Lompoc Visitors Guide

Lompoc Valley Visitors Guide 34 STOP #7 - The Chalkrock building is constructed with blocks of diatomaceous earth, also know as "chalkrock." The building was completed in 1892. Originally served as the Spanne Agricultural Imple- ment store, selling farm tools and implements. The building has also served as a dance hall, skating rink, mortuary, grocery store, meat locker and print shop. Check out the abstract mural on the exterior north wall. STOP #8 - Across the street from the Spanne Build- ing is the Better Beds building. Note the peaked roof that projects above the building. This is a for- mer Christian Church building that was located one block south and moved to this location in 1927 and made part of the retail complex. STOP #9 - Horse hitching rings are still evident embedded in the curbs on West Ocean Avenue. STOP #10 - As you proceed north on I Street, be sure to view the murals along the way. The Ander- son Recreation Center was built in 1942 as one of Lompoc's three USO's. It served the military per- sonnel stationed at Camp Cooke Army Base during WW11. It later served as City Hall from the 1950's until 1979. After a new City Hall was constructed, the building was renovated into a recreation center. STOP #11 - The Artesia School House Built in 1876, the Artesia School House is Lompoc's first one room country school. Originally, located on Ar- tesia Ave., about 5 miles west of Lompoc. In 1972 it was moved into town and renovated. It is open on the 4th Sunday of each month from 2-4 p.m. and is staffed by docents of the Lompoc Museum. STOP #12 - As you pass the Bank of America, no- tice the mural on the north wall, illustrating early Lompoc education. The Guadalupe Rojas Harness Shop , located behind the Lompoc Theatre building, was originally at the front of the lot and was moved back when the theatre was built. STOP #13 - The Lompoc Theatre was built in 1927 by the Knights of Pythias. It was home to movies, plays and concerts over the years. When it was first opened, it was considered one of the most tech- nologically advanced movie theatres on the West Coast.