An Englishman who came to Monterey with his wife and family by way of Canada in 1930 and who lived in New Monterey at 1199 Irving and worked as an auto mechanic through the Depression got the idea that neighbors working together could make a difference. That man, H.R. Lewis, was founder of New Monterey Neighborhood Association. Through the years, H.R. and his wife purchased many of the houses in the 700 block of Lily Street and owned them for decades.
When Hal and his wife moved to Fisherman’s Flats in the 1960s, he also organized the neighbors into the Fisherman’s Flats Homeowners Association. Hal served as a Planning Commissioner 1951-55, then was elected to City Council, serving 1955-1963. That was the time when Monterey approved creation of Del Monte Center, the current alignment of Highway 1, and the Monterey/Salinas Highway interchange.
Hal helped create New Monterey Community Center at Scholze Park, was a founder of Carmel Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, and member of the Elks and Eagles Lodges, the latter located in what became The Dream Theater (where On The Beach is located today.)
Hal lived to the age of 102.
Thanks to the New Monterey Neighborhood Association, which printed this history in its June 2017 newsletter. Would you like to learn more about how the NMNA operates and get involved? One great way is to join the NMNA board. Neighbors are being sought to fill vacant seats on the board. Contact Laurie Hambaro at 831-917-8346.
