families to build bomb shelters to protect themselves from any atomic fallout in the event of a nuclear exchange with the Soviet Union. Kennedy’s speech on October 6th, 1961 urging U.S.

The Berrys were certainly forward thinkers and had the work completed months before President John F.

On March 17th, 1961 (Saint Patrick’s Day), the Berry Family pulled a permit for the installation of a fallout shelter as the Cold War with the Soviet Union was becoming more intense and there was a high anxiety among Americans about the prospect of a nuclear war. Only here the diving board was replaced with a Bomb Shelter. deep ends with the shallow end of the pool dropping off very quickly. Many pools from this time period had diving boards and 9 ft. The backyard featured a very large and deep pool. Photo (above) shows the plywood moved to access the back door. Access was limited to one side door in the rear, which had to be removed each time with a drill. Making things more interesting for showings, there were several large beehives burrowed into the roof overhang. Signs were posted to deter any further breaches. Plywood boards and a chain link fence were installed to prevent access to the structure. It took a hauling crew and several dumpsters to clean up the property so it could be safely shown to prospective buyers. The house was completely uninhabitable with evidence of fire and water damage throughout. When I first visited this property for the family, I discovered the property was squatter-occupied and had to work with the Los Angeles Police Department to clear it before securing and fencing the perimeter. The neighborhood is located just a few blocks east of historic Spaulding Square and is dominated by apartment buildings and the home of Los Angeles Fire Station 41. The home at 1349 North Gardner Avenue was originally built in 1917 by the Stevens & Turner Land Development Company on a two-block stretch between Sunset Boulevard and Fountain Avenue.

Fallout shelter plans under home