12 FEB 1901, Los Alamitos Man battered (LA Times)
R.E. Powell of Los Alamitos came before a Long Beach judge and lodged a “John Doe” complaint, charging a Belgian laborer with assault. Powell gives an account of mistreatment and shows some ugly wounds in support of his statement. Powell says that on the 3rd inst. he was visiting Pete Labourdette’s saloon, situated near the Orange County line and not far from Los Alamitos. His alleged assailant and others were present when a hot discussion sprung up in which the Belgian construed certain remarks as reflecting on his nationality. Powell says that as he was standing in the doorway he was struck over the head with a clubbed shotgun, inflicting an ugly dent near the right eye and cutting a bug gash in the forehead, so as to expose the bone.
According to Powell’s statement he has been kept to his bed on account of illness caused by his wounds and it was not till today that he was able to come and swear a complaint.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the Belgian.
Much of the early history of Los Alamitos is included in my book “Murderous intent? Long Beach, CA: 1880’s-1920.” One chapter, “Death in the Sugar Fields,” talks about the origins of the town as well as the nefarious goings on of Pete Labourdette who owned the local saloon. I’d be happy to share stories with this site, just tell me how to send them to you. P.S. – The book can be found at all Long Beach Public libraries.
Much of the early history of Los Alamitos is included in my book “Murderous intent? Long Beach, CA: 1880’s-1920.” One chapter, “Death in the Sugar Fields,” talks about the origins of the town as well as the nefarious goings on of Pete Labourdette who owned the local saloon. I’d be happy to share stories with this site, just tell me how to send them to you. P.S. – The book can be found at all Long Beach Public libraries.