The Townsmen of East Long Beach Car Club
The Townsmen of East Long Beach Car Club was a prominent and controversial car club that emerged in the late 1950s. Officially established on September 27, 1959, and centered around Millikan High School in Lakewood, California, the Townsmen developed a reputation that set them apart from many other local car clubs. Lakewood, largely a bedroom community for the booming aircraft industry, had seen the rise of car culture, and by 1960, the Townsmen had firmly established themselves as a presence.[1]
The club's official diary, later analyzed during legal proceedings, painted a picture of teenage ambition, youthful energy, and, at times, reckless bravado. Written in a casual and often naive style, the diary detailed club activities like "poker runs," parties, and high school social events. The word "rumble," used as car club vernacular for violent encounters, did not explicitly appear in the diary's pages. Nevertheless, the Townsmen were known for seeking a reputation as "badasses," frequently disregarding the unspoken rules that governed car club territories in Long Beach.[1]
According to Patrick Farrell, a member of the Cavaliers Car Club, the Townsmen often ignored established boundaries. While other clubs respected rules like leaving members on dates unchallenged, the Townsmen's older members were known to start trouble, often targeting younger high school kids. Farrell recalled that the Townsmen were involved in several altercations, including football games with the Cavaliers that ended in fights.[2]
The 1960 Car Club Murder
Tensions between car clubs escalated in early 1960, culminating in the violent incident now known as the 1960 Car Club Murder. On March 28, 1960, the Townsmen stormed a Dutchmen of Paramount meeting at the Lakewood Moose Lodge. Armed with guns, tire irons, baseball bats, and knives, they caught the Dutchmen off guard. The violent attack left 16-year-old Neil Mahan critically injured from a gunshot wound to the head, and he succumbed to his injuries days later. Witnesses described the raid as a calculated assault, with the Townsmen outnumbering the Dutchmen nearly two to one.[1]
The aftermath was swift and severe. The community's response was one of outrage, leading to the arrest and trial of several Townsmen members. The incident highlighted the danger of escalating car club rivalries and drew attention to the darker side of car culture. Hundreds of local car enthusiasts banded together to oppose the Townsmen, with a large gathering at a drive-in hangout that forced the club to disband. In what Farrell described as a "military action," the Townsmen were warned never to fly their club plaque or wear their jackets again, or face physical repercussions.[2]
The Townsmen's legacy remains a somber reminder of the complexities of youth, identity, and belonging within the car club culture of the 1960s. Their story, marked by camaraderie and tragedy, reflects an era where cars were more than just vehicles; they were symbols of power, status, and, sometimes, rebellion.[1]
Members
Frank Pollard - Club President, Marine carpenter from Bellflower.
Gene R. Stivers - Vice President, Truck driver from Lakewood.
Mickey Mefford - Gymnasium attendant from Lakewood.
Walter E. Miller (Big Red Miller) - From Westminster.
Charles R. Smith - From Long Beach.
Ronald Pontrelli - From Anaheim.
John Pontrelli - Brother of Ronald Pontrelli, also from Anaheim.
John T. Cummings - From Lakewood.
Lawrence Wieland - From Lakewood.
David Kern Hill - From Long Beach.
George Frank Ortiz - From Long Beach.
James M. Hall - From Bellflower.
James Edward Minnis - From Long Beach.
Richard D. Chick - Involved in the incident and mentioned in connection with warrants.
Randell D. Check - Listed as part of the conspiracy charges.
Edward T. Brick - Club sponsor and 30-year-old bricklayer.
Club Cars
Mickey Mefford's 1946 Ford Pickup
References
Did you enjoy this article?
Kustomrama is an encyclopedia dedicated to preserve, share and protect traditional hot rod and custom car history from all over the world.
- Help us keep history alive. For as little as 2.99 USD a month you can become a monthly supporter. Click here to learn more.
- Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive regular updates and stories from Kustomrama.
- Do you know someone who would enjoy this article? Click here to forward it.
Can you help us make this article better?
Please get in touch with us at mail@kustomrama.com if you have additional information or photos to share about The Townsmen of East Long Beach Car Club.
This article was made possible by:
SunTec Auto Glass - Auto Glass Services on Vintage and Classic Cars
Finding a replacement windshield, back or side glass can be a difficult task when restoring your vintage or custom classic car. It doesn't have to be though now with auto glass specialist companies like www.suntecautoglass.com. They can source OEM or OEM-equivalent glass for older makes/models; which will ensure a proper fit every time. Check them out for more details!
Do you want to see your company here? Click here for more info about how you can advertise your business on Kustomrama.