GREETINGS, FRIEND OF ELMER! Step right up where something very strange and special is waiting for you to grab it for your own!
ABOUT THE TOUR: Where busy Western Avenue crosses Interstate 10, Esotouric invites you to slow down for a side street stroll back in time, on a cultural and architectural history walking tour of West Adams, to explore some of the city’s oldest streetcar suburbs.
On this walk through the West Adams Heights, Western Heights and Sugar Hill neighborhoods, you’ll see relics of early infrastructure, transit and commerce, adorable bungalows and fabulous mansions, and the mournful shadows where landmarks used to be.
You’ll lament the tragic death of soul star Marvin Gaye, be astonished by the weird career of folk artist Dan Van Meter, tap your feet to the inspiring musical stylings of the Kids of Widney High, hear how the national integration battle played out in the homes of Sugar Hill and Norman O. Houston’s Golden State Mutual Insurance Company offices, and more.
Plus you’ll have a chance to explore the stunning Mediterranean / Moorish Revival Linda Scott Residence (Frank Tyler, 1906), Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #963, which is also home to a most unusual display: Al Guerrero’s Elmer McCurdy Museum and Gallery of Sideshow Attractions.
We’ll wrap up the walking tour with an intimate viewing of the world’s only full-body effigy of the notorious Old West outlaw Elmer McCurdy, who was famously mummified and exhibited as a sideshow attraction and as fun house decor from 1911-1977, when authorities were alerted and he finally was laid to rest. Elmer’s effigy is displayed in an interactive, multi-media installation alongside other hand-crafted folk art artifacts that celebrate the culture of the American Sideshow and the Spooky Rides, Terror Trains & Fun Houses that were found there.
With a mix of tales dark and light, and a rare chance to take a selfie with the beguiling Elmer McCurdy and hear about his posthumous career in Downtown, West Adams and Long Beach, this is a different kind of Los Angeles history tour you won’t soon forget.
This walking tour is illustrated with rare photos you can view on your smartphone.
MEETING INSTRUCTIONS:
Tour begins at 10:30am sharp, with check-in time 10am at the private residence at 1910 S Harvard. Please arrive on time and proceed down the driveway to the check-in table in the back garden, to get signed in and logged in to the smartphone slideshow. Scroll down for tour rules and recommendations.
TOUR RULES & RECOMMENDATIONS:
BE PREPARED: This is a walking hour lasting 3 hours, over a mix of level ground and hills, moving at a casual pace. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Bring your smartphone so you can view the tour slide show. We will have a cooler with cold water, and you’re encouraged to bring a full water bottle. A restroom will be available at the start, and at the end of the tour. If you need more information about what to expect, please email us.
COVID SAFETY: We do not require that masks be worn on walking tours, but you are welcome to bring one for the Elmer Museum visit, which is inside.
CAMERA POLICY: No video- or audio-taping unless it has been pre-cleared with us, please. Still cameras and sketchbooks are fine.
Parking & Public Transit
There is ample side street parking around the neighborhood with a time limit of 10 hours. Check signs before parking. If parking on a main road like Washington Boulevard, be aware that there are more restrictions. If using public transit, this link can help you plan your trip.
CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY:
If you’re sick, please do not attend the tour. Get some rest, and let us know not to expect you. If notified at least 72 hours before tour departure, we can refund or reschedule your booking. As long as you contact us before the tour begins, we are happy to move your reservation to a future tour date. You may also gift your ticket to someone else—we will need their name, email address and phone number to make this switch.
CONTACTING US ON OR BEFORE TOUR DAY:
Emailing is the best way to communicate with us, but after 8am on tour day you can call or text Richard on his mobile phone, 213-915-8687.