The survival of Bruce’s Beach: the memory of a Black resort that refused to fade
by Mark McDermott fourth in a series Bruce’s Beach left behind a lot of memories. For nearly 15 years beginning in 1912, the resort represented an almost magical destination for Black residents of Southern California, an oceanfront haven where one could experience, if briefly, a different sort of world. A place of peace and celebration for African Americans. Many thousands came. The Bruce’s hosted family gatherings, railroad worker celebrations, coming of age and going away parties. People often arrived dressed to the nines; Bruce’s Lodge was a place to be seen, in part, but more generally the African American community of the 1910s and 20s was rich with style. Whether on the beach or in the dance hall, elegance was a value among the patrons of Bruce’s Beach. The California Eagle, the “race paper” which closely covered the comings and goings at Bruce’s Beach, reported on a moonlight truck ride, “one of the most delightful events of the season,” that took place one Saturday night. It was a going away party for Miss Retta Trout, who was leaving for New York, and featured a ride to the beach for a party of 36 young people. The announcement of Bruce’s Beach closing in the California…
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