Leonie Pray House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leonie Pray House |
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Leonie Pray House, October 2009
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| Location | 4252 Country Club Dr., Long Beach, California |
| Built | 1927 |
| Architect | Clarence Aldrich |
| Architectural style(s) | English Tudor Revival |
| Governing body | Private |
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The Leonie Pray House, sometimes called the "Dawson-Pray House," is a special historic landmark in Long Beach, California. You can find it in the Los Cerritos neighborhood. This large house, about 600 square meters (6,500 square feet), was built in 1927. It looks like an old English country home, a style called English Tudor Revival. A famous architect named Clarence Aldrich designed it.
This beautiful house has also been a filming spot for movies and TV shows. Some of these include Donnie Darko, Not Another Teen Movie, and Beverly Hills, 90210.
Contents
The Story of the Pray House
Building a Dream Home
The story of the house begins with William E. "Billy" Babb. He came to Long Beach in 1907. Billy Babb was a phone company manager and also built houses. He and his partners planned a big neighborhood on Signal Hill. Soon after, a lot of oil was found there! Billy Babb became very wealthy from the oil. He then designed and built this grand house at 4252 Country Club Drive in 1927.
The Pray Family Moves In
In 1929, a lawyer named Russell Honore Pray bought the house. He bought it as a special gift for his wife, Leonie Pray. Russell Pray had served in France during World War I. After the war, he stayed in Paris to study and practice law. That's where he met Leonie.
They fell in love quickly and got married in Paris. Then, they moved to Long Beach. Leonie wanted to sound more American, so she went to a school in Pasadena. As a graduation present, Russell bought her this lovely English Tudor house.
A Center for Parties and Fun
From 1932 all the way into the 1970s, the Prays loved to decorate their home. They would fill it with flowers and a huge two-story Christmas tree. Every New Year's Eve, they hosted a famous party. People in Long Beach talked about these parties for years!
In 1976, a local newspaper wrote about their tradition. It said that champagne sparkled at Leonie Pray's home every New Year's Eve. The Prays invited friends and neighbors for an open house for almost 50 years. They only skipped a few years during World War II.
The Pray house became a very important place for social events in Long Beach. Leonie became a community actress, and Russell continued his law work. People often said Leonie was a wonderful hostess in her home.
Famous Guests and Wildlife
Many famous people visited the Pray House. Liberace, who later became a world-famous pianist, played music in their living room when he was young. Opera singer Risë Stevens also sang for special guests there.
In 1966, a newspaper wrote about the Prays' love for animals. They said the house was always full of "wildlife" because Russell and Leonie loved all kinds of birds and animals.
Russell Pray passed away in 1971. Leonie Pray continued to live in the house for some time. Later, William F. Dawson bought the house. This is why it is sometimes called the Dawson-Pray House.
House Design and Special Status
Unique English Tudor Style
The Leonie Pray House is a great example of English Tudor Revival architecture. Clarence Aldrich, a Long Beach architect, designed it. The house uses red brick, dark wood, and stucco. It has a beautiful arched entrance like a castle. Inside, the living room has a very tall ceiling with wooden beams. The windows have small diamond-shaped glass panes, and the roof has charming gabled dormers.
The living room is especially grand. It is two stories tall and covered in hand-carved wood. This made it a perfect place for gatherings and performances.
A Protected Landmark
This house is so special that it has been named a Long Beach Historic Landmark. A website about these landmarks says it's one of the most important homes in Long Beach. Its size, details, and overall design are truly unique in the city.
Filming Location for Movies and TV
The Leonie Pray House and its neighborhood have been popular spots for filming. The area is even known as the "American Pie" neighborhood because that movie was filmed there. The house where Ferris Bueller lived in Ferris Bueller's Day Off is also on the same street.
The Pray House has appeared in several productions:
- In 1983, the house was used in the movie The Star Chamber. It was shown as a secret meeting place for a group of judges.
- In 2001, the house was featured in the movie Donnie Darko.
- Also in 2001, the house was the home of a main character in Not Another Teen Movie.
- In the TV show Beverly Hills, 90210, the house was the home of a character named Ty Collins.
See also
