The following story comes from the Downey LiveWire newspaper in July 1924, titled “Downey to Celebrate Lighting of Large Sign.” 

The big new “Downey” sign will be illuminated Saturday night for the first time and members of the local chamber of commerce, together with other citizens, are planning to make a celebration of the occasion. 

The light will be turned into the electric sign at about eight-thirty o’clock or as soon as it becomes sufficiently dark to make the big letters show up properly. 

The Compton Chamber of Commerce band will be here to play from 8:30 to 10 o’clock. There will be an impromptu program and all who come here that night will receive a cordial welcome. 

Downey is proud of her new sign and wants everybody to share in the dedication. Because of the power shortage, this will be the only time this sign will be illumined until the shortage is relieved. 

This sign was erected at a cost of $405, subscribed by the business firms and citizens of Downey. The work was done by B.F. Darnell, of the Darnell Electric Shop, who assisted in the making of the letters by Harry Leonard of the Modern Plumbing Shop. 

A record was set up by the chamber of commerce committee headed by E.A. Stowe in the soliciting and collection of funds for financing the proposition and Mr. Darnell completed the construction work in record time. 

The right to use the high water cooler at the Los Nietos Valley Ice Company was granted by C.W. Corkum, proprietor of that institution. 

Rives Mansion

It is hard to drive down Paramount Boulevard at 3rd Street and see the Rives Mansion not being used except for political signs being placed on its lawn. 

For years the Downey Historical Society had tried to get the city of Downey to purchase the property but for various reasons it never happened. 

Looking at the beautiful old buildings which has contributed to having many articles of historical importance printed about it not being used to tell its story is very sad. What a great place it could be as a learning center to tell the Downey story to students of the community. 

Mary Stauffer thought it was very important to purchase the Downey history book done by Larry Latimer so the third grade children in Downey schools could learn about early life. 

Imagine this mansion being brought to life as a place that visitors could come to when visiting our city and wanting to see pictures of early life, early pioneers and artifacts used in their lives. We continue to receive calls about pictures and furniture used in the beginning of Downey’s history but we have limited space to display items. 

We have this fall two new board members: one from Warren High School and one from Downey High School who have the energy and computer knowledge to be of great help to the history center. 

We know the Rives Mansion is privately owned but it doesn’t hurt to dream that someday it might be owned by Dwoney and used by the service clubs, Downey schools, and the Downey Historical Society Museum -- a place to continue telling the story of Downey. 

Volunteer Poem

It is very important to recognize the importance of volunteers who contribute so much to the city of Downey. In 1994, a tribute to volunteers was printed in the Downey Historical Newsletter: 

Volunteers, God Bless ‘Em

Many will be shocked to find
When the day of judgement nears
That there’s a special place in heaven
Set aside for volunteers. 

Furnished with big recliners
Satin couches and footstools
Where there’s no committee chairman
No group leaders of carpools
No eager team that needs a coach
No bazaar and no bake sale

There will be nothing staple
Not one thing to fold or mail
Telephones will be outlawed
But a finger snap will bring
Cold drinks and gourmet dinners
And treats fit for a king. 

You ask, “Who’ll serve these privileged few
And work for all they’re worth?”
Why, all those who reaped the benefits
And not once volunteered on Earth.
(author unknown)

This is a thank you to all who make living in the City of Downey a better city. 

Bobbi Bruce is a docent with the Downey Historical Society.