About

Francis Joseph Norton, architect.

History:

Home of Ernest W. Bennett, President, Utility Trailer Sales Co.  (Source: Who’s Who p. 216)

Ernest W. Bennett went to Los Angeles in 1915 to purchase a two-wheel trailer for his family’s lumberyard in Arizona, and ended up buying a half-interest in the trailer factory early in 1916. He moved to Los Angeles at the same time. Trailers manufactured by the Los Angeles Trailer Company already enjoyed a large market share, and substantial capital from Bennett allowed the company to grow with the rapidly expanding trailer industry. He took over as President and General Manager in 1919. Under his management, the company expanded and grew rapidly. Significant markets were developed overseas as well. In 1921, the company changed the name to Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company. The company still exists and celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2014. (Utility Trailer Company).

1930 census:
3706 Effingham Place (Value: $30,000): 1) Ernest W. Bennett, owner and head of household; 44 year old white married male; married at age 31; born in Illinois; father born in England, mother in Illinois; a manufacturer of auto trailers. 2) Emma K. Bennett, wife; 35 year old white married female; married at age 21; born in Missouri; father born in Arizona, mother in Pennsylvania; not working. 3) Margaret Bennett, daughter; 12 year old white female; in school; born in California. 4) Mary Bennett, daughter; 12 year old white female; in school; born in California.

1940 Census:
3706 Effingham Place (Value: $28,500): 1) Ernest W. Bennett, head of household; white married male 54 years of age; born in Illinois; manager-President of Utility Trailer Sales Company; earns more than $5,000. 2) Emma K. Bennett, wife; white married female 45 years of age; born in Missouri; not working. 3) Margaret E. Bennett, daughter; white single female 22 years of age; born in California; in school. 4) Mary K. Bennett, daughter; white single female 22 years of age; born in California; in school. 5) Aurora Contreras, maid; white single female 40 years of age; born in Mexico; housekeeper in a private home; earns $540.