Cement Mixer
Artist
John Bohnenberger
(1926 - 2012)
Date1960s
MediumWatercolor
Dimensions22 x 30 in. (55.9 x 76.2 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of the Hilbert Collection
Object number2018.058
DescriptionAfter World War Two there was an incredible demand for housing in Southern California. Large numbers of people came to California to work in factories that supported military efforts in the South Pacific and after the war many of them wanted to stay. In addition soldiers that visited the Los Angeles area while being shipped out or returned from active duty liked what they saw and also came to live in the region. Tract homes all over the area advertised no money down for American Veterans who served in the war which made home buying possible for many of them. Building in tracts made homes more affordable as well.
At the same time older run down areas were often demolished or refurbished. All these activities led to the development of the rambling suburban developments that cover the Los Angeles area.
That building boom lasted well into the 1960s and was very active in the San Gabriel Valley where artist John Bohnenberger lived. He was a postman that walked the streets to deliver mail and became very aware of the building activities in the region. Cement trucks, temporary road signs and other construction equipment became part of everyday scenes as old buildings were demolished and new ones were built.
For over 30 years Bohnenberger painted engaging watercolors inspired by the neighborhood scenes in the San Gabriel Valley and other parts of Los Angeles County. Together those works serve as engaging fine art and as a visual record of suburban lifestyle in Southern California during an interesting time in the state’s history.
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