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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

RECENT ARTIFACTS GIVEN TO THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Chelsea Tavern - Vintage Matchbook Cover - Gift to The Museum from Gary Fredburg 2008. (click on image to enlarge)
recent artifacts processed in Museum's files:

Howard Johnson's (motor lodge) ( postcard)
Memorial Service card for Austin Conover
California On My Mind (hardcover book) "The Best of California in Words and Photographs"
"What made Pio Pico so feo?" LA Times article
Placerita Canyon (brochure)
4Plagens Sunshine Muse "Art on the West Coast, 1945 /70" (paperback)
The Crown '58 (LA Valley College yearbook)
LA Valley Junior College - Original Faculty September 1949 (photograph
Memories NDHS Class of 1955 - 50th Reunion Sept. 17, 2005
1957 Reunion - 50th October 2007 (program)
The Knight Letter (alumni newsletters - two)
Lake Casitas Recreation Area (brochure)
No! Katz's Taxes (political button)
Bridges Auditorium Pomona College (postcard)
Bridges Hall of Music (Little Bridges) Pomona College (postcard)
Spanish Music fountain sculpture - LeBus Court Pomona College (postcard)
Marston Quadrangle Pomona College (postcard)
Norton-Clark Dorm - Pomona College (postcard)
Orozco, Jose Clemente - 1930 Prometheus fresco Pomona College (postcard)
Pomona College - aerial view (postcard)
Pomona College Museum of Art (postcard)
Rains Center for Sport and Recreation Pomona College (postcard)
Russin - Jole de Vie Fountain - Carolyn Lyon Garden Pomona College (postcard)
Victory Bowling Center (match book cover)
VISA 1992 - Official Olympic Games Sponsorship Manual
San Fernando Valley Chevron Street Map - 1959
Bert Sanford Texaco Station (match book cover)
Iran - Born At The Crossroads (map) copy 1
Iran - Born At The Crossroads (map) copy 2
Chronology - Santa Barbara Cemetery (brochure)
Famous Burials - Santa Barbara Cemetery (brochure)
Heatherdale Apartments (promotional postcard)
Tujunga (postcard)
Warner Brothers Studios (vintage postcard) Burbank
Castaways Rest. & De Bell Golf Course (postcard)
Center For Cultural Innovation 2005 Artists Directory
Dr. Roberta Cerveny DDS (brochure)
Chaminade Prep - Wrapping Up The Year (magazine)
Chaminade Now (magazine)
Nordic Inn Smorgasbord (match book cover)

Monday, July 28, 2008

Another View of the Huntington's Chinese Garden

Interior of Chinese Pavilion - The Huntington 2008 - photo by Richard Hilton (click on image to enlarge)

The new Chinese Garden at the Huntington will soon be the subject of a million photographs. This image of the interior of a lake pavilion was taken by Museum Board member Richard Hilton.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

TUJUNGA - PART OF THE VALLEY - OR, NOT?

Tujunga California - "The best little town in the USA" Postcard in the collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - gift of Gary Fredburg - 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

The ancient Tongva people were dependent on the Los Angeles River and its tributaries (commonly called "washes"). Year-round water sources from the San Gabriel, Santa Monica and Santa Suzanna Mountains provided critical resources for the Indians. The Tongva migrated between "nga"s (occasional villages), hunting wild fowl, deer and rabbits, and harvesting the precious acorns from live oak trees.
One of the main tributaries of the Los Angeles River is the Tujunga Wash originating from the sloping hills between the Crescenta and San Fernando Valleys. At the turn of the 20th century, a utopian cooperative was organized by one M. V. Hartranft in what was generally called Tujunga. The socialist community shared the motto, "A Little Land and a Lot of Living." Outsiders called the idealists, "Little Landers."
Unaware of the grave dangers from earthquakes, the utopians and their neighbors built homes from large, round stones taken from the Tujunga Wash. Few of those stone buildings remain. However one such structure, named for the American author Bolton Hall, remains. The building, opened in 1913 is now a historical monument. A volunteer organization called the Little Landers Historical Society operates a museum there.
By the arrival of the Great Depression, the Little Landers had disbanded. In 1932, Tujunga was annexed into the City of Los Angeles.

Bolton Hall Museum
10110 Commerce
Tujunga, CA

WARNER BROTHERS

Warner Brothers Studios - Burbank - Postcard in the collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - gift of Gary Fredburg 2008 (click on image to enlarge)
WARNER BROTHERS STUDIOS
At the top of Forest Lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills stands the sepulcher of one of the most important movie stars, perhaps of all time, Bette Davis. The story goes that the great actress selected the spot so that she could look down forever on her nemesis Jack Warner. Warner Brothers Studios occupies 110 historic acres at the base of Mount Cahuenga in Burbank.
Viewed by many as the foremost entertainment production facility in the world, the San Fernando Valley's Warner Brothers Studio has produced record number of motion pictures and television productions. And, the great complex is one of the most important post production facilities in the United States. Most Valley residents have at one time or another had the occasion of visiting one of the 29 massive sound stages or business offices. On the 20 acre "back lot", set imitating just about every major location stand ready for yet another reworking for a film or t.v. show.
The next time you see a Warner Brothers film, take time to watch the "credits" at the end. Artists, actors and artisans, many who live in the San Fernando Valley, represent the Studio's phenomenal arsenal of talents. Editors, costume designers, set makers, lighting experts, construction workers, actors, scenic artists and a plethora of other crafts-persons make Warner Brothers, not only a Valley treasure, but a world class asset as well.
In 1928, the Warner Brothers, Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack bought a struggling First National Pictures built just two years earlier on what had been farmland. The money for the purchase came from the huge success of their first talking motion picture, The Jazz Singer. Within one year, the "studio system" was developing at full speed. 86 films were created at Warner Brothers in that year.
Since many of the stars and artists, such as film composers, lived in the greater San Fernando Valley, they will be subjects of separate histories presented by The Museum. The list of classic American films, writers and directors is simply amazing. The talented men, women and children who worked, and continue to work, on Warner Brothers' films are a major reason why the San Fernando Valley is rightfully called "the creative capital of the world."

Warner Brothers Studio
4000 Warner Brothers Boulevard
Burbank, CA

HEATHERDALE COOP NORTH HOLLYWOOD

Heatherdale Apartments - North Hollywood - poastcard in the collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - gift of Gary Fredburg - 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

The history of housing in the San Fernando Valley is a matter of great importance to your Museum. This glowing image of "Heatherdale" at 11813 Runnymede Street in North Hollywood provides an important insight into the development of Valley cities. Heatherdale is now listed on Google in 2008 as being one of the the City of Los Angeles Subsidized Housing coops.
If you have brochures about the home in which you live or your community, be a part of Valley history. Contact your Museum today at 818-347-9665.
Don't let your heritage vanish in a yard sale.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

THE CHANDLER AVENUE STORY

(click on image to enlarge)
Chandler Avenue was once planned to be part of a main Valley artery called Sherman Way. It was named after the publisher of the Los Angeles Times, Harry Chandler.
Harry dropped out of Dartmouth College and came to Southern California supposedly for his health. He worked in the San Fernando Valley's fruit orchards until he put together a small business delivering morning newspapers. Harry cleverly cornered the distribution of the city's morning newspapers and used that leverage to gain the general manager's position of the Los Angeles Times. Chandler used his money and power to gain large partials in the San Fernando Valley and became one of America's richest men.
Harry Chandler lived from 1864 to 1944. He is buried in Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

A CHINESE ADVENTURE

(click on image to enlarge)


Southern California has a brand new treasure, a splendid Chinese Garden at the Huntington in San Marino. Visitors from the San Fernando Valley can visit the beautiful one and a half acre lake garden by taking the 101 to the 134 freeway east to Pasadena, taking the Hill Street off-ramp and following the signage leading into the great Library complex. Early morning visits are best.
Pay attention to the free guide-pamphlet, and explore the Garden as if unrolling an ancient Chinese scroll. Five great stone bridges lead you to magical views of massive Tai Hu rocks, lotus ponds, sparkling koi and natural bird visitors. As expected, the trees and foliage are in their early stages (something you'll be able to brag about as you and the Garden take on years.) The Gardens are the perfect place to visit if the Olympic Games in Beijing are not on your schedule.

Monday, July 21, 2008

PUZZLE TIME??? KATZ'S TAXES

Katz's Taxes - Political Button Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - Gift of James Fecht 2007 (click to enlarge image)

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, like all collections of historic objects, has unidentified artifacts. Can you identify who Katz was and the issue at stake?

A VERY IMPORTANT PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBIT

Photo by Janne Fecht 2008 - Huntington Library's Botanical Gardens (click on image to enlarge)
The Huntington (Library) has a splendid exhibit of Los Angeles-based photographs that are a MUST SEE! Called "This Side of Paradise: Body and Landscape in L.A," the photos relate the "dynamic relationship between the city and the art of photography from the 1860s to the present."
The show has seven really interesting themes:Garden, Move, Work, Play, Dwell, Clash, and Dream.
This Side of Paradise has a treasure-trove of Valley related image. You will be amazed at the photos of old timers at the old mission San Fernando, the Red Car, buckboards in Cahuenga Pass, and even porn-stars on a break in a Woodland Hills home.

Make sure to give yourself time to see the Huntington's new Chinese Garden - just wonderful!

The San Fernando Valley deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

ADDITIONS TO MUSEUM'S INVENTORY July 16, 2008

Home of Lou Costello - vintage postcard collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2008 - gift of Gary Fredburg
Howard Johnston's Hotel and Motor Lodge - Sherman Oaks -intage postcard collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2008 - gift of Gary Fredburg (click on image to enlarge)
Rules & Guidelines for Protecting the Snowy Plover (conservation brochure - 2008) California State Parks
Congregational Church of the Chimes (postcard)
Tower Motor Motel (Studio City) (vintage postcard)
Tygiel - The Great Los Angeles Swindle (paperback) "Oil, Stocks & Scandal During the Roaring 20s"
Monterey State Historic Park (State of CA brochure)
Explore Monterey California (brochure) (2 copies)
Living History San Carlos Cathedral (brochure)
Cooper-Molera Adobes (brochure)
Cooper-Molera Adobe (hard flyer)
Through Orange Groves (postcard)
Interior of Citrus Packing House - Southern California (postcard)
Angeles Walk LA "Self Guided Historic Trails" China Town
Angeles Walk LA "Self Guided Historic Trails" Metro Area
Angeles Walk LA "Self Guided Historic Trails" Bunker Hills - Historic Core District
Angeles Walk LA "Self Guided Historic Trails" Union Station - Pueblo - Little Tokyo - Civic Center
Anger, Kenneth Hollywood Babylon (paperback book)
Anheiser Busch (vintage postcard: 9-26-1953)
Shreves Lankershim Gas Station c 1930 (photograph)
Rex Shreves as boy - Greenfield, Iowa (photograph)
Rex Shreves in Lankershim Gas Station (photograph)
Southern Pacific Daylight Limited (Christmas Card)
U.S. Postal Service - Guide to Olympic Sponsorship 1984 Games
Peter Ueuberroth "His Own Story" (hard back book)
Ullberg - Museum Trusteeship (book) 1994
Union Station (downtown Los Angeles) (folio print)
Bwarie - Nobody Walks in LA (paperback book)
Bush - Cheney (political button)
Costello, Lou home (vintage postcard) (Sherman Oaks)
Crosby, Bill home - (vintage postcard) (No Hollywood)
Howard Johnson's (motor lodge) ( postcard)

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

ADDITIONS TO MUSEUM'S NUMBERED INVENTORY

Tower Motel Studio City - vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2008 (click to enlarge image)

Maple Leaf Ball, The (program) 1966 Phi Delta Psi Fraternity - Maple Leaf Society
California State Parks Map California State Parks Foundation
Maria's Italian Kitchen (menu)
Marin Chicano Visions "American Painters on the Verge" (paperback book)
Bill Clinton / Al Gore (political button) "I AM FOR CLINTON GORE '92
Hillary Clinton (mudslinging catalogue)
Gore Lieberman 2000 (political button)
Kerry Edwards '04 (political button)
American Land of the Free (patriotic button)
Museum of Ventura County (newsletter) May 2008
Ventura Boulevard (postcard) (Studio City)
Watkins California : Illustrated History (hard back)
Ventura Culinary Guide 2008
Veterans Admin. Hospital Sepulveda/Van Nuys (postcard c. 1955)
Steve's Transmission Service (promotional pen)
Spurgeon Henry Edwards Huntington "His Life and His Collections" (paperback)
Sunset California Missions (paperback)
LA / Access L.A. 200 Committee (two copies) "The Official Los Angeles Guidebook") 1984
Homestead Museum (flyer) 2008
Rules & Guidelines for Protecting the Snowy Plover (conservation brochure - 2008) California State Parks
Congregational Church of the Chimes (postcard)
Tower Motor Motel (Studio City) (vintage postcard)
Tygiel - The Great Los Angeles Swindle (paperback) "Oil, Stocks & Scandal During the Roaring 20s"

Tower Motel
10980 Ventura Boulevard (U.S. 101)

MUSEUM MEETINGS FOR YOUR CALENDAR

California Artist Orpha Klinker as Scherazade - Collection of
Phyllis Hansen 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

23 July 2008 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm (Note change in date for July)
27 August 2008 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm
24 September 2008 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm


LANKERSHIM ARTS CENTER
5108 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601

MUSEUM MEETINGS FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Orpha Klinker posed as Scheherazade - Photo in the collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008

The next three scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors and Advisors of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley are:

July 23, 2008 Lankershim Arts Center 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm
August _____, 2008 Lankershim Arts Center 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm
September _____, 2008 Lankershim Arts Center 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm

Sunday, July 6, 2008

ADDITIONS TO MUSEUM'S NUMBERED NVENTORY

Boy Scouts - West Valley Camporee (patch) 1982
Garden of Flowering Fragrance (brochure)
Women's Club of Hollywood (pamphlet )
Hollywood School for Girls - 1908 - 1949
City Championship - Hoover/Glendale - 1938 (flyer)
Methodist Episcopal Church Glendale (vintage postcard)
Van Nuys & Victory Intersection (vintage postcard)
Van Nuys Quality Dairy (notepad)
Sports Illustrated (magazine)
Preview of the Seoul, Korea Olympic Games 1988
2Sports Illustrated (magazine)
"America's Golden Girls" October 1988
Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel (promo accordion postcard)
Tarzana Carpets (postcard)
Panorama City - Hello from (vintage postcard)
Panorama City, Our New Home In (postcard)
Parker - LA (paper back book)
Pickwick Swim School (postcard) (Burbank)
Olympic Soccer - You Made It Happen - 1984
Olympic Ticket Information and Order Form 1984
5The Cahuengan (newsletter) Summer 2008
Geology of Southern California Bulletin 170
California Division of Mines 1954
The Cahuengan" undated newsletter 2007
Campo de Cahuenga "Illuminating 200 Years of History" Metropolitan Transit Authority 2007
History of the Campo de Caheunga Treaty of 1847 2007 (one page document)
Canoga Park High School 1945
Installation and Awards Assembly Programs
Canoga Park High School (commendation letter)
Canoga Park (street scene) (postcard)
National City / Chula Vista Board of Realtors
1957 (promotional pocket tablet & calendar)
McCreary - Universal City, North Hollywood, Campo de Cahuenga and Studio City (booklet)
Save the Lankershim Train Depot (white paper)
LA Stage (magazine) issue 39 Sept. Oct. 2007
Laurel Canyon Trackless Trolley (postcard)
Turnhauer, Paul E. (resident of Lankershim, CA 1920)
Turnhauer, Paul envelope postmarked Jan. 13, 1922
Official Opening Ceremonies Program 1984 Olympic Games
Los Angeles Oil Fields (vintage postcard)
Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church (Van Nuys) (postcard)

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

PANORAMA CITY IN POSTCARD BOOK

Panorama City 1962 - Postcard in the collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - Gift of Gary Fredburg 2008

When Lois received a postcard from her friend Tiny, she would hardly imagine that it would become part of the collections of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Mailed to Issaquah, Washington on January 21, 1962, the card shows the storefronts of a Food Giant Market and Thrifty Drug Store. "panorama City - One of the fastest growing communities in Southern California."

Thanks for supporting your Museum's History of the San Fernando Valley in Postcards project.

GARY FREDBURG'S HISTORY OF THE VALLEY IN POST CARDS PROJECT

Excerpt from Post Card Promotional Accordion - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

A History of the San Fernando Valley in Postcards is in preparation. If you enjoy the little fanciful images that post cards were meant to send, then you'll love this great project. The book project is under the direction of Gary Fredburg, Chairman of The Museum's Acquisitions Committee and Vice President of The Museum's Board of Directors.
You can share postcards for the project by contacting Gary through jerry@anchoreducation.com

Gary is seeking contributions of post cards from all eras of the greater San Fernando Valley history.

RICHARD HILTON PLANS WALKING TOUR OF VAN NUYS

Intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Victory Boulevard - Vintage Postcard in the collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - Postmarked 1978 - Gift of Gary Fredburg 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

Richard Hilton, Board Member of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, is preparing a walking tour for the historic Van Nuys cultural center. Richard is an expert on historic architecture and Valley history. Parties interested in the walking tour should submit their addresses to The Museum at jerry@anchoreducation.com attention: VN Walking Tour.