Jim Trani, Sr.

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Description

The Port of Los Angeles celebrated its Centennial on December 9, 2007.  As part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, these interviews feature various members of the Los Angeles Harbor Area community who were interviewed in 2007 to document different eras in Port history.

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Audio
Transcript
Abstract

Jim Trani was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Jim Trani, born in 1924 in Keystone, California (now known as Carson), grew up in a family with deep ties to San Pedro, where his father owned a restaurant and billiard hall called The Majestic. The restaurant, located on West 7th Street, played a significant role in the local longshoreman community, especially during the turbulent labor strikes of the 1930s and 1940s. Trani's father ran a soup kitchen for striking workers and provided loans, helping many longshoremen get through difficult times. Trani began working at The Majestic at the age of 13, performing tasks such as cleaning and dishwashing. He recounts memories of the 1934 strike, the dynamics of the restaurant during the Great Depression, and the tough but honorable longshoremen who frequented the establishment. The restaurant was a hub of activity, with fights occasionally breaking out among patrons, but disagreements were quickly resolved, maintaining a sense of camaraderie. The interview also touches on Trani’s involvement in local sports, especially football, which he played as part of the San Pedro Athletic Club. The restaurant later evolved into a larger enterprise, known for hosting notable sports figures, including football and baseball stars, and serving as a community gathering place. Trani discusses his role in managing the business and reflects on the changes in San Pedro over the decades, noting the decline of the area following the Vietnam War. 


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