Joslyn Center (Marcellus L. Joslyn)

Marcellus L. Joslyn was the founder and principal stockholder of the Joslyn Manufacturing and Supply Company, which was a Chicago-based electrical supply firm. After having spent many years entrenched in the fast-paced, consumer driven business world, Mr. Joslyn decided that he wanted to focus his attention on more philanthropic efforts.  In 1960, after retiring to Southern California, Joslyn began Marcellus L. Joslyn Foundation, which placed a great deal of emphasis on funding senior centers, hospitals, and colleges. Over the years, the Foundation has donated several million dollars to senior citizen centers and lawn bowls throughout Southern California. It has also provided a number of matching grants to local cities in order to create facilities to house senior citizen activities.

In 1962, the Foundation generously offered to donate $75,000 for the construction of an adult recreation center in Torrance to be known as the Joslyn Center. Presently, the Joslyn Center houses the Torrance Art Museum, which offers a variety of exhibitions and educational programs to encourage all people to develop and increase their understanding and appreciation for modern and contemporary artwork.

Many Southern California lawn bowling clubs were also named in his honor and Joslyn was inducted into the U.S. Lawn Bowls Hall of Fame. Joslyn, with wife Alice, had four children.