Patricia Leckner
Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project
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.
National Capital Contracting
Patricia Leckner was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Patricia Leckner was born on June 23, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later moved to San Pedro, California, where her husband, a civil engineer, was stationed at Fort MacArthur. The interview focuses on her significant involvement with Ports O' Call Village, a specialty shopping and dining center in San Pedro, California. Leckner discusses her initial arrival in San Pedro in the mid-1950s, the development of Ports O' Call Village, and her role as the village manager. She details the creation of the village by David Tallichet, founder of Specialty Restaurants Corporation, who aimed to build a nautical-themed shopping center. Leckner recounts the construction and early success of Ports O' Call, noting its popularity due to its unique stores, scenic waterfront location, and the various promotions and events she organized, including Christmas parades and movie star appearances. Throughout the interview, Leckner reflects on the challenges she faced as the village manager, including negotiating leases with the Port of Los Angeles, maintaining the quality of tenants, and addressing the decline in business as the area evolved. She shares fond memories of her work, including organizing events that attracted visitors and supported the tenants.
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