San Francisco is a little more than an hour south of L.S.
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During the years of 1942-1943, The San Francisco Moral Drive—which consisted of Military patrols, carried out raids targeting gay bars (in an attempt to protect service men from homosexual influence). There were even small riots in Chinatown due to this. |
Lavender Shores grew rapidly. Many moved away during the 60’s as the gay scene in San Francisco exploded and became more sexualized publicly—which was ‘too liberal’ for the new ‘gay’ town. The name was chosen due to lavender being a term for gays (though most often more specific to lesbians). In addition, when they arrived at the location, there was a field of lavender growing over the cliffs leading down to the ocean, which inspired them to settle the town a short distance away.
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One of the Craftsman style homes in town.
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Lavender Shore’s town council is partially comprised of a few members who are descendants of the founding families, and in many ways has become liturgical in regards to the town aesthetic and economic ventures. No chain stores or restaurants of any kind are allowed. Most of the houses are of the craftsman and Tudor cottage style. There are a few variations but by the mid 1960’s, the town counsel decreed all new construction must fit in craftsman, Tudor, Usonian, and Victorian styles. Due to the National Seashore, tourism plays a huge role in the economy.
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