in front of the Globe.jpg
│ │ └── Security Officers 1976 in front of the Globe_001.jpg
│ ├── Photographs of Historical Society
│ │ ├── Historical Society 2018-11-08 open house on WWI veterans Barracks 2860.jpg
│ │ ├── Historical Society 2018-11-08 open house on WWI veterans Barracks 2860_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Six of the founding members of Historical Society -- 1994-04-00.jpg
│ │ ├── Six of the founding members of Historical Society -- 1994-04-00_001.jpg
│ │ ├── Six of the founding members of Historical Society -- 1994-04-00_002.jpg
│ │ └── Six of the founding members of Historical Society -- 1994-04-00_003.jpg
│ └── Text Remarks of attorney Williams at 1971-11-16 BOD meeting.pdf
│ ├── Golden Rain Assessed Valuations 1980-08-04 Finance Committee.pdf
│ ├── List of Consolidation questions for William Williamson attorney 1980-05-07.pdf
│ ├── Mutual Consolidation Report by Committee 1980 possibly May.pdf
│ ├── President OHare to leave office GRF news 1981-03-19.pdf
│ ├── Report to Presidents Council 1980 possibly April by Committee on Consolidation Movement.pdf
│ ├── Survey of Mutuals New Replacement Cost 1980-04-04 from Tait Appraisal 1978-1979.pdf
│ └── Survey of Mutuals by Tait Appraisal 1980-04-04 NEW REPLACEMENT COST.pdf
│ ├── HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN Script Cover autographed by the Cast 1986-09-18.jpg
│ ├── Highway to Heaven Photographs 1986-09-18 at Leisure World.jpg
│ ├── Highway to Heaven Photographs 1986-09-18 at Leisure World_001.jpg
│ ├── Highway to Heaven Photographs 1986-09-18 at Leisure World_002.jpg
│ ├── Highway to Heaven Photographs 1986-09-18 at Leisure World_003.jpg
│ ├── Highway-To-Heaven-Script-Final-Draft-Love-At-Second-Sight-HTH-78-1986-08-12.pdf
│ ├── Highway-to-Heaven-Manuscript-Cover-Love-at-Second-Site.jpg
│ ├── Highway-to-Heaven-Manuscript-Love-at-Second-Site-p6.jpg
│ ├── Highway-to-Heaven-Manuscript-Love-at-Second-Site-p6A.jpg
│ ├── Michael Landon Filiming 1986-09-24 Golden Rain News.pdf
│ ├── Michael Landon Production shooting schedule 1986-09-02 to Fred Cooper.pdf
│ ├── Michael Landon and Fred Cooper at Leisure World 1986-09-16.jpg
│ ├── Michael Landon and Fred Cooper at Leisure World 1986-09-16_001.jpg
│ └── Michael Landon articles and letter to Fred Cooper with schedule 1986-09-02.pdf
│ └── Sales Flyer with unit layout 1990-05-01.pdf
New Residents move in materials
│ ├── Bylaws of Seal Beach Mutual Fifteen one page articles IV and V.pdf
│ ├── Information Letter 1963-04-19 notifying resident apartment is ready for occupancy.pdf
│ ├── Move in letter 1962 with instructions to new residents from Gerry Rathburn Sales Counselor.pdf
│ └── Mutual Two 02 White book for new owners including Occupancy Agreement and FHA information 1962-10-03.pdf
│ ├── President Council President Harry Schafer 1964-03-14 letter regarding GRF bylaws change.pdf
│ └── Presidents Council 1964-06-09 Partial Meeting Minutes GRF versus Natl GRF.pdf
│ ├── 90-9 Group later Shareholders committee early flyers 1964.pdf
│ ├── Senior Protective League 1965 including formation meetings.pdf
│ ├── Shareholders committee for Reform various flyers 1964 with duplicates.pdf
│ ├── Shareholders committee letters 1964-03-01 to 1966-04-30.pdf
│ └── What is the NATIONAL GOLDEN RAIN FDN 1964-05-13 by unknown possibly Shareholder committee.pdf
Reform Management Special Collection 1964- 1966
│ ├── Bishop Gerald Kennedy letter regarding LW problems and FHA possibly 1964.pdf
│ ├── Don MacKenzie GRF board director documents beginning 1964.pdf
│ ├── FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION correspondence 1964-03-11 to 1968-08-09.pdf
│ └── Harry Carroll correspondence to Senator Henry Jackson 1964-04-0 to 1966-12.pdf
│ ├── Agreement Rossmoor Corp selling Mutual 15 to the Golden Rain Fdn 1964-10-26 not signed.pdf
│ ├── Brochure Rossmore Leisure World hand illustrated 1963.pdf
│ ├── Early 1960s postcard used for sales package.jpg
│ ├── Early 1960s postcard used for sales package_001.jpg
│ ├── Grace O-Loughlin Mutual 4 unit 39A original customization form for unit 1962-07-01.pdf
│ ├── Land Deeds for Leisure World 1963 to 1968.pdf
│ ├── Leisure World Residents letters phamplet 1962-11-05
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 00.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 01.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 02.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 03.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 04.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 05.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 06.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 07.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 08.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 09.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 10.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 11.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 12.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 13.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 14.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 15.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 16.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 17.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 18.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 19.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 20.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 21.jpg
│ │ ├── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05 page 22.jpg
│ │ └── Leisure World Residents phamplet 1962-11-05.pdf
│ ├── Leisure World logo decal sticker gold lettering.jpg
│ ├── Leisure World logo decal sticker gold lettering_001.jpg
│ ├── Letter regarding the newly established Resales Department.pdf
│ ├── Maps
│ │ └── Maps for Sales Reps 1963.pdf
│ ├── One bedroom apartment card with facts side 1.jpg
│ ├── One bedroom apartment card with facts side 2.jpg
│ ├── Resident Service Brochure 1965-01-01.pdf
│ ├── Sales Materials including Occupancy Agreement early 1960s.pdf
│ ├── Two Bedroom apartment description card with facts side 1.jpg
│ └── Two Bedroom apartment description card with facts side 2.jpg
Seal Beach Mutual -- All Mutuals
│ └── SEAL BEACH mutual CORPORATIONS 1965 year SUMMARY OF MUTUAL costs Coordinating Committe .pdf
│ ├── POST-1965-01-16-Page-03.pdf
│ ├── POST-1965-01-16-Page-19.pdf
│ ├── POST-1965-01-16-Page-20.pdf
│ ├── POST-1965-01-16-Page-21.pdf
│ ├── POST-1965-01-16-Page-22.pdf
│ ├── POST-1965-01-16-Page-23 LLOYD GUMMERE.jpg
│ ├── POST-1965-01-16-Page-23.pdf
│ ├── POST-1965-01-16-Page-24.pdf
│ ├── POST-1965-01-16-Page-25.pdf
│ ├── POST-1965-01-16-RETIREMENT-HOUSING-THISTLES-IN-PARADISE-by-Bill-Davidson.pdf
│ ├── POST-1965-01-16-page-00-cover.pdf
│ ├── Post-THISTLES-IN-PARADISE by Bill Davidson full article.pdf
│ └── THISTLES-IN-PARADISE citation University Library.pdf
Seal Beach Mutual No Fifteen 15
│ └── Service Agreement between Mutual Fifteen and National Golden Rain Fdn 1964-01-08.pdf
Seal Beach Mutual Seal Beach Mutual No Nine 09
│ ├── Mutual Nine Meeting minutes 1964-06-08 to 1964-06-17.pdf
│ ├── Mutual Nine Minutes 1964-01-08 to 1964-05-20.pdf
│ ├── Mutual Nine Profit Loss 1964-01-01 to 1964-04-30.pdf
│ └── Mutual Nine Special Meeting notice 1964-06-05 regarding National Golden Rain management contract.pdf
Seal Beach Mutual No Two 02
│ └── Resumes for Mutual Two 02 Golden Rain Directors.pdf
Senior Citizens Protective League
│ ├── Attorney Laurence Arthur Peters letter to Golden Rain Board 1964-03-25.pdf
│ ├── Flyers about the National Golden Rain fdn 1963-07-15.pdf
│ ├── Letter Senior Citizens Protective to Golden Rain 1964-02-10.pdf
│ ├── SENIOR CITIZENS PROTECTIVE LEAGUE flyer 1965-12-18.pdf
│ ├── Senior Citizens Protective League Meeting Minutes 1966-01-04.pdf
│ ├── Senior Citizens Protective League membership from blank only date 1963-11-17.pdf
│ └── Senior Citizens Protective Leagure misc correspondence 1963-11-17 to 1965-12-07.pdf
Senior Citizens Protective League Binder 1964-05-19 to 1970-06-30
│ ├── 1970-01-06 Senior Protective League Presidents report for monthly meeting.pdf
│ ├── SENIOR CITIZENS PROTECTIVE LEAGUE part 1.pdf
│ ├── SENIOR CITIZENS PROTECTIVE LEAGUE part 2.pdf
│ ├── SENIOR CITIZENS PROTECTIVE LEAGUE part 3.pdf
│ └── SENIOR CITIZENS PROTECTIVE LEAGUE part 4.pdf
│ └── A retirement Community by Martin Schaller and Robert Johnson 1968-05-00 Washington DC.pdf
Shareholders Association Binder 1965 to 1970-11-30
│ ├── Shareholders Association Part 4 Searchlights 1970-12-00 thru 1971-11-00.pdf
│ ├── Shareholders Association part 1.pdf
│ ├── Shareholders Association part 2.pdf
│ ├── Shareholders Association part 3.pdf
│ └── Shareholders Committee bulletin 1964-03-26.pdf
│ └── Leisure World song and correspondence to Disney to use Small World tune 1981-01-09 by Walter Frish.pdf
│ └── Womens Golf Club History by Louise Rich 1986-03-03.pdf