Crawford’s Market opened in 1937 in El Monte at Five Points on the corner of Valley and Garvey. They called it “The Biggest Little Country Store!” Everyone in the San Gabriel valley came to Crawford’s for their fresh produce, dairy and meat. The store was owned by Leemoria Barbara and Wayland Howard Crawford. The Crawford’s started out in Los Angeles with a store and a vegetable stand in the City of Bell. The couple found out soon that the inland valley was better suited for a big market so they opened a chain of stores from Alhambra, Montebello, El Monte and Rosemead. The El Monte Store had a Van de Kamp’s bakery with the women wearing those weird hats.
The stores would have a snack bar, a barber shop, jewelry store, shoe repair and even an ice cream stand under one roof. The stores would hold events such as pancake breakfasst, Easter Bonnet parades, Halloween Costume contests with prizes going to the best costume. Crawford’s also was deeply into returning to the community and especially to the Police departments by raising money for fallen policemen. When the local circus would come to town they were usually held at Crawford’s. At Christmas time they would hire a Santa Claus who would arrive by helicopter!
Most El Monte residents have fond memories of shopping at Crawford’s and events that happened here. Unfortunately all things do come to end and so in 1992 Crawford’s became landlords rather than owners.
Enjoy! Gary Cliser
SQUARE DANCING OUTSIDE - Mid 1950's
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| This is in front of the carousel at Crawfords Village Market. Taken in the mid-50's. Linda Delgado Ledesma's mom Betty, is wearing the dark dress with plaid on the sleves & at the bottom. Her partner, Jonesy, is wearing the plaid shirt and brother Donny said the callers name was Jimmy. The photo was taken by Frank Hewlett who had a Whistler Ave. address on the photo. |
Ed Sullivan autographed photograph with The Crawford family.
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| Race car driver Roy Crawford middle front row - dark suit on left. Photo courtesy Ed McBee. |
Crawford's El Poche's Mexican Patio cafe Grand Opening
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| From Jim Wyatt (Class of 1952) - Jun 15, 2003 El Poche's cafe was at the south entrance of Crawfords. It was there about 1955-57. There was a whole area along that side of the main building called Fiesta Village....it was run by two ladies: Carmen Arieta and Tove' Neilson. I worked at Crawfords at that time. We used to put on musicals to raise money for employees that were in need for one reason or another... We did Oklahoma and Carmen was Miss Laurie, she did an outstanding job even if Shirley Jones was a blonde and Carmen had very dark hair. Had many good times with the Crawfords gang back then. Boy! Has that place ever changed now!!!! Things do change. |
The Crawford's Siblings, 1970's
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| Back Left to Right: William, Clarence, Chuck, Ina and Ronnie Middle: Corrine and Sadie Front Row: Don, WH, Eulaia and Odessa |
Children's Benefit Fair, 1947
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| Some of the greatest drivers of the postwar era (and their wives) gathered in 1947 for this amazing photo. The occasion? A children's benefit fair at Crawford's Market in El Monte. From left are: unknown couple; Bill and Penny Taylor; Ray and Marion Crawford; Troy Ruttman; Sam and Alice Hanks; Danny and Elsie Oakes; George Beavis and family. Thanks to Alice Hanks for sharing this gem from the past! |
The Crawford's Fire - 1940's
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Hi Gary, I came across a picture that my dad (Ernst H. Andreas) took when the original Crawford's burnt down. You can see the Tumbleweed Theatre on the south side of Garvey Ave. The new Crawford's was built across the street within 2 years. I grew-up enjoying the carnival rides on the
Valley side too!
-Kathy Andreas
---Do you remember the night Crawford's burned ??? We lived in Wilmar (near Mark Kepple) at the time, my sister Jane (she went to Kepple) Leland Cleminson, Donna Coleman and I were outside visiting, ( Donna's mother was Ina Crawford Coleman, they lived up the street) We saw a strange red glow in the sky toward El Monte, we jumped into Lelands car and drove toward it, lo and behold it was Crawfords. As I remember, Leland helped with hoses etc. the rest of us just stood and stared. Quite a sight and a real disaster.
Joy Kaufman Allen '49
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I've been "cruising" on and off for a few years wondering if anyone would post anything about the Biggest Country Store at Five Points. It was a delight to find your site posting the Life Magazine pictures.
I grew-up on Mountain View Road a couple of blocks up from Crawford's. My dad installed the sound system for Ray Crawford. We were there for the big "Watermelon Feeds", the "Big Cheese Wheels" and the great "Wednesday Night Drawings". I even have a picture of the helicopter that brought Santa Claus one year (early 1960's).
What's great is I have some dear, older friends who worked there in the 1940's and early 1950's. They can sure tell stories about all the wonderful events that bought the community together at Crawford's: there really is a rich history.
Thank you,
Kathy Andreas
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