Filming at the track in 1935:
The building was designed by Architect Gordon B. Kaufmann (who also designed the Los Angeles Times building) in a fluid Art Deco style – 1936:
The entrance and the paddock – 1936:
A view of the stands the year it was completed – 1934:
In the early years stockholders included Cary Grant, Edgar Bergen, Bing Crosby, Lana Turner, Harry Warner, etc., remember, Hal Roach was a major booster, and the track opened Christmas Day, 1934.
My Aunt Harriet and Uncle Jack lived right across the street from Santa Antia and I used to sit in their front window and just dream about what it would be like to go see and race and maybe see some real live Movie Stars! Oh… speaking of Aunt Harriet brought up an old memory…remind me to tell you some time about when I met Ozzie Nelson in Laguna on the beach when I was 13.
We’ve got to get this walk in! I think probably several between here and SF 🙂
I’ve only been to Santa Anita once, loved seeing the horses run, didn’t quite understand the betting aspect. I think I made two dollar bets on all the horses running (in the one race I bet on) so I would be sure to win….
Yes we have to go for that walk.