Maravilla Handball Court and El Centro Grocery
by Andrea Milly| by Andrea Milly | Posted: 9/15/2009
The Maravilla Handball Court and El Centro Grocery, owned and operated by Tommy and Michi Shigeru Nishiyama from the 1940s to 2006, are located in a small East Los Angeles community of Maravilla. Built in the 1920s, the handball court served as a private club for men. The sound of a ball being slammed against the wall was common in the neighborhood. Maravilla local, Victor Bono remembers, “As a child, my uncles played handball there. If you were able to master the skills of this sport, you were not only a winner but you were recognized and well respected.”
Michi and Tommy both grew up in Washington but moved to Los Angeles in 1940-41. Following her internment at Minnidoka, a Japanese relocation camp in Idaho, Michi reunited and married her long-time boyfriend Tommy and they bought El Centro Grocery and the Maravilla Handball Court in 1948.
The predominately Latino community embraced Michi and Tommy treating them like one of their own. Michi was known for extending store credit, hosting Christmas parties, organizing trips to Las Vegas, and making her famous sandwiches behind the grocery counter. Growing up you would hear her name and comments about Michi's Store at the family dinner table.
In 2006 Michi passed away; Tommy followed a year later. The doors have of El Centro have since closed. In the interim a car crashed into the front of the grocery store, and squatters took up residence on the court and in the store. The Nishiyama’s son, who lives in nearby Orange County, wants to sell the property to someone who will carry on the legacy like the Maravilla Historical Society.
Andrea Milly with Amanda Perez, president of the Maravilla Historical Society
Credit: Los Angeles Conservancy
Incorporated in 2009, the Maravilla Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, set out to save the property from an unfortunate fate. Plans for the site include becoming a non-profit organization and making the building a historical landmark. After the new court is restored and open, once again, to the community, the former "men-only" gathering spot will, hopefully, be home to a women's league alongside a men's league. Nowadays, it's just as natural to see little girls in the barrio playing handball as boys. Long-terms goals for the site include creating an exercise room for seniors to come and enjoy un cafisito de canela--or a little coffee with cinnamon--(Maravilla has 3 senior complexes), starting a handball clinic for young boys and girls to learn the sport, and hosting movie night (in remembrance of the local Floral Drive-In demolished in the 1970s).
Amanda Perez, president of the newly formed society who was born and raised in Maravilla, is determined to see her organization succeed. “It has been my experience to see gentrification remove our stories of origin, the stories that once said much about our culture, our people, and the determination of making something great out of what some would think was nothing. It is my passion to save the legacy of my people, my community, and our Chicano culture. We want this place to be a light house for all to come and step into the past, present and future.”
Andrea Milly is completing a Master’s Degree in Anthropology at California State University, Los Angeles.
Submitted by little Govea at: March 30, 2010
I remember going with my dad on some saturday 's to n .main st ,to see him play,, Girl's weren't allow in to the Maravilla Hand Ball Court,,,cause it was men and member's only,which was great,I think i may still have a Key from there,,I will be looking for the 4x5 B&W neg's for the photo's from there...
Submitted by little Govea at: March 30, 2010
My dad loved the game,he played there and at the El Rabote on north main back in the 1940- 50-60 , they all played with a HARD BALL and i still have 2 or 3 left.....,i have photo's on facebook.....also have photo of a Christmas party held there back in the 60"s! that the mem held for the childrem of Maravilla!! this is a Historical place and it should be saved,,,You had to have a Key to get in there back in the day ,I f I wanted my dad i would go there and fine him,,he loved to play at age 79 he still played but with a racket and soft ball. I took a photo tothe market of the player that used to play in the 80' that my dad took...my dad was called LUPE he worked at jullian's furniture store on whittier bl.
Submitted by Allan at: February 26, 2010
Come on guys, can you post an address to this place? You have no idea how many times I see articles on structures in LA and sooooooooo many times there isn't an address. Why not post an address and save people countless hours of needlessly searching this stuff out? The chances of me getting back to this page is pretty slim, so anyone wants to email me the address, please do. big_big_trees (at) yahoo.com
Submitted by catherine haro-tula at: February 13, 2010
El Centro market has a very special place in my heart. My grandfather Martin Haro purchased the land and built El Centro market. I believe the handball court already existed on the properity. Not only was the handball court for sport but also weight training. My father met my mother while working the market for his father. Martin Haro was an entrepeneur ahead of his time. My grandparents sold the properity to Mr Nishiyama. Thank you for all your efforts in attemping to preserve my family's history.
Submitted by TejasTommy at: February 12, 2010
This is emblematic of the "roots" by which our people (Raza) and other POC can heal and develop. Hand ball , a long time respected sport - across cultures,class AND EVEN LEGAL STATUS , and now gender in where ??????? but MARA-VILLA
Submitted by virginia haro at: February 12, 2010
My cousin Linda Haro Kennedy the story she is telling is true about our grandparents owners of Maravilla Handball Court & El Centro Market my dad Joe Haro helped my grandparents to help people around East Los Angeles area to establish credit to buy groceries in hard times yes they sold the market and handball court to asian family in late 40's to Tommy Shigeru Nishiyama my dad Joe Haro remain here in east los angeles and pass on in February 10, 2007 just get your fact correct Amanda Perez.
Submitted by Mrs. Linda Haro Kennedy at: February 12, 2010
My name is Linda Haro Kennedy. I live in San Jose Calif. My grandparents moved the family to San Jose California in 1948 from Los Angeles and bought a Victorian Restaurant/Bar/Pool room& hotel. It was their second business. His first business was the Maravilla Handball Court and Market in East Los Angeles, California. I am the granddaughter of Martin and Lucy Haro. My grandfather owned the Maravilla handball court at Mednick and Hammel ( then called El Centro) in East Los Angeles for about 10 years in (1938-1948) 1940’s. He rebuilt the handball court. Then he built the market and adjoining home and made it into a thriving business, where there was none. He ran it with the help of his wife Lucy, 2 sons and 2 daughters Joe Haro, Sidro Haro, Ramona Haro Navarro and Rose Haro Ramirez. He helped the local community by extending credit to buy necessities at the market, during tough economic times, because of the war. The handball court would have people come from several States and Mexico to participate in handball tournaments annually. While growing up I remember hearing many stories about the market and Handball court, grandpa owned in Los Angeles, which is now called Maravilla Market and Handball Court. He sold the buisness to Tommy Shigeru in 1948. My Father Sidro Haro, would always go to visit and play handball whenever he was in Los Angeles visiting his brother Joe Haro and other family members still living in southern Calif. He loved going home to the old neighborhood. In hearing about the Historic Designation of the Maravilla Handball Court and Market, happening this weekend, I did not want my grandfathers contribution of this historic site to go unnoticed. Mrs. Linda Haro Kennedy
Submitted by pams one at: February 7, 2010
i feeel hanball sport is a great part of our hispanic heritage im glad other people feel the same
Submitted by Flacito MM at: February 7, 2010
You are right Gbatriz, the important thing is to bring fun activities for kids so they can play. Let's not teach them about keeping our word to our so called friends. Lets teach them that the imporant thing is to win and be on top regardless of how we got there. Let's not teach them about being loyal and up front in our business relationships. Wake up Gbatriz the kids in this part of town aren't even asked to participate, they are brought in from Lynwood and other parts of town for photo ops, but if you take the time to walk this part of town and ask, you will find there is no support from the people living here.
Submitted by Gbatriz at: February 7, 2010
The hard work that the Maravilla Historical Society has recently done for youth should be the focus of the handball legacy. While the Maravilla Historical Society Director is experiencing negative comments over names not mentioned and their ego's hurt. It should be noted that the efforts of importance is to bring fun activities for kids and opportunity in their community for their developmental growth. And that is what is important for the future of the community of Maravilla.
Submitted by Cuco Lomita Mara at: February 6, 2010
To ML, you are right the people of the Maravilla Historical Society should be praised, but the real members and those who did all the real work are not even metiontioned. There is no mention of Pepe Amaya who at 67 was out soliciting the funds. No metiuon of Dan from Arizona MV, Lil George from LMC who worked did hard labor because of there love for Michi and Tommy. No mention of my name after I invested 100's of hours and $1000's of dollars to help preserve the Maravilla Handball Club legacy. All of us grew up in the area and had deep ties to Michi and Tommy, so I find it ironic that the person who claims the glory did not even know Michi or Tommy. FOR EVERYONES INFORMATION: THIS WOMAN IN NOT AND I REPEAT IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE MARAVILLA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, SHE WAS REMOVED FROM OFFICE BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2009. I posted on this site before and made the statemetnt that I find it highly ofensive that this woman is posing smiling for a picture while holding a picture I made for my friends the Hernandez Family. When I asked for the return of the photo she stated she didn't have it. But here she is smiling with it. Says a lot about the type of person she really is. If anyone take the time to check you will see there is no community support. The pictures look nice but the kids are not from the area, they were bused from South Central and Lynwood. Do you feel a little decieved yet?
Submitted by Shelly at: February 4, 2010
I've witnessed a tremendous amount of effort, time, and dedication being put into this place. I'm so proud of those who have struggled to bring this place back to life. What an amazing service to community. The stories of the children playing are wonderful to hear!
Submitted by SocalStudio at: February 4, 2010
What an important history to preserve and to share. Thanks for doing this hard work on behalf of la gente!
Submitted by ML at: February 3, 2010
The people of the MARAVILLA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, should be given much love and praise for bringing this up and remaining us that we Chicanos do have history and culture in EAST LOS ANGELES. I will encourage my girls to join the handball club. How can they do that? And Gracia's to the Chicanas involved, you go girls.!!
Submitted by Leslie at: February 3, 2010
Keep up the good work Ms. Perez! We need more places like this in our communities. It is clear that your intentions are to safeguard and preserve culture and history in these times of change and turmoil. I wish you and the Maravilla Historical Society much success.
Submitted by CUALANQI at: February 3, 2010
I' VE PLAYED HANDBALL ALL OVER CALIFAS, AND TO SEE A HISTORIC HANDBALL COURT IN THE HEART OF EAST LOS, PUES I'LL JUST PUT IT LIKE THIS, IF RAZA STAY INDIFFERENT TO THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE THAT HAS ALL THE PAST SPIRIT'S THAT LEFT A FIRME VIBE OVER THE YEARS, THEN WE DON'T HAVE SOUL...PERO RAZA DOES BELIEVE IN TRADITION AND THIS SHOULD BE ONE OF THE POSITIVE TRADITIONS WE PASS ON TO THE PRESENT AND FUTURE YOUNG ONES...SO IF YOU CAN DONATE SOME FERIA, OR HELP BY GIVING YOUR TIME IN HELPING TO RAISE FERIA, AND EVEN JUST A POSITIVE WORD TO THE SENORAS/SENORES THAT ARE PUTTING THEIR TIME AND EFFORT INTO RESTORING THIS BEAUTIFUL COURT, THIS WOULD HELP UNCHINGO...!!!
Submitted by NC at: February 3, 2010
I am proud to see that the Maravilla Historical Society is working hard toward bringing such fruitful activities to a much neglected community in Los Angeles. To Cuco: I checked the Secretary of State and Maravilla Historical Society is officially incoporated as a nonprofit under Amanda. Also, don't put your clothes out to dry if your chonies still have skid marks.
Submitted by kirmun at: February 2, 2010
I was highly impressed in the success of the history making handball tournament held at Maravilla Handball Courts on Saturday, December 19, 2009, as reported by the Eastern Group Publications in their article of 1/5/2010 titled, "Young Girls Make History at Maravilla Handball Court." The success of the tournament was made possible by Tony Huante who has put his expertise, as a Handball Hall of Famer and coach for many national champions, behind the event. Moreover, he is, as many of us in handall are, very supportive of the preservation and restoration project of the Maravilla Handball Courts for the youth (both male and female) of the Maravilla Neighborhood Community. I'm looking forward to read about the February 13, 2010 fund raising tournament and its success as well. Go Maravilla Historical Society!
Submitted by mike Spot La Lopez Maravilla Q-vo at: December 29, 2009
My grandfather played, there,1930. Louie Garcia pass away in 1995 he was 90,yrs old, I never played, because I was busted.Bornand raised in East L.A I still play handball in the summerand can beat the youngester,its the best exersice in the world.Try it ,keepss up the heart going and the blood runing thru your body.
Submitted by jenny at: December 14, 2009
I alwys tried so hard to give Mitchie n Tommy the recognition they deserved! im the 3rd generation to have been around and known them, my daughter being the 4th but last generation. We miss them so much and cherish the memories, whenever I tell people that I grew up and live in Maravilla they tell me first if I know Mitchi n Tommy! Thanks to her many many families didnt go to bed hungry. We alwys relied on her, anytime of the day or nite! we just shouted out at the back of her porch "MITCHIE" ! much love & respect! jenny hernandez villalobos HAMMEL BLOCK!