Cora’s Coffee Shoppe, a tiny restaurant on the corner of Ocean Ave and Pacific Terrace at 1802 Ocean Ave, has been in continuous operation since about 1943. But who is Cora?
While they are often leased to different operators, the two buildings at 1802 Ocean Ave and 1810 Ocean Ave are on the same property and have same owner. The building at 1802 Ocean Ave doesn’t exist in 1918. But in 1924 a building there is being used as a sales office for the Edgewater Beach Club development.
In 1943, Electrical Workers Union Local 11 remodels the tiny 16-ft x 18-ft building at 1802 Ocean Ave.
Betty De Ghionno (1943 to 1951)
In 1945, Betty De Ghionno runs Betty’s Cafe at 1802 Ocean Ave.
Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Huntsberry (1921 – 2019) is born in OH. Betty comes to Los Angeles in 1939, and in 1941 marries George W. De Ghionno (1915 – 1996). George is born in Venice and attends Venice High. He works as a concessionaire for Hennies Bros carnival. In 1948, while living at 41 Seaview Terrace Apt B, they build a house at 2220 10th St (at Pearl), where they live with her parents. The (unknown name) cafe is listed for sale in 1951 for $2,000. In 1954, De Ghionno runs a Sportsman Liquor Store.
Roy E. & Freda M. Wood (before 1952 to after 1954)
In 1952, living at 1342 Ocean Park Blvd, Raymond E. and Freda M. Wood are running “Cora’s Coffee Shoppe.”
Roy Edward Wood (1884 – 1962) is born in NE. From 1941 to 1949, he runs Wood House Café in Decatur IL. In 1949, Roy is in poor health and the cafe is the victim of an armed robbery - an event widely followed in the local press. Roy (age 66) and Freda Mada Wood (1902 – 1972) sell the Decatur cafe and come to Los Angeles in 1950.
Curtis & Edna Sams (before 1958 to about 1973)
In 1958, living at 2340 Ashland, Curtis and Edna Sams are running Cora’s Coffee Shoppe.
Curtis Whitney Sams (1911 - 2001) is born in Pittsburgh, PA. He is a cook in the US Navy, then a butcher. In Pittsburgh in 1936, Curtis marries Pittsburgh born Edna Saba (1915 – 1998). Curtis and Edna Sams come to Santa Monica sometime after 1950. By 1965 they own the 41 Seaview Terrace apartment building - and live in Apt C. They retire from Coras in 1973.
Ernie & Karen Nelson (1973 to 1995)
In 1973, Ernie & Karen Nelson, buy the coffee shop from the Sams - to become the third owners of Cora’s Coffee Shoppe.
Ernest Frank Nelson (1948 – 2012) is born in Santa Monica. For 30 years, his parents run the Flying A gas station at Wilshire and 7th. Ernie goes to Santa Monica High. In 1976, he marries Karen Margareta Ljungstrom (1951 – ).
Karen is born in Los Angeles and goes to Hollywood High. In 1972, she marries William B. Miller but they divorce in 1973. Karen is a graphic designer by training but after 1980, works full time at Cora’s. Ernie cooks, and Karen is the waitress, busser, and cashier. They open only on weekdays - taking the weekends to rest.
Bruce Marder (from 1995 to now)
In 1998, Bruce Marder opens Italian restaurant Capo at 1810 Ocean Ave and also takes over running Cora’s Coffee Shoppe. You won’t find Marder behind the stove - Cora’s has outgrown its mom-and-pop origins.
