Members of the Greater Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce honored Jane Gilman, former publisher and co-founder of the Larchmont Chronicle, at their monthly luncheon Thursday at the Ebell of Los Angeles. Gilman, who was recognized by the chamber group as a “trail blazer,” donned a coonskin cap when she accepted the honor saying that if she’s being called a trail blazer, she should dress like one!
Gilman was instrumental in helping revive the dormant Chamber back in 1996, according to current president Steve Kramer, who told the group how he went to Gilman to ask her help.
Once a thriving retail center where customers populated the floors of The Broadway, Desmonds, Silverwoods or Harris & Frank, by the 1970s the Miracle Mile was populated with for lease and vacancy signs. In the 1990s, Kramer, an attorney with offices in the heart of the Miracle Mile, saw an opportunity for the area’s revitalization and went to Gilman, a major leader in the community, for help.
“I was a little intimidated,” said Kramer. “But Jane offered to help and we held our first meeting in 1996.”
Since then, The Larchmont Chronicle has published a Miracle Mile edition annually, noted Pam Rudy, Advertising Director of the Larchmont Chronicle and Chamber board member, who introduced Gilman at yesterday’s event.
