Gay's Lion Farm #16

When World War II rationing made it impossible for the Farm to get the reportedly one ton of horsemeat it required daily, it closed in late 1942. (Most of its lions were loaned out to zoos around the country.) By the time the war had ended, Charles Gay was in poor health and the Farm never reopened. Part of the site where the Farm once stood is now occupied by an Interstate 10 overpass. At one time, a life-size bronze lion statue marked the Farm’s location. (If that statue is still there, it would now be a prime target for metal thieves!) At one time, an even larger lion statue from the Farm stood in front of nearby El Monte High School. In addition, hundreds of real photo postcards from the Farm still survive. (At least a half-dozen or so can usually be found listed on eBay at any given time. Someone also has a collection of them posted for on-line viewing.) (CONCLUDED)