Santa Monica Public Library presents Henry Gaylord Wilshire: The Millionaire Socialist

Take a step back in time and meet Henry Gaylord Wilshire, the man for whom Wilshire Boulevard is named, in a presentation by Louis Rosen, author of Henry Gaylord Wilshire: the Millionaire Socialist, on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

Henry Gaylord Wilshire came to Los Angeles in 1885 and purchased a 35-acre barley field that became the beginning of Wilshire Boulevard. He helped to plan the cities of Long Beach and Fullerton, ran for Congress twice, and was the publisher of the socialist journal Wilshire Magazine. Find out more about this fascinating figure from our region’s history as author Louis Rosen presents numerous stories and historical photos from his book. A book sale and signing will follow.

Admission is free, and seating is first come, first served. The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair-accessible. For special disabled services, call Library Administration at (310) 458-8606 at least one week prior to event. The Main Library is served by Big Blue Bus routes 1, 7 and 10. Ride your bike. Bicycle parking racks are available at the library.

For more information about this and other Library programs, visit smpl.org or call the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600.