THANKS FOR A GREAT BOARD MEETING!

Voice of Prophesy - Glendale, California - postcard Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - Gift of Gary Fredburg 2008

Thanks to the Board Members and Advisors who attended the January 30th meeting of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
Your representatives attending the meeting were:
Fred Berk, Richard Bogy, Burnet Brown, Robert Cole, Gerald Fecht, Chris From, Gary Fredburg, Phyllis Hansen, Guy Weddington McCreary, Elizabeth Morin, Rania Pallad, Willard Simms, Michael Stevens, Shel Weisbach, and Karen Whitaker. Our guest was Mark Zev.

Caption on the postcard: The Voice of Prophesy - Box 55, Los Angeles, 53, California - North American Headquarters Building - 1500 East Chevy Chase, Glendale, California. Housed here is an international broadcast, heard by scores of nations around the world, with free Bible correspondence courses, in more than 40 languages and dialects. Headquarters of H.M.S. Richards, Director and Radio Speaker.

WILL THE WEDDINGTON HOUSE BE NEXT TO DISAPPEAR?

Valley Music Center - Now Demolished - Postcard in the collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - gift of Gary Fredburg - 2008

Don't you just love it, when the media announces that priceless artifacts or art from the American West has been transferred to the Smithsonian or a New York museum? If you are like most of us, in this era of carbon footprints, getting back east may be at best a very rare occasion!
Well meaning people often remark about how there is no culture in the San Fernando Valley. Could it be that's because its been shipped away - or worse yet simply demolished. As a youth, I saw the great Dame Judith Anderson perform Media in the Valley Music Center, but the great performances there have been silenced forever.

Now, a move is afoot to move the historic Weddington House, out of the community that the Weddington familly founded, across our city. Some are saying that this expensive move will occur in a matter of weeks. For children studying local history in Valley schools, the mother house of North Hollywood might as well be moved to Mars.
Historical buildings belong in the communities where their impact was made! How many historic Valley buildings are within a mile or two of your home?
We need every inch of open parkland we can manage to keep in Los Angeles, but in the San Fernando Valley we desperately need our few remaining historic structures available to the public - especially teachers and students.
It is not good enough to sigh, after the fact, and say "oh well, at least the Weddington House didn't get destroyed." Inaccessibility might as well mean destruction.
Our political representatives need to step up to this matter. Ask them to consider the possibilities for the Valley communities they represent.
Help KEEP THE WEDDINGTON HOUSE IN THE VALLEY WHERE IT BELONGS.
Contact your city council person right away!

PHYLLIS HANSEN GIVES ORPHA KLINKER LECTURE

Pen and Ink Book Illustration by Orpha Klinker - University of Southern California - Alumni Hall - Collection of Phyllis Hansen
"On Thursday evening, April 24 I will be doing my presentation on Orpha at the Andres Pico adobe in Mission Hills for the San Fernando Valley Historical Society. It's a public meeting. Come on and be in the audience if it's convenient."

Note: This is a terrific opportunity for the Museum Community to get to hear Phyllis Hansen speak on one of our favorite subjects, the Genius Orpha Klinker. It will also be a chance for us to get to know the wonderful people of the San Fernando Valley Historical Society better. And, it you haven't visited the Andreas Pico Adobe, you are in for a REAL TREAT.
To keep our carbon footprints to a minimum, I think we should arrange for car pools. Jerry

ART/ SOCIAL STATEMENT/ VANDALISM ?

Art has many purposes, among which is to provoke social awareness and response. Is this grizzly outline in an alley between shops on the Sunset Strip art? For the store keepers, it might be shocking graffiti or to pop artists a great public statement. When I took this photograph in the 1990s, many people who saw me simply glanced at the image in the alley and quickly walked away.

Your Museum collects photographs and artifacts related to contemporary history and art. When our headquarters becomes a reality, we'll be vigorously adding work done in the 21st century to our collections.

ART MATTERS
YOU MATTER
A great Museum of history and culture in the San Fernando Valley MATTERS!

WHAT CONSTITUTES VALLEY CULTURE?

Photo by Gerald Fecht early 1990s

No, this is not some sort of weather phenomena but rather good old fashioned toilet paper. I haven't seen much of this in the last decade, but knowing kids, I suspect it still goes on. Was "t.p.ing" a sign of respect, admiration or contempt? Whatever, it is a part of the social history of the San Fernando Valley.
Your Museum has an on-going interest in the contemporary and popular culture of the Valley. What are your thoughts?

MUSEUM BOARD MEETING TOMORROW NIGHT

The Monthly Board Meeting of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will take place on Wednesday January 30th.

Location: Lankershim Arts Center
5108 Lankershim Boulevard
North Hollywood (NoHo Arts District)

Time: 6:30 PM until 8 PM

PS You can walk to the Center from the Orange Line or the Red Line

GARY FREDBURG VICE PRESIDENT THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Photo by Gerald Fecht - 2007
A special note of thanks to Gary Fredburg, vice president of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley for his continuing efforts to bring about a great Museum of history and culture for the San Fernando Valley. In addition to his responsibilities as a Museum officer, Gary adds regularly to our collections of historic documents and postcards.
Thanks Gary!

THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BELONGS TO ZOE STEVENS

Because Zoe Danielle Stevens' present and future are the responsibility of the Museum Community, we are working hard to bring about a great Museum of history and culture for this Studio City girl. And, all of the boys and girls of the greater San Fernando Valley!
A great Museum doesn't just wish summers of happiness and sunshine for the Zoes of our city, but works tirelessly to make their world a better and more enjoyable place in which to live.
Contact your Museum today, to lend your ideas and energy to our cause.

LISA BIANCONI - A SAN FERNANDO VALLEY STAR

Lisa Bianconi, Editor, Visual Arts Fan greets the Museum Community at Lankershim Arts Center. Lisa also is a tour leader for NoHo Arts Tours.
On the wall behind Lisa are featured the art works of Christopher Nolasco.

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF THE MUSEUM THIS WEDNESDAY

The Historic Lankershim Arts Center - 2008

The Monthly Board Meeting of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will take place on Wednesday January 30th.

Location: Lankershim Arts Center
5108 Lankershim Boulevard
North Hollywood (NoHo Arts District)

Time: 6:30 PM until 8 PM

PS You can walk to the Center from the Orange Line or the Red Line.

JUST IN CASE YOU FORGET WHY WE LOVE THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Southern California is one of the few Mediterranean climates in the world. These photos taken for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley were taken on Saturday January 26, 2008, from the balcony of the home of Rania Pallad and Willard Simms.

These photos are looking toward the North and East of the San Fernando Valley.

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

REMINDER BOARD MEETING WEDNESDAY AT 6:30 PM

Rania Pallad working at home - 2008
Rania Pallad, Treasurer of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley works on updating Federal 501c3 papers for the Museum Community. The table covering was made by her great grandmother in Greece.


Crochet and macrame were chiefly women's art before the modern era. Such practical arts were related to the knots made in fishing nets, and were an outgrowth of a seafaring culture.

SEARCHING FOR PRIVATE CUSIMANO - SAN FERNANDO VALLEY VETERAN

Clipping from Mexico Ledger Newspaper - 1945 - Invasion of Iwo Jima - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Many San Fernando Valley servicemen took part in the invasion of Iwo Jima during World War II. Your Museum collects and preserves their histories.
By 1945, America was strong enough in the South Pacific that news was coming out war zones with greater frequency and less censorship. Families across America followed the participation of their sons and daughters on the battlefield. Many, like Dorothy Fetterhoff kept scrapbooks (now rapidly disintegrating due to age and acid saturated newsprint). Dorothy saved this clipping from the Mexico Ledger Newspaper on February 20, 1945.
Among the US. Marines on Iwo Jima were two young Marines both about 20 years old. One, Private Jimmie Fecht's story and artifacts are being processed and reported regularly on this blog.
A second Marine, Private Anthony Cusimano witnessed with Jimmie the raising of the immortalized flag on Mount Suribachi. An account of Tony's time on Iwo Jima was the subject of an account in the Daily News some years ago. Unfortunately he too is now deceased. But, the Daily News carried his photograph in front of a Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima poster. Dr. Glenn Lawlor alerted us to Anthony Cusimano. We'd like to know more about him and his story.
War Cartoon by Dorman H. Smith - 1945 - Mexico Ledger

THE WORLD'S LARGEST OLIVE MILL - IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Historic Olive Oil Production in the San Fernando Valley
This morning, while I was visiting my allergy doctor Glenn Lawlor, we discussed the historical black walnut and olive orchards of the San Fernando Valley. Descendants of orchards planted in the 1880s-90s, still impact lives throughout the Valley especially where allergies are concerned. Dr. Lawlor mentioned that the world's largest olive mill once existed in Sylmar. Here's what I discovered about it.

The first Roman Catholic missionaries to settle in the San Fernando Valley were members of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), better known as Franciscans. They had a strong tradition of planting gardens and orchards. Typically they carried bags of seeds, scattering them as they traveled. The beautiful European mustard flowers throughout California are an example of this practice.

Shortly after establishing the Mission San Fernando Rey, the Franciscan padres arranged for olive trees to be shipped north from Mexico. The Valley proved to be ideal for olive cultivation and the groundwork for an industry was born.
By the end of the next century American entrepreneurs began exploring the agricultural potential of the San Fernando Valley. Olive trees still thriving after a 100 years, convinced a group of Illinois businessmen that they could make a fortune raising olives. In 1890, they purchased 2,000 acres and went to work.

In 1910, an olive farmers agricultural cooperative, called the Los Angeles Olive Growers Association, was established. Chinese workers were brought in for cheap labor. The Association built the largest olive-processing mill in the world. At its peak, the mill produced 800 gallons of oil a day. The mill was located at the corner of San Fernando Road and Roxford Street. Two buildings from this industry made it into the 21st century.

Olive trees are today scattered around the San Fernando Valley. Since few of our residents take on the picking and curing of the fruit, they are chiefly recognized as the messy nemesis of gardeners. And, they send patients to Dr. Lawlor and his colleagues.

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

THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY - WHERE THE ARTS ARE MADE.

Pastel of Robert O'Brien by Orpha Klinker - 22 December 1943

Today, while I visited one of the San Fernando Valley's most important art spaces, the NoHo Gallery LA, the dynamic Lisa Bianconi referred to the San Fernando Valley as not just a place where arts are displayed, but the place "where the arts are made." One need go any further than the credits of any Valley-made film or television program to get the picture of why our Valley is heart and soul of the creative capital of the world.
I can't think of anyone who lives or works in the San Fernando Valley who is anymore than ONE degree of separation from someone who works in the entertainment industry.
The arts capture ideas and emotions and transmit them from their creators to the world. Our Museum understands that preserving and nurturing the process of "creative transmission" is our solemn responsibility. A great Museum community recognizes that the arts can transmit feelings and thoughts beyond the span of ordinary lives. Nothing exemplifies our role better than our advisor Phyllis Hansen's project to let the world know about the great California artist, Orpha Klinker.
Here, we seen the image of Robert O'Brien, an American serviceman during World War II. He is no doubt gone by now, part of the generation of warriors now disappearing at the rate of 1000 a day. But, Robert O'Brien's life is honored and remembered in art - the art of the great Orpha Klinker.

JAN. 2008 - BOARD MEETING - THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Garden Door - The Schindler House - Photo for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht - 2008

The Monthly Board Meeting of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will take place on Wednesday January 30th.

Location: Lankershim Arts Center
5108 Lankershim Boulevard
North Hollywood (NoHo Arts District)

Time: 6:30 PM until 8 PM

Major Topics: Saving the Weddington House for North Hollywood, Establishment of The Museum's Endowment Fund, and the Town Hall Forum in Northridge on February 15th.

One of the most important architects of the 20th century was Austrian-born Rudolph Schindler. Fortunately, the San Fernando Valley has several structures designed by Schindler, now considered one of the most significant architectural innovators of his era.
In the next few months, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will use this journal-blog site to tell more about Schindler and his contributions to our lives in Southern California.

MUSEUM PREPARES FOR TOWN HALL EVENT

Sheet Music Illustrated by Orpha Klinker - Collection of Phyllis Hansen - 2008

On February 15th, your Museum will host a town hall forum about the future of a Museum Federation for the San Fernando Valley. The Museum's mission includes the provision of a variety of services to other history and culture organizations in the Valley. The town hall forum allows the community to tell their Museum what kinds of services they expect us to aim for.

ORPHA KLINKER SKETCH BOOK - THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Unknown Man - Orpha Klinker Sketch Book - Collection of Phyllis Hansen - 2008

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Orpha Klinker files and archive are growing rapidly. So much information on the life and times of this very important California artist is arriving that we have created: !) Timeline of Orpha Klinker's life, 2) Index of Orpha's work, associates, activities etc. and 3) Bibliography of Orpha related materials.

PASTELS BY ORPHA KLINKER

Hazel Klinker - Pastel by Orpha Klinker
Hazel Klinker was the sister of California artist Orpha Klinker. Hazel changed her name to Hazelle and was on several occasions the subject of her sister's talent.
James R. Porter USMC
During the second World War, Orpha Klinker did many images of American servicemen and women. This image of the young Marine James R. Porter was done on September 20, 1943.

ORPHA KLINKER MYSTERIES CONTINUE FOR THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Ruisa Marris - Pastel by Orpha Klinker - 1935

This pastel is dated July 16, 1935. I believe the name of the person is Ruisa Marris.
Orpha Klinker's subjects varied from friends to public personalities.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is building a reference Index on all known materials on the life and works of the California artist Orpha Klinker.

ORPHA KLINKER PASTEL OF MARY FRANKLIN CREATES ANOTHER PUZZLE

Who was the Mary Franklin in this pastel by the great California artist Orpha Klinker? Images offered to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley create important challenges. We not only study the artist but the persons she portrayed. Our first lead on the mystery of Mary Franklin's story is that she arrived in Los Angeles on June 1, 1853. Mary may have been a librarian.

ORPHA KLINKER SMALL CAMEO DRAWINGS

Among the many treasures of Orpha Klinker's art are the little window illustrations used in newspaper ads.

ORPHA KLINKER FASHION CLIPPING

The drawings done by Orpha Klinker for fashion advertising are not only important statements about her art, but also an insight into the fashion choices of her era.

Among the most delightful works done by Orpha Klinker are small drawings and etchings that she produced for newspaper advertising.

ORPHA KLINKER WAR ART PRESENTS MANY QUESTIONS

Pastel of American Sailor by Orpha Klinker c. 1943

We have just added this image of a pastel done by Orpha Klinker c. 1943. We're hoping that one of Orpha's admirers will be able to give us the inscription at the bottom on the work, and a lead about its location.
Orpha Klinker was not only a major California artist, but a woman of great patriotism. This sailor's portrait is among many works she did to support American troops during World War II.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOARD MEMBER MICHAEL STEVENS

California Oil Wells - Postcard in the Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - Gift of Gary Fredburg 2007

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
to Board Member MICHAEL STEVENS
from the Museum Community.

HISTORIC CAMPO DE CAHUENGA TABLE

Re-enactment 2008 - Campo de Cahuenga - Photo by Gerald Fecht - Historic Table at the end of Campo ruins.
Interior of Drawer - Campo Table - Photo by Phyllis Hansen 2008
Drawer of Historic Campo de Cahuenga Table = Photo by Phyllis Hansen

With the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga, the United States of America fulfilled its people's dream of "Manifest Destiny". Here at the border between North Hollywood and Studio City, California, American became a nation extending from sea to shining sea. The table on which the agreement was signed is used here during the 2008 re-enactment celebration. At its 150th anniversary, an interior drawer was signed by then President of the Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association, Guy Weddington McCleary, television personality Huell Howser and many others.

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

WHY WORK TO SAVE HISTORICAL SITES - LIKE CAMPO DE CAHUENGA.

Gulbranson Grandchildren - Photo by Phyllis Hansen - Campo de Cahuenga Re-enactment Day - 2008
It may be many years before the grandchildren of Jim and Kathy Gulbranson come to fully understand why their grandfather worked so hard to preserve San Fernando Valley history and historic Campo de Cahuenga. But, for the time being, watching them frolic under the El Camino Real bell, put up here by the visionary Mrs. Armitage Forbes, is meaning enough. Mrs. Forbes and her friends worked to save the Campo for generations to come, and Jim Gulbranson worked in her footsteps for the same purpose.
What a tribute to Jim Gulbanson's memory!
Guy Weddington McCreary, Kathy Gulbranson and Diane McCreary stand by the cannon transport, celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga.

HISTORY IS CELEBRATED WITH AN HISTORIC OCCASION

Re-enactor of Union Officer - Ruins of the Campo de Cahuenga - 2008
Bill Howard - Campo de Cahuenga 2008 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Alfred Cota - Campo de Cahuenga Re-enactment 2008-

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

RICHARD BOGY RECEIVES CITY PROCLAMATION FROM COUNCILMAN TOM LA BONGE

Bogy and La Bonge - Campo de Cahuenga Re-enactment 2008 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Where the history of the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles is concerned, City Councilman Tom LaBonge is a champion. Here Tom LaBonge presents Campo de Cahuenga Board Member, Richard Bogy with a special city proclamation honoring the re-enactment of the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga.

DAVID WEIDNER PORTRAYS HISTORICAL AUGUSTO OLVERA AT CAMPO DE CAHUENGA

David Weidener at Campo de Cahuenga Re-enactment 2008 - photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Among the many re-enactors of Treaty of Cahuenga this last Sunday was David Weidner of Tarzana, California. David portrayed the famous Los Angeles personage Augusto Olvera.

ALBERTO DEL REAL CELEBRATES HIS HERITAGE AT CAMPO DE CAHEUNGA

Alberto del Real - Re-enactor - Campo de Cahuenga 2008 - photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley


Alberto del Real lives in Montebello. He was among the many historical re-enactors participating in the Fiesta del Cahuenga, the Re-Enactment of the treaty signing that made California part of the United States. Alberto is a coordinator for the Community Center Theatre in Whittier.

CAMPO DE CAHUENGA RE-ENACTMENT IS A BIG SUCCESS!

Robert Smith from Wilmington joins in the celebration of the Re-enactment of the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga.

Carolina Russek at Campo de Cahuenga Re-enactment 2008
- Photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Professional dance teacher Carolina Russek is a direct descendant of the famous California Pico Family. A Pasadena resident, Ms. Russek teaches Spanish and Mexican dance at Saint Ferdinand Catholic School in San Fernando. Students of Ms. Russek performed at the great Campo de Caheunga re-enactment this last Sunday.

SAVE FEB. 15 FOR MUSEUM TOWN HALL MEETING

Transportation Corridor Mural by Wooster in North Hollywood's NoHo Arts District.

SAVE FEBRUARY 15th FOR TOWN HALL MEETING
Plans are underway for the first great Town Hall Meeting of The Museum Community.
Visit your Museum blog for further details coming soon.

ENCINO WIENER FACTORY BECOMES PART OF SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

Hot Dog Fans at the closing of the Wiener Factory - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

Shel Weisbach's last purchase at the Wiener Factory December 31, 2007.
Photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Being Part of History - A dad brings his son to the last day of the Wiener Factory. - Photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

DON'T MISS CAMPO DE CAHUENGA'S BIG RE-ENACTMENT THIS SUNDAY

The 2008 Re-enactment Event is scheduled for Sunday, January 13, in the courtyard of the Campo de Cahuenga.
1-2:30 p.m.

Authentic Uniform Re-enactment * Howitzer Cannon Fire * Fiesta Dancing * Memorial Wreath Dedication * Native Daughters' Famous $2 Taco Bar

Time-travel back to 1847 for this momentous Living History event. Witness the proceedings "in the moment" in the surroundings of the very place where General Andres Pico and Lt. Colonel John C. Fremont placed their signatures on the document ending hostilities and bringing peace with honor between the American forces and Californios under Mexican Rule. Imagine the future, as Manifest Destiny was realized, California quickly gained statehood and all local peoples united as fellow Americans because of this momentous signing. On this spot, Butterfield Stage Coaches would soon stop, Civil War soldiers would later encamp and subsequent generations would have a front row seat for a burgeoning entertainment industry.

PLANNING THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY'S FUTURE

Bob's Good Earth Real Estate Brochure - gift of Gary Fredburg 2008 - Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Your Museum is now engaged in both long term and immediate planning. You can help.
The following are budget priorities for a physical Museum headquarters. What is your opinion?

operational offices
meeting spaces
offices
staffing
storage facilities
expenses & responsibilities
• Rent
• Utilities
electricity and water
heating & air conditioning
telephones
computers & internet
hardware & software
mail & postal box
• Security & Fire Prevention
• Office Furniture
photo copier / scanner
• Insurance
• Cleaning equipment / supplies / services
• Pest Control
• Repairs
• Guest Amenities - coffee etc.
• Transport

PAUL DENNISTON FEATURED IN PULITZER PRIZE WINNING PLAY "WIT"

From january 11th through February 16th, 2008, the exciting young actor Paul Denniston will be featured in Margaret Edson's Pulitzer Prize winning masterpiece play WIT. Starring Karesa McElheny, WIT is brought to the San Fernando Valley by
The Production Company 12443 Chandler Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91607

"A dazzling and humane play that you will remember till your dying day." NY Magazine

Call for tickets 1-800-838-3006 310-869-7546

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM Sundays at 3 PM