SAN FERNANDO VALLEY CHAPTER, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ACCOUNTANTS - 1966

CSUN Income Tax Seminar brochure 1966 - Gift from Gary Fredburg to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2008 (click on image to enlarge)
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley collects artifacts and information about Valley businesses and industries. The Museum seeks artifacts concerning the development of the greater Valley's professions.

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Center of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

THE FIRST REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT AND THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

From"La Reina - Los Angeles in Three Centuries" - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg - 2008 - (click on image to enlarge)

Often referred to in the Western history of the United States as "The Great Pathfinder", John Charles Freemont is one of the most colorful and important historic personages in the history of the San Fernando Valley.
In 1846, while a Lieutenant Colonel in the American Army, John Freemont became a major figure in the Mexican-American War. Assigned to the United State Mounted Rifles, he was ordered by his commander Commodore Robert F. Stockton to head a military force to bring Southern California under American control. Freemont soon led 300 soldiers on an attack on the fortified city of Santa Barbara. The battle for Santa Barbara, during a fierce rainstorm, went a long way to create the legend of greatness for the young officer.
Shortly after his victory in Santa Barbara, Freemont marched into the pueblo of Los Angeles and secured the growing city for the United States of America. On January 13, 1847, in the San Fernando Valley, he accepted the capitulation of the Californiaño General Andres Pico at Campo de Cahuenga (today on Lankershim Boulevard just at entrance to the Universal Metro).
Because of Freemont's controversial appointment by Commodore Stockton as the military governor of California, it might be fairly stated that Lieutenant Colonel John Charles Freemont was the first American governor of the San Fernando Valley.
In part because of his fame from the Mexican American War and the culmination of "Manifest Destiny" where the 101 freeway enters the Cahuenga Pass, John C. Freemont became one the first two U.S. Senators from the new State of California. Later he became the first candidate of the newly formed Republican Party for President of the United States.

Your Museum collects artifacts and research information about the American Civil War, the Mexican-American War, the Capitulation at Campo de Cahuenga. We also collect political documents and memorabilia.
The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

CANDID SNAPSHOTS CAPTURE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

Interior of Harris Stage Coach - Photo by Phyllis Hansen - Oct 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

Street Scene of Harris Stage Coach - Photo by Phyllis Hansen - Oct 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

Phyllis Hansen, member of the Board of Directors of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley and of the Campo de Cahuenga, usually brings her trusty camera along to history-related events. Here she captured the interior of the Harris Stage Coach as it arrived in North Hollywood. In the second picture she asks us, "What do you suppose this guy is saying about what he is seeing to the person he is talking to on the telephone?

When you get a good picture of a San Fernando Valley or Southern California event, share it with your Museum.

MUSEUM COMMUNITY SUPPORTS VALLEY HISTORICAL EVENTS

Supporters of Stage Coach Event - Photo by Phyllis Hansen Oct. 2008 - (click on image to enlarge)
Your Museum Community is working hard to bring about a great Museum of history and culture for the entire San Fernando Valley. Among our goals is the building of support for historical re-enactment events throughout the Valley. Here Gary Fredburg (arms crossed) and Shel Weisbach (behind lady with the dog), Museum Board Members help out at the 150th Anniversary of the Butterfield Stage at Campo de Cahuenga.

MUSEUM MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29

Los Angeles Veterans of the Civil War - Postcard collection of Burnet Brown - 2008 (click on image to enlarge)
Many long-retired veterans of the American Civil War lived out their old age in Southern California. Veterans of the Union Army were eligible to live at the retirement center in Westwood. The Veterans Cemetery aside the 405 freeway at Wilshire Boulevard has many graves of Civil War soldiers.
Your Museum collects and preserves artifact and histories of Civil War veterans, especially those with connections to California.

MUSEUM MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY EVENING
The Board of Directors and Advisors of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley meet this Wednesday evening from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm at Lankershim Arts Center, North Hollywood.
Executive Committee meets from 5:30 until 6 pm. The regular meeting begins at 6 pm.
Visitors interested in San Fernando Valley history and culture are welcomed.

Jerry Fecht at Butterfield Stage Re-enactment Event

Jerry Fecht at Campo Stage Coach - 2008 - Photo by Phyllis Hansen (click on image to enlarge)
Museum of the San Fernando Valley President, Gerald Fecht shows visitor to Campo de Cahuenga the commemorative post cards celebrating the 150th anniversary of the beginning of Butterfield Stage Coach.

CONTACT YOUR MUSUEM

Mailing Address:
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21051 Ventura Boulevard - Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

Business Telephone:
(818) 609-1665

museumsfv@gmail.com

Gerald R. Fecht Ph.D. President
gfecht@sbcglobal.net

Michael Stevens Director of Development
michaelstevensz@yahoo.com


THE MUSEUM'S BLOG
http://museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

PIERCE COLLEGE BOTANIC GARDEN TREASURE

Pierce College Botanic Garden - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2008 (click on image to enlarge)
While visiting Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills last evening, I had the opportunity to visit the S. Mark Taper Foundation Life Science Botanic Garden. I have to confess that the garden's long title has intimidated me from earlier visits. But last night's visit won't be my last.
The botanic garden is only two years old, having been completed in 2007. It is a perfect example of how native drought-resistant plants can replace uninspiring and water guzzling lawns. And, the garden is a showcase for the San Fernando Valley of what can be accomplished by using regional plants.

Pierce College Botanic Garden - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

All of us who live and work in the Valley can take pride, not only in the wonderful botanic garden, but in the Pierce College commitment to bettering our environment. The progressive west Valley college is leading the way with solar generations, and a natural gas co-generation system. The whole college is alive with exciting environment friendly and supportive projects. With two Orange Line stations serving the campus, a visit to Pierce College should be high on all of our adventure lists.

Pierce College Botanic Garden - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

Pierce College Botanic Garden - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

Los Angeles Pierce College
6201 Winnetka Ave. Woodland Hills, CC 91371 Phone: 1 (818) 719-6401


The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Center of the World, deserves a great Museum

MOVIE STAR HORSES - FREE LECTURE AT WM. S. HART HALL

Hollywood at Hart
Wonder Horses that Built Hollywood
Saturday, November 1st 4:00 pm Hart Hall

America's first movie stars were horses, as author Deanne Stillman writes about in her acclaimed new book Mustang: The Saga of the Wild Horse in the American West. Join us for her talk about Hollywood horses, including Fritz, the beloved and celebrated partner of silent film star William S. Hart. The talk and book signing will be held in the William S. Hart Park ’s Hart Hall. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling 661-254-4584. FREE ADMISSION

Limited supply of Stillman’s latest book will be made available for $25. To pre-order Mustang: The Saga of the Wild Horse in the American West please contact the Hart Museum at 661-254-4584.

HUZZAH! THE STAGE COACH HAS ARRIVED!

Los Encinos State Historic Park 2008 - Crowd Greeting the arrival of the Harris Stage - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge) Spanish hoscienda in the background

Visitor Elsa Diaz Views Festivities at Los Encinos Historic Park 2008 - - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge). The olive tree in which Elsa sits was planted by the owners of the original Spanish rancho.

Stage Coach arrival at Los Encinos State Park 2008 - Background is the two story Basque Sheepherder Eugene Garnier's home. - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

Helen Baker, founder of the Tarzana Community Center Disembarks Stage Coach at Leonis Adobe. - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

150th ANNIVERSARY OF BUTTERFIELD STAGE - A HUGE VALLEY SUCCESS

Harris Stage Arrives at Campo de Cahuenga - Oct. 19 -2008 - Photo by Gerald Fecht - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

Los Angeles City Council Members Wendy Gruell and Tom LaBonge open celebration of the Butterfield Stage - Photo by Gerald Fecht - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

Stage Coach heads down El Camino Real 2008 - Photo by Gerald Fecht - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!
For the first time in generations, a great mule driven stage coach left El Campo de Cahuenga down El Camino Real (Ventura Boulevard) on Sunday October 19th, 2008. The event was a great success.

GET INVOLVED IN SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY TODAY

SAVING VALLEY HISTORY - CELEBRATING OUR CULTURE

History and its lessons don't flourish and survive without concern and involvement. These organizations are working hard for you and for future generations. Call them today to see how you can help their efforts.
Jerry Fecht - President The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY (serving the entire San Fernando Valley)
tel: (818) 347-9665 - The Museum of SFV.org

AUTRY MUSEUM OF WESTERN HERITAGE
tel: 323.667.2000 www.autry-museum.org/

BURBANK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
tel: (818) 841-6333 ghowardmuseum@sbcglobal.net

CALABASAS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
tel: (818) 347-0470

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY NORTHRIDGE
http://digital-library.csun.edu/SFV/

CAMPO DE CAHUENGA (Birthplace of California)
campodecahuenga.com

CANOGA PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
canoga1@pacbell.net tel: (818) 340-3696 or (818) 346-4317

CHATSWORTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
tel: (818) 882-5614 Chatsworth Historical Society

EAGLE ROCK VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (323) 226-1617

ENCINO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
16756 Moorpark Street Encino, CA 91436

GLENDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Doctor's House Museum
tel: 818-242-7447 mail@folar.org tghs@glendalehistorical.org

IMMIGRANT GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY (Burbank)
(818) 848-3122

JAPANESE GARDEN
http://www.thejapanesegarden.com Tel 818 756 8166

LEONIS ADOBE MUSEUM (Calabasas)
leonisadobemuseum.org

LITTLE LANDERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Sunland-Tujunga)
tel: 818) 352-3420

LOPEZ ADOBE
1100 Pico Street San Fernando CA 91340

LOS ANGELES CHILDREN'S MUSUEM (Hanson Dam)
http://www.childrensmuseumla.org

LOS ANGELES CONSERVANCY (serves all of Los Angeles)
Los Angeles Conservancy tel: (213) 623-2489

LOS ENCINOS STATE PARK (Historical Monument_
los-encinos.org - docents@los-encinos.org tel: 818-784-484

MISSION SAN FERNANDO REY DE ESPANA (Mission Hills)
msgrweber@archivalcenter.org tel: (818) 361-0186

NETHERCUT MUSEUM
http://www.nethercuttcollection.org/index2.html

OLD GRANADA HILLS RESIDENTS GROUP
davebeauvais@verizon.net

SAN FERNANDO MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY (City of San Fernando) www.sfmah.org

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
P.O. Box 3486 Winnetka CA 91396-3486

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORICAL SOC. (Andres Pico Abobe)
tel: 818 365-7810 http://www.sfvhs.com/

SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER AND MUSEUM
tel: (310) 440-4500 http://www.skirball.org/index.php

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
tel: (818) 843-7247 scgs@annex.com

STUDIO CITY HISTORY COMMITTEE
tel: (818) 509-0230 studiocityresidents.org/history.php

STUDIO CITY NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH 2.0 (history emphasis)
jeffrey.berk@sbcglobal.net

TARZANA HISTORICAL MUSEUM
mytarzana.org (Tarzana Community & Cultural Center)

TOPANGA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Tel: (310) 455-1969

TRAVEL TOWN TRANSPORTATION MUSUEM
tel: (323) 662-5874

VALLEY COLLEGE HISTORICAL MUSEUM (campus of LA Valley College)
781-1200 ext. 2373

WALT DISNEY'S BARN & CAROLWOOD PACIFIC ASSOCIATION
www.carolwood.org/WaltsBarn

WEST VALLEY MUSUEM (Woodland Hills Branch Library)
tel: (818) 992-6814

ASSOCIATED HISTORICAL SOCIETIES OF L.A. COUNTY Ahslac.org

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY TRANSIT ART

Metro Subway Mural by Anne Marie Karlsen - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2008 - Photo by Gerald Fecht (click on image to enlarge)
The growing subways and dedicated bus-ways of the Los Angeles Metro System are filled with great artistic surprises. Among these are the two great tile projects in the Universal City (Campo de Cahuenga) and North Hollywood (NoHo) Stations.
You can arrange for docent lead tours of the city's subways.
The North Hollywood Metro Station's design artist was James Doolin. The powerful tile murals above the entrance stairs and on the platforms was done by Anne Marie Karlsen. The murals were created to reflect the history of the NoHo District. They are appreciably bright and effective.

The San Fernando Valley deserves are a great Museum of art and culture, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World.

ADDRESS OF THE MUSEUM'S WEBSITE

Pig Mailbox Tarzana California 2008 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. (click on image to enlarge)

Hi
In the next few weeks your Museum will be putting our Website on line.
It will take a little while to get it really up and cooking, but like this blog, it will be regularly updated and hopefully improved. For a while the Website will have an "Under Construction" message. But that won't be for long. In the meanwhile, add the address to your address book. And, since the Website, like the Museum belongs to you, share your two-cents worth.

themuseumsfv.org

The San Fernando Valley, in the Heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

Oct. 29th MUSUEM BOARD MEETING

Tile Collage Art in the North Hollywood Subway Station Entrance - 2008 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

Don't forget to put the Board Meeting of your Museum on your Calendar.
Oct 29th at the Lankershim Arts Center
regular meeting begins at 6 pm.

BUTTERFIELD STAGE ON THE VALLEY'S HISTORIC EL CAMINO REAL

Stage Coaches Served the American West - Photo courtesy of Willard Simms 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge.

The Butterfield-Overland Stagecoach Rides Again!
Campo de Cahuenga Invites you to join the Sesquicentennial Ceremonies
Sunday, October 19, 2008.

Stagecoach embarks at 10 a.m.

Gather at the Campo “staging area” at 9:30 a.m. to be part of this 150th Anniversary and witness the re-enactment of the historic first ride of the first overland transcontinental mail service between St. Louis and Los Angeles in 1858.

The circa 1858 horse-drawn stagecoach departs from Campo de Cahuenga, an original Butterfield-Overland stage stop,
on a once-in-a-lifetime procession through the San Fernando Valley. More celebrations at three more stops along the 18.9 mile route.

Free admission
3919 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA
Details: www.campodecahuenga.com
Inquiries, Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association:
campodecahuenga1847@hotmail.com

Route:
Campo de Cahuenga Departs 10 a.m., west on Ventura Boulevard

Los Encinos State Historic Park Estimated Arrival 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Tarzana Community and Cultural Center Estimated Arrival 2:45-3:45 p.m.

Leonis Adobe, Calabasas Estimated Arrival 5:30 p.m.

A little Butterfield-Overland Stagecoach history:
On September 16, 1858, the first Butterfield-Overland Stagecoach left St. Louis, Missouri on its inaugural trip across the country to deliver the mail. Arriving at Campo de Cahuenga in the historic Cahuenga Pass on October 7 or 8, where it changed horses and departed for the Mission San Fernando 15 miles distant. This major feat heralded the first overland transcontinental mail service across the United States, an event that can be compared in significance to the advent of the internet today. Celebrations are taking place across the country to acknowledge the importance of stage lines in the 19th century.


You are invited to follow the stage on October 19 and celebrate at each of the four official events along the San Fernando Valley route.

PHILLIPE'S IS A 100 YEARS OLD TODAY!

Phillipe's French Dipped Sandwiches - Historic postcard collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Because of its religious affiliation, my Notre Dame High School speech and debate team had no public ally supported transportation to our competitions. My pals understood the importance in America of the strict separation of religion and the government, and actually valued the adventure and ingenuity that it took to get around the city. Most of us held after school jobs to pay for our participation in Brother John Duran's speech club.

By graduation, the speech club kids knew Los Angeles well, and naturally had found a dozen great places to eat. One of our favorite hang outs was just a block from Olvera Street, a French dipped sandwich joint with saw dust on the floor. Phillipe's was already 52 years old when for the first time I gasped for air after eating the restaurant's innocent-looking mustard. Early on, we learned that there are places intrinsic to being a true citizen of L.A., and Phillipe's is in the top 10.

Phillipe's opened its door 100 years ago today. Like all things truly L.A., the place had to move a couple of times before it settled down. Now, the birthplace of the original French dipped sandwich is located at 1001 North Alameda Street, a small block from Union Station. The original location is somewhere under a freeway overpass.

Phillipe's has long served a kaleidoscope of customers. The time of day has a lot to do with who's waiting in line for a turkey sandwich or homemade chili. Cops and nurses arrive bleary-eyed from their late night shifts, starving USC kids troop in after the "big game", and dressed up folks show up after performances at the Music Center. My friend Karen isn't allowed to come home to Agoura from a meeting downtown without Phillipe's beef sandwiches and HOT mustard for Big Al.

More than one visitor to Phillipe's has commented "If only these walls could talk." In actuality, they do! Take time to walk around the tables loaded with customers to see the timeworn photographs of circus trains, of old time film stars and treasures from our city's baseball history. Stand by the doorway and think of the homesick soldiers that bought coffee from here for a nickel and noted how the coleslaw was every bit as good as their mom's in Missouri. The only thing missing today is the distant steam whistles from departing Southern Pacific trains.

If its too crowded for you on the main floor, you can climb wooden stairs to rooms pressed into service for the truly hungry. In the 1950s there were old timers who told us school boys about those upper floors, and how the place had once been a "flop house" (a place of ill repute) hotel above a machine shop.

In 1927, the Binder brothers bought the restaurant from Phillipe himself and carefully preserved the quality and great taste of the food since. Ask the woman who serves you at the counter, how long she's been with the company and you will be amazed.

Happy birthday Phillipe's, you make our city a great place in which to live!

HISTORIC IMAGES OF JOHN FRANCIS POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL REVEALED

On Friday April 21, 1939, an article entitled "Poly Gets Its History In Art" was published on the front page of the Los Angeles Herald Express. The following images are from that piece.

Original Commercial High School Image - by Orpha Klinker 1939 - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

'These paintings telling the history of Polytechnic High School were presented to the school today as a memorial to the late John H. Francis, long principal. The paintings are by Orpha Klinker, a graduate. Polytechnic was the first commercial high school in the city." (LA Herald Examiner 1939)

Second Commercial High School Structure - Painting by Orpha Klinker 1939 - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
"This is a painting of the old Commercial High School built in 1900. The name of the school was changed to Polytechnic and technical courses added. The painting are being given to the school by the alumni association. This painting shows the third Poly High building, which was erected on Washington Boulevard and Hope street in 1905. Now the pillared main building and the old auditorium have been replaced with modern structures." (LA Herald Examiner 1939)

First Polytechnic High School Structure - Painting by Orpha Klinker 1939 - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

"This painting shows the third Poly High building, which was erected on Washington Boulevard and Hope street in 1905. Now the pillared main building and the old auditorium have been replaced with modern structures." This painting shows the third Poly High building, which was erected on Washington Boulevard and Hope street in 1905. Now the pillared main building and the old auditorium have been replaced with modern structures." (LA Herald Examiner 1939)

Second Polytechnic High School Structure - Painting by Orpha Klinker 1939 - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

As the 20th century approach, the city of Los Angeles established its first technical school dedicated to business. Called Commercial High, the school was located very near today's Music Center. The school remained in that location from 1897 until 1905, when it moved into a new location on the corners of Flower/Hope Street and Washington Boulevard, in the Civic Center.
In 1935, four years before Orpha Klinker made a gift of three important paintings of the school's historic buildings, the school was renamed John H. Francis Polytechnic High School after its founding principal. It is the city's second oldest high school. A bust of John Francis is kept at the entrance of the school's auditorium.
To meet the need for additional space , Poly High was relocated to its present location in 1955. Today John Francis Polytechnic High School covers 40 acres of land. It offers academic class and important vocational opportunities. The high school was badly damaged in both the Sylmar and Northridge earthquakes, but perhaps more so by cutbacks in support of commercial and vocational education. The civic leaders of Los Angeles in 1897 understood the importance to our community and nation of vocational education. Perhaps, it is time for us to revisit its value to our future.

John H. Francis Polytechnic High School
12431 Roscoe Boulevard Sun Valley, CA 91352
tel: (818) 394-3600 fax: (818) 771-0452

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley collects artifacts and information about John Francis Polytechnic High School and the life and times of the great California artist Orpha Klinker. Our thanks to Phyllis Hansen for sharing these materials.
The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

BUTTERFIELD STAGE EVENT SCHEDULE

The Butterfield-Overland Stagecoach
Rides Again!
Campo de Cahuenga
Invites you to join the
Sesquicentennial Ceremonies
Sunday, October 19, 2008.
Stagecoach embarks
at 10 a.m.

Gather at the Campo “staging area” at 9:30 a.m. to
be part of this 150th Anniversary
and witness the re-enactment of the historic first ride
of the first overland transcontinental mail service
between St. Louis and Los Angeles in 1858.

The circa 1858 horse-drawn stagecoach departs from
Campo de Cahuenga, an original Butterfield-Overland stage stop,
on a once-in-a-lifetime procession through the San Fernando Valley. More celebrations at three more stops along the 18.9 mile route.

Free admission
3919 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA
Details: www.campodecahuenga.com
Inquiries, Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association:
campodecahuenga1847@hotmail.com


Route:
Campo de Cahuenga Departs 10 a.m., west on Ventura Boulevard

Los Encinos State Historic Park Estimated Arrival 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Tarzana Community and Cultural Center Estimated Arrival 2:45-3:45 p.m.

Leonis Adobe, Calabasas Estimated Arrival 5:30 p.m.


A little Butterfield-Overland Stagecoach history:

On September 16, 1858, the first Butterfield-Overland Stagecoach left St. Louis, Missouri on its inaugural trip across the country to deliver the mail. Arriving at Campo de Cahuenga in the historic Cahuenga Pass on October 7 or 8, where it changed horses and departed for the Mission San Fernando 15 miles distant. This major feat heralded the first overland transcontinental mail service across the United States, an event that can be compared in significance to the advent of the internet today. Celebrations are taking place across the country to acknowledge the importance of stage lines in the 19th century.


Follow the Stage
You are invited to follow the stage on October 19 and celebrate at each of the four official events along the San Fernando Valley route.

THE GREAT BUTTERFIELD STAGE RE-ENACTMENT Oct 19th

Community to celebrate Butterfield / Overland Stagecoach

There was a new moon and a cold chill on that early morning in October 1858 as a single bugle call echoed from somewhere atop the Cahuenga Pass. It was about 3:40 a.m. on October 19, 1858 and those few who heard that horn could hardly imagine the importance of the event, for at that moment, on that day, in that month and year, the young State of California could finally know a genuine sense of “belonging” to the United States of America . With the crack of a whip and the pounding of hooves, the Butterfield Overland stagecoach had arrived, along with regular stagecoach service between St. Louis and California – and all points in between.

The tragedy of the Donner party (just eleven years before) still haunted the minds of many, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad was still eleven years in the future. The thought of a six to seven month land voyage by wagon train or a five month sea voyage to California left little doubt, there was no easy way to California . The trip was slow and difficult, and many travelers met their end along the trail. The Butterfield stage brought that era of sleepy isolation to a close. In about 23 days one could now travel by stage to St. Louis , where the railroad waited to whisk passengers to places east.

We invite you to bring your family and friends to join the Campo de Cahuenga as we recreate and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first Butterfield Overland Stagecoach. Welcome the coach and team as they arrive with special guest passengers, then learn about the rich history of the Butterfield, and the role of the Campo de Cahuenga in that history. Then help us send the coach on its way as it makes an 18 mile day-long journey along El Camino Real, with stops at Rancho Los Encino ( Los Encinos State Park ), the Tarzana Community Center and finally the Leonis Adobe for a grand fiesta.

Bring your family, your friends, and the kids as we remember and celebrate our rich past, and be a part of history as we make perhaps the last-ever horse drawn stagecoach run across the San Fernando Valley.