CollectionPostcard and Ephemera CollectionDescriptionHand-colored postcard image shows elevated view looking north of La Venta Inn, located at 796 Via del Monte on lots 4, 5, and 6, block 1536. Visible is the south façade, showing the newly added dining room with chimney, designed by architect W.L. Risley, in northeast corner of the property. Several automobiles are in the parking lot, with Via del Monte in foreground. The Inn, originally built as a club house (named "Clubhouse 764") to entertain realtors and prospective land owners, opened in the summer of 1923 and was the first permanent building constructed by the Palos Verdes Project. The name was soon changed to La Venta (meaning "The Sale" in Spanish) and the inn served as a sales office and architectural prototype for the peninsula. During the 1930s it became a weekend retreat for notable celebrities such as Charles Lindbergh, Erroll Flynn, Betty Grable, Bob Hope, Tyrone Power, Cary Grant, and Gloria Swanson. Briefly in 1942 the Inn became the central observation post of the coastal artillery. From 1944 to 1954 the property was the residence of Commander and Mrs. Stanley Schnetzler, and was re-established as an inn in 1955. On November 11, 1978, La Venta Inn became the first structure designated as an historical landmark by the Rancho de los Palos Verdes Historical Society. In 1992 the New York Food Company took over management of the property. Reverse of split-back postcard printed at left edge with "PUB. FOR PALOS VERDES DRUG STORE, PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CALIFORNIA / La Venta Inn Palos Verdes Estates, California" and "Post Cards of Quality.- The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, N.Y." at center. LanguageengPhoto Size3.5 x 5.5 inPhoto Format1 postcardHeld ByPalos Verdes Library District. Peninsula Center Library. Local History CenterShelf LocationPC37aRestrictions on AccessElectronically digitized by the Palos Verdes Library District from the Palos Verdes Library Local History Center collection. Copyright status must be investigated before publishing or commercial use. To obtain permission and images for publication purposes please contact the Palos Verdes Library District.