Here's the story, as we know it, about one of Downey's unique and historic sites, "The Button Hole":
"The Button Hole" was created when Stonewood Mall was built back in 1958.
Mr. Wallace C. Button lived in the neighborhood north of the property, on Clancey Ave. and it had been his habit for many years to walk through the property as part of his daily exercise. When the wall was built around the mall, a break in the wall was left so that Mr. Button's walking path was allowed to continue. When Mr. Button died in 1969, his fellow Rotarians, friends and neighbors, decided to honor his memory with a plaque that was placed on the wall at the opening officially designating it as "The Button Hole".
One of those Rotarians was Harold Tseklenis. Harold was also actively involved in the Downey community. In 2010, he co-founded The Downey Conservancy with George Redfox.
At some time in 2016 or 17, it came to the Conservancy's attention that the Button Hole plaque had been stolen. Harold undertook the project to replace it. He sought the help of the Rotarians, but due to various circumstances, was unable to complete the project before he died in 2019.
Our board decided that we would complete Harold's work to replace the plaque, but we also had a few stumbling blocks along the way. Thankfully, we are finally ready to install the plaque back where it was with the assurance of our sign installer, Chris Tassos of Preferred Impressions, that it will be secure.
Our unveiling ceremony is Wednesday, August 30th, at 5:00 pm. Members of the city council and Stonewood Center management team will be in attendance.
We have contacted Harold's 92 year old widow, Anna, and son, David, and they will be joining us. We are also searching for any of Mr. Button's family who may still remain in the area with the hope that they will be able to attend.
Our unveiling ceremony will be a very short one, but it will definitely be filled with Downey history, pride, and love!
"The Button Hole" is located at the intersection of Cecilia St. and Clancey Ave.