Here is the fascinating history of the Blackstone in downtown Long Beach, written by my friend Claudine Burnett, formerly a librarian for the Long Beach Public Library system. The Blackstone, located at 330. W. Ocean Blvd., was at one time a hotel and is now an apartment building which was granted landmark status.
Built by a woman who had inherited wealth from her first husband, she was one of the many people who came to Long Beach in earlier decades and left her mark on local architecture.
Excerpt:
"What did this new property Kate now owned look like inside?
"The Blackstone had 70 rooms on the second and third
floors and 75 apartments on the other floors. Rooms and apartments were
finished either in mahogany or ivory. On
the second floor there was a ballroom (dancing was held there every Saturday
afternoon and evening), billiard and card rooms. Each of the 8 floors had a sun
parlor. Furnishings included floor lamps and table shades and over-stuffed
furniture. In the basement there was a garage for 75 automobiles,
shower and dressing rooms for the use of guests returning from the beach. It
was quite a luxury to be able to step from one’s car, catch an elevator and go
directly to one’s apartment or hotel room. Single apartments rented from
$85 to $150 ($1200-$2,120) per month; double apartments $165-$225
($2330-$3,180) per month; a room started at $2.00 ($28.30) a day. It
opened for business on July 1, 1922."
Long Beach's Past: The “Cougar” Countess and Long Beach’s Blackstone ...: Postcard Long Beach History Collection
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