In 1918 a group of women banded together and called themselves the “Over Here Girls.” They were also referred to as the “Liberty Girls” and many of them lived in Los Cerritos. They met at each other’s homes and made surgical dressings for the Red Cross efforts in World War I. They also raised money by maintaining the Red Cross tea room which was located at 225 West Broadway, according to the 1918 Long Beach City Directory. The “Over Here Girls” raised funds by holding a ball in the Fatty Arbuckle studio in Long Beach on July 17th, 1918. Over 3000 people attended and Fatty escorted actress Miss Fanny Ward. Los Cerritos residents Milton McGrew and John Clock pitched in to help their wifes. The event raised $1500 from ticket sales. Men were 10 deep at the bar which served soft drinks. Ten deep for soft drinks? It makes one wonder….. In 1932 at least half of the “Over Here Girls” went on to become members of the “Little Club.” The list of initial Little Club members is below. More about the Little Club coming next month.
