Story and photos by Robert Sanchez

LA MESA–Marking the 100th anniversary of American Film Manufacturing Company’s arrival to La Mesa Springs, the La Mesa Historical Society along with Mayor Art Madrid paid tribute to the “Local Hollywood Stop” in Downtown La Mesa by the dedicating of a Flying A Movie Centennial Plaque.

Director Allen Dwan brought the Flying A Film Company to La Mesa for interior photography and cinematography.  Dwan used the set and many local areas to create his popular “one reeler” brand of western films.  Later, upon moving Flying A to Santa Barbara, Dwan worked with some of the industry’s biggest stars, including Shirley Temple and John Wayne.

After its dedication on August 8, the Flying A Movie Centennial Plaque now hangs proudly on the side of Mostly Mission as part of La Mesa’s local history.  Check it out on the corner of La Mesa Blvd and 3rd st; and enjoy the great food and entertainment of our own Little Hollywood, Downtown La Mesa.

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Sanchez is Photo Editor of the GCSummit.