La Vada Apartments, Los Angeles, circa 1928

Description: Dr. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations.
Exterior view of "La Vada Apartments" located at 249 E. Vernon Ave.
Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
The La Vada Apartments was built by Drs. John and Vada Somerville. After the Stock Market crash in 1929, Somerville sold the apartment building.
Caption: Caption: La Vada Apartments. 209 E. Vernon Avenue, AXridge 0481. Here is a modern monument which, too, serves the useful purpose of living quarters in an atmosphere of quiet and comfort. Dr. Vada J. Somerville is the owner.