John Royal was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born on June 24, 1922, in Wolf Creek, Colorado, Royal moved to San Pedro, California, with his family in 1928, where his father found work on the waterfront during a time of economic hardship. The interview covers Royal’s early life, highlighting his experiences growing up in San Pedro during the Great Depression. He vividly describes his childhood memories, including the vibrant but challenging environment of San Pedro's waterfront, where he worked as a newsboy and witnessed the bustling activity of the port. Royal recounts the tough conditions his family faced, his father’s involvement in the 1934 longshoremen's strike, and the hardships endured by workers during that period. Royal also shares anecdotes about the local culture and community, including the annual carnivals, the notorious Beacon Street, and the diverse neighborhoods like Happy Valley and Mexican Hollywood. He reflects on the impact of World War II on San Pedro, particularly the forced relocation of Japanese families and the role of the local fishing fleet in the war effort.