Helms Bakery

Today we had lunch at Beacon, an asian fusion restaurant located in the old Helms Bakery building in Culver City. There are two patio areas. One in the front of the restaurant and one in the back. This time we sat in the back and what a pleasant surprise...

We looked over the hedge and saw a replica of the Helms Bakery truck made into a fountain. The back doors are open and you can see the bread stacked inside. In front of the truck (which I do not have a photo of..camera battery died) is a painting of Culver City. Underneath the truck are three pools, and one has a yellow fire hydrant in it. Very creative. The artist who created it made it look like the bread truck was driving down the street making a delivery when it hit a fire hydrant.

Here's a bit of history on the Helms Bakery: (a slice of Americana)

"The Helms Bakery Building in Culver City has been a cultural landmark for years. Construction of the facility began in 1930. There were eight additions in its first decade, as growth of the bakery business in Los Angeles was terrific.

In 1932, the Bakery was designated as the official bread for the 1932 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles.

The Bakery and the Helms Family were a part of every family. The famous and recognizable 'coaches' drove the streets of Los Angeles bringing its fabulous baked goods directly to front doors every day. Every school child can recall their tours of the plant and receiving a tiny loaf of bread and miniature paper Bakery 'coach' vehicle.

Unfortunately the Bakery has been closed since 1969. It is now a center for home furnishings and the arts.

Over the past 25 years, the commercial reuse of the facility is home to such retailers as the Antique Guild, Homestead House, Dansk Mobile Export, Creative Galleries and Sears HomeLife Furniture. Other arts groups such as the Jazz Bakery and the Gascon Center Theatre have taken up residence.

Many Los Angeles and Culver City graphic artists, architects and designers have also set up shop in the old general offices of the Bakery."
http://www.roadsidepeek.com/retrolook/historical/