SIDEWALK SIGNATURES 
Edward C. Woodruff

Long Beach’s sidewalks contain impressed “signatures” of many pavers who plied their trade in the city. If your ancestor owned a construction company or worked for one of those cement contractors, our “Sidewalk Signatures” series will be of interest to you.

photo: QHGS

Edward C. Woodruff was described in the 1920 census as a cement contractor living in Long Beach at 2502 14th Street with his wife Jessie. In the 1921 Long Beach City Directory he is listed at the same address: “Woodruff Edwd C (Jessie E) cement contr h 2502 E 14th [st],” and, he is also listed in the business section of that directory under “Contractors—Cement.” The September 9, 1921, issue of Southwest Builder and Contractor mentions him, too: “Long Beach—Ed. C. Woodruff has been awarded a contract at 45c lin. ft. cem. curb and 18c sq. ft. sidewalk on Mira Mar Ave. from Colorado St. to Fourth St.”

RESEARCH NOTE: Ed Woodruff’s sidewalk signature is unusual because the city inspector’s stamp appears neatly placed between each impression. If you wish to know more about “P. Wallick, Inspector,” read his profile which was published two months ago on the September 6 blog post.