GREAT "INSIDERS" LA TOUR OPPORTUNITY

TOUR HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN
2:30pm, and 4:00pm
Begins & Ends at the Filipino American Library
135 N. Park View St.
Historic Filipinotown
Los Angeles, CA 90026-5215

--- Free Admission --- Food and Drinks Provided ---
--- Please RSVP by WED, NOV 14 to filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net or 213-382-0488 ---

What is Filipino about Historic Filipinotown? In FAL’s Bus Tours of Historic Filipinotown, guides narrate the significance of particular sites, events, and individuals in and around Historic Filipinotown to present an historical overview of Filipinos in Los Angeles .
For more information, please contact Jonathan Lorenzo at 213-382-0488 or filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net. Also visit www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org and www.myspace.com/filamlibrary.

Filipino American Library
Our mission is to actively promote the history, culture, and professional achievements of Filipinos and Filipino Americans through the book collection, leadership development, and cultural programming, thereby contributing to the achievement of a culturally dynamic, multiethnic America.

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR RACHAEL AND DIANA

VOLUNTEERS PREPARE FOR DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
CELEBRATING VALLEY ARTS AT CANOGA PARK YOUTH ARTS CENTER

Diana Alavez and Rachael Ruvalcaba prepare for the Dia de los Muertos celebration November 3rd at the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center. While Diana and Rachael work to make the Day of the Dead Family Festival a success, members of the Museum Community are working to create a great Museum of history and culture for their future families.

Photos taken for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Jerry Fecht

NoHo GALLERY TAKES ON GLOBAL WARMING

NoHo Gallery LA will open its doors to the Step It Up organization for their national call for leadership on global warming. Students from the Verdugo Hills High School Multi-Media Magnet and the School of Visual and Performing Arts will present their artistic interpretations of what it means to "step it up" and make their voices heard as young leaders. Specifically, these voters and leaders of tomorrow will present art inspired by the Henry David Thoreau quote: "Let your life be a counter-friction to stop the machine."

Step It Up Art Exhibit
Saturday, November 3 from 3-6PM

VALLEY PIONEER LECTURE AT CSUN

CSUN's Dept of History and the W. P. Whitsett Committee will be
offering the annual Valley Pioneer Lecture on Thursday, Nov 8. The
speaker will be Dr. Mark Wild on the topic "Hidden in Hindsight:
Multiethnic Los Angeles in the Early 20th Century". The lecture will
be
given in Sierra Hall 151 followed by a reception and book signing.

Call (818) 677-3566 for reservations (required) and parking
information.

Shel Weisbach - Chair Popular Culture - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

BEST VALLEY ADVENTURE FOR NOVEMBER

CANOGA PARK YOUTH ARTS CENTER
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
AMAZING ART IN CANOGA PARK

On November 3rd the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center celebrates Dia de Los Muertos, Day of the Dead. From 5 pm until 8 pm, join the Museum Community in our visit to one of our city's most important arts events.
Come decorate traditional sugar skulls, create your own mask, BRING THE WHOLE FAMILIA!
See Aztec Dancers, Enjoy the Mariachis, and Be Amazed at the most original puppets this side of Yucatan.

GET INTO THE SPIRIT OF ALL SOULS DAY! OR, THE SPIRITS MIGHT JUST GET INTO YOU......... humm!

DEATH IS THE FISHERMAN PHOTOS BY PHYLLIS HANSEN

DEATH CASTS HIS NET FOR ALL OF HUMANKIND
DEATH FAMILY ALTAR
Phyllis Hansen shares these images with the Museum Community. Photographs were taken at the Day of the Dead celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Death is a Fisherman

DEATH is a fisherman, the world we see
His fish-pond is, and we the fishes be;
His net some general sickness; howe'er he
Is not so kind as other fishers be;
For if they take one of the smaller fry,
They throw him in again, he shall not die:
But death is sure to kill all he can get,
And all is fish with him that comes to net.
by Benjamin Franklin, Founder of the United States of America
born 1706
taken by the Fisherman 1790

LINDA MOORE SHARES DAY OF THE DEAD PHOTOGRAPHS

THE MUSIC LIVES AND DIES
BUTTERFLY OF DEATH
The butterfly is an ancient symbol of both death and resurrection. In both Christian and native American symbolism, butterflies seen at night teach us of our every creature's impending death. Mariposa warns of our mortality but promises rebirth in Spring and the goodness of human effort.

These images, taken on the Day of the Day at Hollywood Forever Cemetery are by Linda Moore, a frequent contributor to this blog.


Proof enduring for
the open heart,
that music never dies,
comes sweetly in its echoes
on wings of butterflies.
Jerry Fecht

OUR LADY OF THE FALLEN SOLDIERS OF IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN

"Pray With Us Now, And At The Hour Of Our Death. Amen"

When ordinary people become artists, an important thing happens. Images once caught in the formality of icons transcend the past, the rules, the expected, and become living statements of the present.

Here, in Hollywood Memorial Cemetery, a shrine calls out to curious passersby that Pieta seeks entry into the hearts and minds, and perhaps the souls of the living. The Mother of Jesus becomes the Mother of all humankind. Here Mary holds the corpse of Her Son and cries out to revelers and reverent alike, that our children and the children of Iraq and Afghanistan live or die as the consequence of commitment to secure the blessings of peace.

Photograph taken for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Jerry Fecht

IMAGES AND SYMBOLS OF LA MADRE DE DIOS

NUESTRA SENORA DE CARMEL
OUR LADY OF LOURDES
NUESTRA SENORA DE GUADALUPE

Mary, the mother of Jesus is believed to protect both the living and the dead. As Queen of the Angeles, Nuestra Senora Reina de Los Angeles, she is held by millions as the patron Mother of Los Angeles. These are three icons from the celebration of the Day of the Day at Hollywood Memorial Cemetery. Photo taken by Jerry Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

DAY OF THE DEAD HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY

Photographs taken in Hollywood Forever Cemetery October27, 2007 by Jerry Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Few events in Los Angeles better exemplify the blending of our cultures than the magical celebration of The Day of the Dead. Dancers dressed as Aztec Indians, accompanied by drums and rattles, make their way past the tombs of long forgotten founders of the city's entertainment industry.

ORANGE LINE TO RED LINE AND A GREAT TOUR OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN

UNION STATION 1945 - Southern Pacific Railroad Portfolio of Los Angeles and Hollywood - gift of Riverside Judge Dallas Holmes - collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The following is an announcement of a Kids' Tour of Union Station and nearby sites appealing to children (of all ages). To learn more about this children's tour, how to obtain tickets, and about other exciting tours of the LA Conservancy, visit:
"Los Angeles Conservancy"

KIDS' UNION STATION TOUR Sunday, October 28
1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. (timed entry) Union Station, Downtown Los Angeles

Please join us for a fun-filled event at Union Station to showcase our exciting new Kids' Union Station tour and booklet. Bring your family for a tour of this beloved landmark and special activities, all designed for the young and young at heart.

The first Conservancy walking tour created specifically for children and families, the Kids' Union Station tour will be offered on a regular basis. Using a child's natural enthusiasm for trains, the tour will include a bit of Los Angeles history and a bit of architectural appreciation, and will be geared to kids as well as their parents and grandparents.

The Kids' Guide to Union Station will be the latest addition to our set of kids’ guides, which includes booklets about Broadway, Wilshire Boulevard, and Los Angeles City Hall. For downloadable versions of these booklets and additional activities, visit the Kids Page on the Conservancy's website.

This event will also celebrate the kickoff of the Conservancy's new Youth Outreach Program. Through expanded family-friendly activities, the Conservancy hopes to foster the next generation of preservationists, who will learn to value our city’s built environment through the unique stories that historic buildings tell. With the addition of our new part-time youth outreach coordinator, we will continue to develop new ways to reach out to a younger audience that will ultimately engage all of us more fully in protecting the city we love.

To purchase tickets, please select your preferred time slot and ticket type from the drop-down menu below. Tickets are $5 for kids (12 and under) and members of the Conservancy, and $10 for the general public. To buy more than one ticket type, please add the first type to your cart, then return to this page to select an additional type of ticket. 
We apologize for any inconvenience.

"Los Angeles Conservancy"

MUSUEM MYSTERY OF THE WEEK

One of the great tests of human intelligence is the ability to solve puzzles. Older folks are encouraged to do crossword and sodoku puzzles to keep minds alert. But, when newspaper puzzles are solved, or set aside, and go to the recycling bin, little more is accomplished. When people work on history's puzzles, they not only keep their brains in action, but create vital links to our collective past as well.

Your Museum's collections advisor Phyllis Hansen challenges the Museum Community to identify the women in this photograph. Phyllis says: "Here is a photograph that I am 99.9% certain is of Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes, though it is not labeled. She is the older woman in center, as she would have looked as the Campo de Cahuenga as we know it today came into being. Orpha Klinker at left, and other two woman are unidentified."

Mrs. Armitage Forbes and Orpha Klinker created The Friends of Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association.

ORPHA KLINKER BROCHURE ADDED TO MUSUEM COLLECTION

Orpha Klinker 1891 - 1964 Visionary of the San Fernando Valley - gift of Phyllis Hansen - photograph has been enhanced

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley has just received an original promotional brochure entitled, "Orpha Klinker * Artist * Etcher"

A gift from our advisor, Phyllis Hansen, this document provides your Museum with an important insight into the professional development of Orpha Klinker's career as a leading artist in California, as well as statements by 31 prominent residents of the Los Angeles area. Among the support quotations is one from Mrs. A. S. C. Forbes.
Later in her life, Orpha Klinker would join with Mrs. Armitage Forbes becoming the first vice president of Southern California's most important historic site, Campo de Cahuenga.

THANK YOU CANOGA PARK YOUTH ARTS CENTER

TILE DOVE - exterior of the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center - October 2007

A note of thanks to the leadership, staff, and children of the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center for hosting the October meeting of the Boards of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
The great painter Paul Klee once said, "I have spent my entire adult life, trying to paint like a child." If the genius of artists begins with young people, then the creative future of the San Fernando Valley is in good hands. Go visit the art treasurehouse of the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center soon!

MUSEUM ARTIFACTS PIECE TOGETHER HISTORY

THE MISSION SAN GABRIEL ARCHANGEL - IN OPERATION SINCE 1771 - Color image 1945 - Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The work of a great Museum of history and culture is never ending. Bit by bit, like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle, pieces of our human experience comes together through documents, stories and artifacts. The portfolio of Los Angeles and Hollywood pictures done for the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1945 is an example of how images can support the relating of a "bigger picture."

This photograph of the Mission San Gabriel illustrates many important things; architecture, religious experiences, the social impact of the Order of Catholic Franciscans, romantic imagery, and the many achievements of Mrs. Armitage Forbes (founder of the Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Society) and others in the creation of El Camino Real bells that are so important to California's historical preservation.

Special thanks to Judge Dallas Holmes of Riverside for sending his Museum this and 15 additional images in the portfolio, and to Phyllis Hansen for her continuing work on the histories of Mrs. Armitage Forbes and the great California artist, Orpha Klinker, who used images like this to paint our missions and abodes.

A SALUTE TO OUR HEROIC FIREFIGHTERS

Roosevelt Highway Malibu 1945

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley salutes the brave men and women from the public agencies who have been risking their lives to save the lives and property of the people of Southern California.

Special thanks also to Judge Dallas Holmes of Riverside who sent his museum a beautiful portfolio of 1945 images of Los Angeles and Hollywood, printed by the Southern Pacific Railroad Lines. The sixteen color images combine to preserve a priceless snapshot of our city and county just as World War II came to a conclusion. The portfolio arrived on October 23, during the time when a great fire threatens Malibu Colony.

Pacific Coast Highway, featured in this 1945 image of Malibu, was then called Roosevelt Highway.

MUSUEM MEETING ON WEDNESDAY OCT. 24th

Sand dune in Numibia - Photo by Linda Moore - October 2007 Zimbabwei Lioness - Photo by Linda Moore - October 2007

MUSEUM MEETING NOTICE
Board and Advisors of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
(Visitors are welcomed)

The October meeting of the Board of Directors and Board of Advisors of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will be held:

October 24, 2007 - Wednesday
time: 5:30 pm until 7: pm

location:
Canoga Park Youth Arts Center
7222 Remmet Ave, Canoga Park

Directions
Topanga Canyon Blvd to Sherman Way.
Remmet Ave. crosses Sherman Way east of Topanga Canyon Blvd.
It is north of Sherman Way.

Board member Steve Sedlic and Arturo Perez, advisor to The Museum, will be making a presentation on the Distributed Museum Community.

PHOTO CARDS OF CALIFORNIA'S GOVERNORS

California's Progressive Governor Hiram Johnson One of a set of cards of California Governors in the collection of the artist and illustrator Orpha Klinker.
Photo by Jerry Fecht, courtesy of Phyllis Hansen

WITH HISTORY'S CLUE OFTEN COME MORE MYSTERIES.

First Baptist Church of Van Nuys

Bringing together a major regional Museum of history and culture for the San Fernando offers, what seems like, a million challenges. Our most pressing challenge at present is the establishment of a new Museum headquarters. Lots of progress is underway here - and, we ought to have some great news soon.
In the meanwhile, because history's treasures can be lost in the blinking of an eye, the Museum Community often must act when opportunities arise. Last year a Valley celebrity died and her property, including priceless documents about her life as a Valley-based entertainer were discarded. Protecting and securing historical artifacts is a never-ending responsibility.
Here are two genuine little mysteries, for those of who have grown tired of fitting in "ani" for a "blackbird" in crossword puzzles.

Puzzle Number One: (Level of difficulty - Gentle)
Examine this postcard of the First Baptist Church of Van Nuys. Is the postcard properly identified? Given the clothing of the people and the kinds of automobiles, what is your best guess about the year the postcard was made?
The historian of the present First Baptist Church might be of help.
Thanks to Gary Fredburg, Vice President of The Museum who donated the card for your Museum's postcard collection.


Puzzle Number Two: (Level of difficulty - Tough)
Phyllis Hansen, your Museum's advisor on California cultural history, is at present working on historic papers of Mrs. Armitage Forbes and Ms. Orpha Klinker, founders of the Friends of Campo de Cahuenga. Drawings and reproductions of work by the California artist, Langdon Smith have been located in the process. In 1909, Smith illustrated a book by Mrs. Forbes entitled Mission Tales in the Days of the Dons, proceeds from which helped to save California's missions and adobes.
There is a much respected poem, by one Langdon Smith entitled "Evolution". The question at hand is: Is the California illustrator also the poet?

If the challenges of history's puzzles interest you, and you care about preserving the history of the greater San Fernando Valley --- then, you might want to considering becoming part of your Museum Community.

CONGRATULATIONS TO HISTORIC CAMPO DE CAHUENGA ON ITS NEW WEBSITE

CAMPO DE CAHEUNGA LAUNCHES ITS NEW WEBSITE

At long last Campo de Caheunga, the most important historic site for Americans west of the Mississippi, has a new and promising website. The address of the site is: www.campodecahuenga.com

The Museum Community, working to bring about a great Museum of history and culture for the San Fernando Valley, recognizes how exceptionally important Campo's location is to our Nation, State and City. We believe that the place where America completed its "manifest destiny" to spread from "sea to shining sea" is our collective duty to preserve and cherish. It was at Campo de Cahuenga that Californians became California-Americans and where our Mexican population became Mexican-Americans. Time and intermarriage will gradually sweep away our designation as hyphenated Americans, but Campo de Cahuenga will always be the sacred site where the words in Katharine Lee Bates song written in1893 became the ultimate prayer for our country.
America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

BEAUTY CAN DISAPPEAR IN AN INSTANT!

Doors of the former El Torreto Cafe in Tarzana, California

Some wag once said, "Los Angeles is a city that doesn't take itself seriously." True or not, the speed at which homes and buildings are constructed has been a phenomena in the Valley since the end of World War II. Perhpas this might account for the quickness things, even very beautiful things can arrive and sadly ... disappear.

If you want to be a part of "saving the best" of that which is beautiful or important in our San Fernando Valley, let Richard Hilton, the chairman Historic Site Preservation Committee of The Museum, know that you want to help in our effort. Write Richard at:

Richard Hilton
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Anchor Education
Suite 419
21031 Ventura Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

A SALUTE TO NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL'S CLASS OF 1957 ON ITS 50TH REUNION.

Cheer, cheer for Old Notre Dame, 
Wake up the echoes cheering her name,
Send a volley cheer on high, 
Shake down the thunder from the sky! 
What though the odds be great or small, 
Old Notre Dame will win over all,
While her loyal sons are marching
Onward to victory!


Read over 130 postings about the Notre Dame High School's alumni from the Class of 1957. It's an amazing account of the lives of men raised in the San Fernando Valley, and a tribute to the Brothers of Holy Cross, a Catholic religous order.

http://ndhs1957.blogspot.com/

REAL EXCITEMENT AT THE NOHO GALLERY RECEPTION

Free, Open-to-All Reception:
Wednesday, October 17
6:30-10:30PM

NoHo Gallery LA welcomes you to come and relish the works and artists of the wicked, brazen, satirical, humorous, underground and outright outrageous in the group show "Art Noir." The show features Tara Greer's paintings & breathtaking triptych oil tapestries on canvas portraying the evolution of darkness into the light as well as works of Carole J. McCoy, Dan DeBevoise, Denis Olsen, Dennis Beckstrom, Donna Letterese, Fred Andrews, Maestro Alex Gregory, Monica Ford, Nancy Butler-Beckstrom, Paz Winshtein, Rony Armas, Sia Aryai, Tara Greer, Tom Ford and more.

Come to the free and open reception this October 17th. Live music will greet you at the door. From 6:30 - 10:30 pm, a good time will be had by all!

ALL HALLOWS EVE - A VALLEY TRADITION FOR OVER 200 YEARS

Valley Dental Hygienist Melissa Gunn arranges Hallow'een decorations in the office of Dr. Roberta Cerveny in Encino

The native Tongva and Chumash, who have lived in Southern California for centuries, had important rituals and traditions related to their dead relatives. The eve of All Saints Day (All Hallows Eve) became an important part of San Fernando Valley history and religon with the arrival of Spanish Catholic missionaries in the late 1700s.

No meat was eaten on All Saints eve, since November 1st was a major Christian holiday. Actually the Catholic church borrowed the holiday from the ancient Romans who celebrated the day as the Feast of All Gods (check out the Pantheon in Rome someday.) November 2nd was the Roman Feast of all human souls (genius for guys, anima for the ladies). The church turned that day into All Souls Day, a time when people can pray for the salvation of departed loved ones.

When the Spanish conquored the peoples of the Valley of Mexico, their padres moved the Aztec and other folks' day of the dead to All Souls Day. Dia de los Muertos has been part of Valley life and death since the Franciscans came to found the Mission of San Fernando Rey de Espagña. There are two important places to visit in Los Angeles to celebrate Day of the Dead. The first is the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center (the children make incredible family shrines) and the second is Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Gods of light are orange and yellow. Gods of darkness are black and purple. Jack is another name for the devil (Jacks in card decks are called knaves for a reason!) So get a calabasa and carve a Jack-o-lantern to ward away unwanted ghosts and internet spam.
ps --------- Melissa is a great hygienist!

HANDSOME MURAL ADORNS WOODLAND HILLS FedEx Kinko's BUILDING

Mosaic mural on the front of the FedEx Kinko's Building in Woodland Hills - former Home Federal Savings

Shel Weisbach, Chair The Museum's Contemporary & Popular Culture, calls our attention to this San Fernando Valley treasure.
FedEx Kinko's has preserved much of the building's original appearance and beauty.
FedEX Kinko's is located at 21816 Victory Boulevard in Woodland Hills.

CHAIR OF MUSEUM'S CONTEMPORARY CULTURE SENDS THIS ANNOUNCEMENT

Shel Weisbach, the Chair of your Museum's Contemporary and Popular Culture Committee sends this along to the Museum Community of the San Fernando Valley.
MODCOM Action Alert Harvey's Broiler Ghost Cruise
Harvey's Broiler Alert
Join the growing Coalition to Rebuild the Broiler this Sunday, October
14th, for another great car cruise that is sure to make history!
See official flyer below

No registration fee, all cars are welcome! Cruisers will be given maps
and a photo booklet as they arrive. The suggested tour route points out
the location of over 20 sites, including "ghost" sites that are no
more, like the legendary Van de Kamps drive-in at San Fernando Road and
Fletcher. We will make our way to Downey and circle the demolition site
of the Broiler. Johnie's appears much as it did after it was illegally
demolished on Sunday, January 7th, 2007.

After circling Johnie's, we will continue on to the Nordic Fox restaurant for our post-cruise party, from 1-5pm! Music by DJ John Godin aka "Mr. Lucky", raffle prizes, custom tees & more!!
Nordic Fox restaurant (former 1968 Foxy's A-frame chalet style coffee
shop) at 10924 Paramount Blvd., Downey

If you have any questions, contact Modcom chair Adriene Biondo at (818) 943-6621 or AdrieneBiondo@gmail.com

We need each and every person's support -- without it, this critically endangered 1958 landmark will become history.

When:
Sunday, October 14th
Meet & Greet 8:00 - 9:30AM
Cruisers will depart 9:30AM

Where:
The classic 1949 Bob's Big Boy
4211 W. Riverside Dr.
Burbank, CA 91505

AMERICAN LEGION CELEBRATES 80 YEARS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

American Legion Post 308 celebrates 80 years in Reseda and will kick off its anniversary with a special birthday party.

Sunday, October 21, 2007. The celebration is open to the community.
Doors open: 4:30 pm at the American Legion Hall
7338 Canby Avenue - Reseda, CA 91335
Donation: $7.50 - reservations are a must 818-344-3800

"We want everyone in Reseda, in the San Fernando Valley and yes - even throughout Los Angeles to know what an important historical asset we have right here in Reseda, and to know it's open to everyone!" explains Larry Bowman, Post Adjutant.
Festivities start at 4:30pm with Happy Hour, a scrumptious dinner served at 6 pm and entertainment all night long thereafter. Gifts, prizes, a raffle and a live band will be part of the fun. And, of course, their historic bar will be open all night long!
The American Legion built its historic facility in 1927 with a mission of assisting war veterans, active military, and members of deployed military families by providing care, assistance, social and recreational activities and the opportunity to mentor youth in the San Fernando Valley.
The veterans of Post 308 provide a wealth of history, knowledge, and technical experience to young people and families in this neighborhood. Included in its membership are soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq and are currently serving overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Post is strongly committed to providing a community gathering place for the diverse residents of Reseda and surrounding townships. It is available for meetings, educational programs, cultural events, and youth services. Additionally, the Post strives to instill a sense of pride, history, and responsibility in its membership and community by preserving the memories and incidents of veterans' associations in the wars of this nation and the sacrifices made by the veteran community.
We encourage everyone to attend. This is a great way to support your local veterans and socialize with the community. Great food, great music, small donation, tons of fun!" states Commander John Mika.

RARE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SEAL FROM 1939 FOUND

On the 10th of August 1939, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the first County seal. Artwork for the seal, submitted as part of an open competition, was done by Orpha Klinker. The insignia was ordered to be placed on all County equipment. Orpha was paid the grand sum of $100.

BEHYMER WORKS TO PUT LA ON THE WORLD'S MUSIC MAP

TOSCANINI, HOROWITZ, BEHYMER AND WALTER - photo courtesy of Phyllis Hansen

The impresario Lynder Behymer's efforts brought great artists to Los Angeles.

Arturo Toscanini: born 25 March 1867 - died 16 January 1957
Toscanini is generally held to have been the greatest symphony conductor of his era.

Vladimir Horowitz: born 1 October 1903 - died 5 November 1999
This Russian-American musician was considered the most distinguished pianist of the 20th century

Bruno Walter: born 15 September 1816 - died 17 February 1962
Born Bruno Walter Schlesinger, was held my many as the finest conductor of his time.

IDENTITY OF MYSTERY AVIATOR SOUGHT

Aviator Pastel by California Artist, Orpha Klinker - Hansen Collection

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley works constantly to identify and conserve artifacts related to California history. Often items, even beautiful images, raise as many questions as they answer. This pastel of an aviator by Orpha Klinker, we believe has the signature of the pilot who posed for it. At present, we think his name may be Stephen __ Goebel, or Gocbel.
As John Walsh says on America's Most Wanted, "Let's find this fellow!"

Not minutes after this posting was made, the pilot was identified as Arthur Goebel, an early Hollywood stunt pilot.

I

LITTLE THINGS SLOWLY CREATE HISTORY'S STORIES

Inscription on the back of duo Stereopticon photographs - Place Vendome, Paris - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2007

The Rev. A. Forbes
in remembrance of his Birthday 1854
with the kind regards of SG* * Initials here are yet to be determined.
Paris September 7, 1854
Place Vendome August 15, 1854

Our Museum is working with Ms. Phyllis Hansen, Advisor to The Museum, on her efforts to recreate the histories of Southern California personalities Orpha Klinker and Mrs. Armitage Forbes. These intelligent, hard working and dedicated women were instrumental in the creation of the Campo de Cahuenga memorial in North Hollywood, in the San Fernando Valley.
Here on the back of a stereopticon picture/s, we discover the birthdate of Mrs. Forbes husband and the fact that he was a minister. Bit by bit, such clues aid historians to capture elements in the lives of those who continue to influence California, long after their deaths.

LYNDEN BEHYMER BROUGHT MUSIC AND CULTURE TO OUR CITY

Lynden Behymer 1862 to 1947 photo courtesy of Phyllis Hansen

Lynden Behymer was born on the 5th of November 1862 in New Palestine, Ohio. He was the son of an ambitious carpenter of modest means who regularly encouraged his boy to "make something" of himself. Lynden began to fulfill his father's wishes by graduating from a public school in Shelby, Illinois in 1881. Few boys finished school in those days.
Four years passed before Lynden Behymer was ready to ask Menettie Sparkes to be his wife. He was determined that he would provide his bride with a lifetime of comfort and importance. They had scarcely established their home, when a fierce cyclone demolished their home and destroyed virtually of their possessions.
If they had to start over, the young couple decided that it might as well be in a land of sunshine and opportunity. In January of 1886, they moved to Los Angeles.
For the next 50 years, Lynden Behymer would systematically achieve the importance of which he dreamed, and would in the process become one of the most important music and entertainment figures in California history. Behymer worked tirelessly to bring culture and entertainment to his adopted city.
In only a year after his arrival in Los Angeles, Lynden Behymer arranged for performances of the National Grand Opera Company. In 1888, he brought the world famous Sara Berhhardt to sing "La Tosca" to Southern California. Soon he was to be manager, treasurer and chief press agent for the Grand Opera House. In 1914, Behymer with Harley Hamilton founded and brought into existence the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra.
During his active years, Behymer brought the Metropolitan Opera Company Los Angeles and secured regular performances of the Chicago Opera Company as well. He brought world famous artists such as Enrico Caruso, Edwin Booth, Paderewski, and Isadora Duncan to the west coast. Less known today were other greats including Rabindranath Tagore, Jacob Riis, Feodor Chaliapin, Lawrence Tibbet, Ruth St. Denis and Maud Allan.
Behymer was instrumental in the location of today's Hollywood Bowl.
With Paul Eilser of the Metropolitan Opera, he was instrumental in the opening of the Greek Theatre in Hollywood in 1930.
He served as a music critic for the Los Angeles Herald newspaper. He was a devoted Free Mason, Shrine and a Knight Templar. Behymer was honored for his role in world and Los Angeles culture in his election as an officer of Academes Beaux Arts of Paris in 1907.
Lynden Behymer died in 1947.

OCTOBER MEETING TIME FOR YOUR MUSEUM'S BOARDS

MEETING OF THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ADVISORS

OCTOBER 24, 2007
5:30 pm until 7:00 pm
Canoga Park Youth Arts Center

7222 Remmet Ave.
Canoga Park, 91303
Center's Phone: 818 / 346 - 7099


Special Presentation: The Distributed Museum Community
Steve Sedlic and Arturo Perez

NOTE CHANGE OF MEETING DAY
This meeting replaces our usual meeting time due to
All Hallows'een (Halloween).

HISTORIC MISSION PHOTO FROM COLLECTION OF ORPHA KLINKER

Photo of the Mission San Fernando Rey de Espagña - Early 20th Century - Working notebooks of Orpha Klinker

One of California's most import artists and illustrators was the amazing Orpha Klinker. Take time to search out images of her work on the world wide web - you're in for a treat! For those of you familiar with the Los Angeles City Hall tower, there are several of Orpha's paintings of LA's early mayors there.
This photograph of the Mission San Fernando Rey, may have been part of a collection belonging to Mrs. Armitage Forbes who with Ms. Klinker and others saved many historic adobes in California and creaed the famous El Camino Real bells.
Thanks to Phyllis Hansen of the Museum Community for sharing this image with us.