Departures is KCET's hyper-local web documentary, community engagement tool and digital literacy program about the cultural history of Los Angeles' neighborhoods.
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Venice of America Mural
When developer Abbot Kinney set his eyes on the marshlands of Venice at the turn of the 20th century—with the luck of a coin toss—won the property and envisioned an ideal city that, in his words, would “be partly for study, partly for recreation, and partly for health”. 30 years after his acquisition of the land, Venice of America was created. The resort town cleverly satisfied mind, body and spirit, recreating its Italian forebear complete with canals, gondolas, amusement parks, and high-minded Chautauquas.
Index
2 Venice of America:
In 1929, as Venice of America fell into decline, oil was discovered in the peninsula.
2 Venice of America:
Maryjane is an activist, artist, poet, and documentarian. In the 1960s and 1970s, Maryjane lived in the cottage, now owned by Orson Bean and Alley Mills.
2 Venice of America:
Over the years, Longtime residents Orson Bean and Alley Mills have witnessed an increase in housing prices along with a growth of reclusive behavior in new residents along the canals.
2 Venice of America:
A skeptical public had heard rumors of Kinney's eccentric re-development ideas in the coastal marshlands of Southern California, but no one took him seriously.
2 Venice of America:
Venice was built under the provision that the beach could never be commercialized so Abbot Kinney built the amusement parks of Venice of America over the ocean.
2 Venice of America:
The rich history of Venice has fascinated many, yet due to its complexity, only a few can be considered aficionados.
Funders and Partners
Support for the Departures' Venice installment is provided through these sponsors and local community partners, as well as from viewers like you.
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