March 21, 2017
SAN PEDRO, LOS ANGELES
by Moncho 1929
Long before the first European contact in 1542 San Pedro was home to the Tongva people, sometimes called “lords of the ocean” for their mastery of ocean-going canoes. When the ambitious Phineas Banning arrived on this harbor scene in 1851 it didn’t take long for him to see the opportunity in starting a stage and shipping company, his success eventually leading to the founding of neighboring Wilmington and expanding the Port of Los Angeles—now the largest container port in the US. The San Pedro Waterfront Arts District, in its efforts to further enhance the cultural and artistic presence of the neighborhood is working with Gabba Gallery who asked Moncho 1929 to create a tale of the city’s colorful history. On the back of soon-to-open 6th St. restaurant, Pappy’s Seafood, one wall features this intriguing portrait of Phineas Banning heiress, Lucy Banning, who the LA Times refers to as one of the richest and most beautiful women of the latter 19th century, with a reputation for ‘playing around’ and leaving a trail of wealthy ex-husbands in her wake. @moncho1929 @gabbagallery @artsdistrictsanpedro @pappysseafood