West Covina History Volume 2

Prior to the end of World War II, West Covina was a superb agricultural community due to its fertile and temperate climate. Chief crops were walnuts, oranges, flowers, and several fruits and vegetables including strawberries, potatoes, and pumpkins. An amazing transition took place after World War II as thousands of veterans settled in West Covina. The city became known in the 1950s as "America: Fastest Growing City". The population dramatically grew from 1,625 in 1945 to 50,645 in...
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Prior to the end of World War II, West Covina was a superb agricultural community due to its fertile and temperate climate. Chief crops were walnuts, oranges, flowers, and several fruits and vegetables including strawberries, potatoes, and pumpkins. An amazing transition took place after World War II as thousands of veterans settled in West Covina. The city became known in the 1950s as "America: Fastest Growing City". The population dramatically grew from 1,625 in 1945 to 50,645 in 1960. This exponential growth caused the disappearance of one of the best farming areas in the country. The attraction of the town was developed by a cadre of existing residents at the end of World War II and early veteran settlers. This early group of leaders made a calculated decision to create a town strictly for families and children. They restructured industry, high-rise buildings, and a downtown in favor of beautiful ranch-style homes, schools, and churches. This book describes the step-by-step development, intent, and outcome of a remarkable transition in an American City.