The following stories comes from the “1873-1973 Downey Centennial Celebration” published in the Southeast News:

Accustomed as we are to our modern conveniences, it is like looking into another world to peer back on the Downey that was with the life our modern utilities make possible -- and which we take for granted. 

Downey today is served by 68,000 telephones in the General Telephone Company system, yet before 1884 there was only the telegraph, and for 13 years thereafter the entire community was served by one toll phone, first in a general store on Downey Avenue and later in a livery stable. 

The only gas in Downey before World War 1 came from a coal gas plant in Bellflower: In contrast, Southern California Gas Company today serves 28,600 connections in Downey, with a district headquarters here serving 228,000 customers in 18 cities covering 132 square miles. 

The lighting in town was by kerosene or acetylene lamps until a string of electric lights in the central business section was turned on in 1900; Southern California Edison today has 102.8 miles of transmission and distribution lines spreading from five substations in town, serving 31,000 meter connections in Downey and representing a $3.142 million investment within city limits. 

Until Arthur Darby connected four windmills and water tanks to serve a tract of homes in the middle of town about 1902, the only water available came from hand dug wells in the yard, or by the old field irrigation system the long defunct Arroyo Ditch and Water Company had dug from the San Gabriel River for local farmers. 

The first mutual water system in Downey started in 1925, serving 190 families. Four years later, the Downey County Water District was formed with 600 water users, beginning the system which was taken over by the city in 1963 and today serves 12,000 connections over a grid of 200 miles of mains, covering half of Downey. 

Today, 10 years after going into the water business, Downey has a long range goal of taking over the other six water utilities in the community to provide uniform water service throughout Downey. Negotiations have been underway intermittently for almost five years with the largest private operations, Park Water Company, which serves 800 connections. The remainder are relatively small, serving isolated pockets around the city’s periphery, principally in the southern section of town.

Bank of America’s message to Downey in 1973

In 1937, Bank of America merged with Downey’s Los Nietos Valley Bank. So you might say our roots here go back to 1891 – just 17 years after the town was established. 

A hundred years have gone by since this was a small farming community. Today, people around the world know the name as the city where spacecraft that bore men to the moon were built. Downey has come a long way. 

Bank of America is proud to be a part of the community. Over the years, we’ve loaned people money for homes, for businesses, for many things. And, of course, when we settled here, we brought the resources and capabilities of a worldwide banking network within reach of every member of the community. 

As Downey has grown, so have we. There are now four Bank of America offices in town. That’s an indication of Downey’s growth. We are glad to have helped. 

Congratulations, Downey, on your centennial. 

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Sambi of Tokyo: Finest Japanese Cuisine. Firestone Blvd. 

Kings Elegant Dining: Dining room, coffee shop, cocktail lounge. Firestone Blvd. 

The Hearth: Gourmet food, a delight to all. Florence Ave.

Quon’s Garden: Luncheons, dinners, catering. E. Imperial Hwy. 

Villa d’Marr: Serving Downey since 1956. Top sirloin still $2.95. On Paramount. 

The Raffles on East Florence. 

Denna’s Pizza and Spaghettiland: Creators of the world’s best pizza. Corner of Imperial and Paramount. 

Rocco’s: Andre and staff wish the people of Downey another century of good luck. Banquet facilities. Florence Ave. 

Foxy’s Restaurant: Open to midnight. Corner of 3rd and Paramount. 

Port Marr: Firestone Blvd. Serving Downey for 21 years. 

Shakey’s Pizza on Paramount Blvd. 

H. Salt Fish & Chips: “If you eat our fish, you’ll live to be 100 too.” 

Dixie Belle Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge: Always great prime rib dinners. Located on Imperial. 

Marie Callendar’s Pies on Florence Ave. 

(My favorite): Marmac’s. All you can eat prime ribs are our specialty. Corner of Lakewood and Florence. 

Felipe’s Restaurant: Firestone Blvd. Famous for margaritas. 

Bobbi Bruce is a docent with the Downey Historical Society.

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