Carpenters history

Dear Editor: I must agree with the letter written by Ms. Carolyn Arzac (“Carpenter House,” 11/6/14). Her letter was in regards to the poor condition of the Carpenter house on Newville Avenue.

When Richard Carpenter sold the family homes on Newville, did he offer to sell them to the city of Downey? Did he give the properties to the city as a museum or even offer it as a historical site?

If so, what was Downey’s reply?

On the city of Downey’s website, the Carpenters are mentioned only once. No history of them or location of the residence is given.

Most of the history of Downey centers around the space program (home of the Apollo space program), McDonald’s, a Taco Bell, Stonewood Center, and the Rives Mansion. Upon visiting the Downey Library, there is one small showcase displaying a few records and a few books on the Carpenters. This display looks like it was put there as an afterthought.

The residence(s) on Newville are privately owned. The owners are either unaware or do not care about the historic value of these residences.

I think it boils down to one word: apathy.

Vince Diaz

Downey

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Published: Nov. 13, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 31