By Don McDonald
Los Altos - Celebrating 50 years
The year 2002 marks the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of Los Altos. During the year, this column will cover what our predecessor newspapers reported 50 years ago.
The following items appeared in the weekly Los Altos News of March 14 and 21, 1952:
A front-page banner headline read: “Proposed boundaries for Los Altos set; petitions out soon.” The boundaries proposed differed from today’s city limits, chiefly by including a large parcel north of El Camino Real.
It extended on both sides of San Antonio Road, between Central and Ortega streets, all the way to Alma.
The next step leading to incorporation was to get petitions signed by owners of at least 25 percent of the assessed evaluation of the land affected.
After these petitions were validated by the County Board of Supervisors, hearings would be held. The final step would be the election.
“Campbell votes to incorporate” was the headline of another story on the same theme. This successful vote was Campbell’s fourth try. The three previous elections, which failed to get majorities, were held in 1906, 1946 and 1948.
Several articles described activities on the local cultural scene.
One headline told a complete story: “Community chorus to be formed here with Pissott as director; rehearsal next week.” A front-page photo showed an “illustrious group of writers” attending a reception at Kay’s Book Shelf. They included Wallace Stegner, Frank J. Taylor and Edward Landels.
The “Foothill Follies” group announced that casting was complete for their new show, which would feature such songs as “Harvest Moon” and “Louisiana Hayride.”
On the political front were two articles headlined “Dick Dulleck enters congressional race; plans to cross-file on both tickets” and “Senator Knowland files for re-election.” William S. Pfeifle filed for the congressional race as a republican.
The Altos Theater had a special one-day showing of “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” Sponsored by United World Federalists, it dramatized the need for world disarmament.
Hollywood films being shown included “Death of a Salesman,” with Frederic March, at the Altos Theater; and “Drums,” with Gary Cooper, at the Mountain. View.
The Monte Vista Drive-In Theater advertised that on Tuesday nights, “one pair of Dupont nylon hose will be given each Lady accompanied by an adult Gentleman.”
An ad by Frederick Wyatt on Main Street listed a “Genuine Suede Sport Coat” for $45. Foodliner Market advertised avocados at three for 29 cents. Gordon’s Market was selling Libby’s frozen peas or French beans at five packs for $1.
MacDonald is a member of the Los Altos History Museum.
