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| Modern day car shows give downtown La Mesa a nostalgic 1950s look. |
HISTORIC HOME TOUR AHEAD
Tickets for the November 5 La Mesa Historical Society 2016
Mid-century modern home tour will be available very soon. Focusing on Post-War
architecture, this tour will showcase works by architects Lloyd Ruocco, Henry
Hester, Homer Delawie, John Mock and John Mortenson. Keep checking https://lamesahistory.com/event/11th-annual-la-mesa-historic-home-tour/
GLIMPSE OF THE PAST
Helix Theatre, located in La Mesa on La Mesa Boulevard at
University Avenue was built in 1948, opening on September 7, 1948. It was one
of more than 400 movie houses designed by architect Simeon Charles Lee
(1899-1990). Lee was an early proponent of Art Deco and Moderne style theaters.
The Helix Theatre was unique in its
modern façade, which morphed into was a Quonset Hut style theatre. It had a car
park which held 125 cars. After WWII, theatre owners were looking for ways to
construct theatres cheaper. The Quonset Hut was one way.
Other theatres using the Quonset Hut design were the Fox
Crest Theatre in North Long Beach, the Garmar Theatre (razed), Avo Theatre,
Puente Theatre, Visalia Theatre, and Colorado Theatre. There are few examples
of this theatre style remaining in the United States.
The Helix Theatre is one of those casualties, closing on
December 4, 1976, and has since been demolished.
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