In July of 2023, I had the opportunity to join the Paramount Historical Society as they toured and documented the history of the old neighborhood, warmly remembered as “el barrio” that dates back over a century and was the center of Mexican American life in the city.
We met at the old Guillen market, that had for decades been one of the anchors of the neighborhood, and hoped on a golf cart to explore the neighborhood and listened as former and current residents told stories of growing up there:
Photo Credit: Paramount Historical Society
If you are interested in learning more about the Paramount Historical Society or would like to join their efforts in documenting the history of El barrio, or if you have your own memories or artifacts of the neighborhood, they would love to hear from you!