WHAT’S THAT NOON SIREN?
Several people have asked about the siren that is heard at noon in Hermosa Beach. Delving into our Historical Society Museum’s archives, and into our file copies of the December 14, 1923, Hermosa Beach review weekly newspaper, the following was reported.
Fire Chief Clark Sergeant proposed to the Hermosa Beach Board of Trustees that a nightly 9 p.m. curfew siren be used to remind the town’s children to be off the city streets and return to their homes. Additionally, the daily use of the siren would keep it in good condition preventing rust from forming which would keep it in good condition in case of a fire warning.
The trustees decided a daily noon sounding of the siren would be a better use and gave Chief Sergeant direction to do so. Back in 1923, the Fire Department was manned by volunteer firemen, the sounding of the siren served to call the crew to fire duty. To this day the siren accurately announces to city residents, business people and visitors alike that the noon hour has occurred. The siren is located atop the roof of the Fire Department and year round sounds the noon hour Monday through Saturday. The change from standard time to daylight-saving time, and its reverse, seems to confuse the programming in the siren and several days may pass before it is properly adjusted.
Written by John Hales
