Literary talks continue at Chevalier’s Books
Chevalier’s Books, 76 years strong on Larchmont, had more than a dozen book signings and similar events during the month of August. More events are scheduled this and every month. For the schedule, visit chevaliersbooks.com.
Two of the August events had ties to the local community.
Stephen Gee, writer of “Los Angeles Central Library, A History of its Art and Architecture,” and Arnold Schwartzman, photographer for the book, signed copies after giving an illustrated talk about the book and Central Library. Present and part of a colloquy with Gee and Schwartzman were two local men. As recounted in the book, Windsor Square resident (and Larchmont Chronicle publisher) John H. Welborne and Miracle Mile architect Barton Phelps, FAIA, were actively involved in the 1970s and 1980s efforts that led to the preservation of Central Library.
The speakers were introduced by Chevalier’s co-owner, Darryl Holter, who spoke of the store — the city’s oldest independent bookstore — as “part of our intellectual infrastructure.”
Also present at the book talk was Britweek chairman, and former British Consul General, Bob Pierce. Arriving after dinner on the Boulevard, but still in time to buy signed copies of the book, were Brad and George Takei.
Two days later, Marilyn Brant Chandler DeYoung — a fourth-generation Californian who grew up on June St. and attended Marlborough School (before Stanford and UCLA) — was at Chevalier’s to present an intimate talk about her own new book, “Remarkable Women of California.”
During the Q&A following the talk, Ynez Violé O’Neill reminisced about Marlborough days when the girls, due to wartime gas rationing, would bicycle over to the Boulevard and hang out at “Stratt’s” (Ross Stratton’s record store), buy things for their families at Balzer’s, and even visit Chevalier’s. Jeanne Neville reminisced with O’Neill about parking their bikes at the Standard Oil station on Saturdays (now the city parking lot) while going to the matinees at the movie theater (where Flywheel is today).
Both books are available at Chevalier’s, 323-465-1334.
Category: People