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Long Beach Earthquake strikes
March 10
Today is the 91st anniversary of the Long Beach Earthquake which, not surprisingly also did a lot of damage to neighboring Seal Beach, knocking a number of houses off their foundations, and sending many people fleeing a potential tsunami to the crests of The Hill and some fled even further inland. The quake broke water lines and tap water was unavailable for a few days The Navy sent over troops provide food and water at campsites across the street from City Hall, and Mayor Elmer Hughes hauled in water from the Bixby ranches to the north of town. One of the worst hit structures was the poorly constructed brick Tourist Hotel” at 125 Main Street which totally collapsed, but fortunately, it appears many of the hotel residents — ladies who engaged in more horizontal business pursuits — had been arrested the night before and were not on the premises.
Noted town historian Michael Dobkins covered the earthquake in great detail and has many photos in his This Date in Seal Beach History blog. Some of his writings can be read at the links below
