ROBERT RIVERA BELOVED LA VALLEY TEACHER

Robert Rivera - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

As the Phi Delta Psi Fraternity was entering its second year, a student Rowland LoBianco and his speech teacher Bob Rivera became friends. Bob, who was a devoted Sigma Alpha Epsion alumnus from the University of Southern California, became interested in his students' effort to build a "real" Fraternity at Los Angeles Valley and Pierce Colleges. Though it was likely against school rules, he became the de-facto advisor of the local fraternity. He was instrumental in Phi Delta Psi's California State University Northridge Gamma Chapter's decision to affiliate with SAE.
After his retirement from Valley College, Bob became a speech teacher at LaVerne University, where he assisted in creating a chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon on that campus.
Because of his influence many Phi Delta Psi Brothers joined SAE at USC.
Many of Bob's students from Valley College entered the film and television industries.

VANDALS SET FIRE TO HISTORIC HOUSES

Historic houses at San Dieguito - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

My wife Janne, along with two great friends, and I regularly explore the gardens, historic sites and museums of Southern California. Our adventures have taken us from the poppy fields of the Mojave to the Latin American Art Museum in Long Beach. We are poster children for California "in-tourism". Our most recent exploration took us to the San Elijo Lagoon Preserve in San Diego County. The new nature center at the lagoon is a paragon of "green" thinking and construction. I came away with dozens of ideas for future sites for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. (A fence of recycled re-bar protects the wonderful structure while celebrating the native tule' reeds that are vital to the health of the lagoon.)
After our morning at San Elijo, our friend and lagoon-docent, Elizabeth Venrick took us to yet another terrific experience, the San Dieguito Heritage Museum.
The San Dieguito Heritage Museum is a perfect example of an emerging community-based museum. With its rustic facade and inviting interior, its hard to image that the main museum structure is composed of two surplus classroom trailers. The museum has a simple but meaningful collection of historic artifacts, models, and good photographs. Best of all, it is blessed with really good docents. Two great displays were made by nearby university students who obviously related to the area's histories of surfing and skate boarding.
Outside the museum, two volunteers were cooking lima beans for us visitors. The property of the museum was once one of the largest lima bean growing areas in the United States. Those folks were so nice, they made me wish that I could find lima beans eatable.
Sadly, there was a profound lesson for those of us seeking to preserve the historic Weddington House in North Hollywood. There are two structures in the above photo. Having just visited green San Elijo center, I assumed that someone was instralling sky lights. I was wrong!
Uninhabited and unsecured, the houses were recently set afire by two young girls. You'll have to watch Cops to figure out their motives, but whatever reason, the houses could have been lost forever in the blinking of an eye!
Irrespective if The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is chosen to be the stewards of the Weddington House, our Museum community needs to urge all parties to protect the old Weddington structure and to get it secured in North Hollywood Park as soon as possible. Those aren't skylights!

WILD GOOSE CHASES

2009 - The Year of Valley History
San Fernando Cathedral School. Gift of Gary Fredburg to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Busy with administrative problems of bringing about a great Museum for the San Fernando Valley, I don't have much time to pursue my love of a good history puzzle. But, in the case of the San Fernando Cathedral School, I just had to play detective.
Gary Fredburg gave his Museum an historic postcard of the school and triggered a mystery.
Was the city of San Fernando ever the "chair" of a Catholic bishop? (The word "cathedral" comes from the Latin word "cathdra" or chair - the "seat" of a bishop.) Was there a San Fernando Cathedral School? Was there a cathedral in Los Angeles named for the sainted husband of Isabella of Spain? Is there gold buried in the Cahuenga Pass? ------ Whoa! One mystery at a time.
Who wants to take on the mantle of Museum Detective on this case?

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

"HIDDEN IN PLAIN SITES" TOUR - THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

"If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development."
Aristotle - founder of the first museum in the western world.

THE "HIDDEN IN PLAIN SITES" TOUR

On Saturday May 9, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. the Museum of the San Fernando Valley is conducting a special North Hollywood Historic Walking Tour. (See details below)

The first 20 people to sign up for the May 9th tour, will receive a complimentary pass to the 5th Annual Old Fashioned Pancake Breakfast being held that morning at Fire Station #86 down the street at
4305 Vineland, just north of the 101 Freeway.
So, have a great breakfast and walk it off in North Hollywood!


The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is dedicated to revealing the historic and artistic riches we travel past everyday and may never realize are there. To paraphrase Aristotle: “Knowing where we came from and how we got where we are, serves to inform us in creating a better future.”

Join us in discovering this rich neighborhood!

DATE: Saturday, May 9, 2009
TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
MEET: North Hollywood Park
(Tujunga Ave. at Magnolia Blvd. - Amelia Earhart Statue)
PRICE: $10.00
LENGTH: 2.5 hours
PARKING: On-street (Tujunga Ave. or Magnolia Blvd.)

If you planning on joining us, please email us at: NoHoTours@aol.com.
Tell us you are coming and how many in your party. Walk-ups accepted.

For further information, call: (818) 909-4729
Thank you to the Universal City/North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for your support.

CELLA GALLERY'S BIG SUCCESS!

Taken a look at the stock market lately? Interesting that fine art purchased at the depths of the Great Depression in the 1930s, proved to be a better long term investment than stocks and bonds of the era. Fine art, such as that featured this month at Cella Gallery in the NoHo Arts District, not only offers a terrific investment, but will delight your senses as it increases in value.
Artist Jude Griebel 2009 - Cella Gallery - Achieves of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - photo by Gerald Fecht (click on image to enlarge)
Jude Griebel calls his important new art series on display at Cella Gallery, Brand New Superstitions.
McKinzie Alexander and Shannon Holmes - Cella Gallery - Achieves of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - photo by Gerald Fecht (click on image to enlarge)
Successful gallery owners McKinzie Alexander and Shannon Holmes at the opening of their latest show, featuring the works of Rimi Yang and Jude Griebel April 2009. Works by Rimi Yang, from her Hidden Images series, are seen behind Alexander and Holmes.
Cella Gallery - Achieves of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - photo by Gerald Fecht (click on image to enlarge)
Cella Art Gallery is on the No Ho historic tour of The Museum of the San Fernando Valle

HODY'S DRIVE IN - VAN NUYS, CALIFORNIA

Hody's Drive In Restaurant 1967 - vintage postcard given to the archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2009. (click on image to enlarge)

In the year 2000, Van Horn, Iowa had a population of 216 people. I wonder how many people it had when R&S wrote this post card featuring Hody's Restaurant on the corner of Sepulveda and Victory in Van Nuys in 1967? On a good night, the Van Nuys Drive In Theater would have had more than 216 people in its audience?
San Fernando - July 11, 1967 Sat. PM
Hi, Arrive there about 12:30 PM. Wonderful weather all the way. Had lunch at Betty's.
My glasses just fell into in Las Vegas at nose piece. Had to buy new frames. Hot today. Love R&S"

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY CONNECTIONS TO LA's ANGELS FLIGHT

2009 - The Year of Valley Histroy
Angels Flight historic site - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Throughout California familiar El Camino Real bells mark historic places and the romantic Highway of the King of Spain. One such bell hangs at the entrance of the beloved Angels Flight. The Red Line Metro will take you from North Hollywood within a few yards of the world famous funicular (due to reopen very soon now.) Downtown Los Angeles is loaded with connections to the San Fernando Valley and Angles Flight is an excellent example.
First, one should remember the feisty Mrs. Armitage Forbes who along with the great artist Orpha Klinker and others fought to preserve dozens of historic sites across California. And, one of the most effective devices to capture the attention and support for the preservation of California's adobes and missions were the classic El Camino Real bells. One of these early activists' headquarters was the historic Campo de Cahuenga in North Hollywood.
Angeles Flight, which opened in 1901 was closed when the development of Bunker Hill began. And, once reopened it was closed again due to the death of a tourist on the tiny railway. At long last, under the direction of San Fernando-based Pueblo Contracting Services, the historic railway is due to be opened soon. Pacoima-raised Severyn Aszkenazy and his wife Marth Diaz are the owners of Pueblo Construction. They also own the Valley's oldest news paper, The San Fernando Valley Sun.


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

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO FIESTA 1939 - LEO CARILLO?

2009 - The Year of Valley History
City of San Fernando Fiesta 1939 - photo gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2009 (click on image to enlarge)
I think the rider looking back toward the left is the great Leo Carillo. What's you opinion.
Your Museum is seeking a City of San Fernando history representative to assist us to learn more and more about the Valley's oldest city. Interested? Call: 1 (818) 347-9665

NO HO HISTORY WALKING TOUR - MAY 9th

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Year Book - San Fernando Valley Women's Bowing Association - Official Averages Sept. 1, 1956 to May 1, 1957 - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

The third walking tour of North Hollywood's historic district will be held on May 9th. The public is cordially invited to participate in the event. Under the direction of Valley historian and member of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Board of Directors Richard Hilton, the tour will be about 2 hours and 25 minutes in length. Beginning at 10 am at the Amelia Earhart statue in North Hollywood Park (NW corner of Tujunga and Magnolia), the much loved walk will end near several great cafes and eateries.
Donations are $10 per person and free to members of The Museum.
Number of participants is limited and reservations needed.
Contact
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 1 (818) 347-9665
or jerry@anchoreducation.com

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

AN ORPHA KLINKER REMINDER

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Orpha Klinker in a Plumed Hat - Collection of Phyllis Hansen - digital image in the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 - (click on image to enlarge)
Seeing the wonderful Orpha Klinker paintings and prints in the collection of Richard Bogy last evening, reminded me that it's high time The Museum reminds the world why our Museum Community is so interested in this great California artist. Here's a great photo image from the collection of Phyllis Hansen of Orpha.


Interested in becoming involved in America's future? Act locally by contacting your Museum to discover ways you can help bring about a great Museum for the entire San Fernando Valley. Museum's are oasis of informal education. Help us teach children Valley history and culture. Call 1 (818) 347-9665 today.

PHYLLIS HANSEN OFFERS AN IMPORTANT MOTTO

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Entrance Gate - Studio City - Tujunga Village - Photo by Jerry Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. (click on image to enlarge)

"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
Antoine Saint Exupery
French aviator and poet.



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

CELLA GALLERY - IMPORTANT OPENING - APRIL 25th

By now, most of us in The Museum Community are aware of the terrific commercial art gallery called Cella in the NoHo Arts District. Here's an opening we shouldn't miss! Works by Jude Griebel and Rimi Yang.

The wonderful work of Rimi Yang (click on image to enlarge)

Jude Griebel - Cella Gallery 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Cella Gallery
5229 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601
www.cellagallery.com 213-291-7908 info@cellagallery.com

Opening Reception Jude Griebel & Rimi Yang
Saturday, April 25th, 7 - 11 pm

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

BIG BAR B Q COMING UP IN CALABASAS

(click on image to enlarge)

MUSEUM BOARD MEETS THIS WEDNESDAY - APRIL 22

Removed Tarzana Dental Office Exterior Mural 2009 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley - (click on image to enlarge)

The Board of Directors and Board of Advisors of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will meet on
Wednesday 22, April, 2009
Executive Committee: 5 PM until 6 PM Full Board Meeting: 6 PM until 8 PM
Where?
Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley Building
5121 Van Nuys Blvd # 200 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Information: 1 (818) 347-9665

Removed Tarzana Dental Office Exterior Mural 2009 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley - (click on image to enlarge)

Removed Tarzana Dental Office Exterior Mural 2009 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley - (click on image to enlarge)

The dental office murals were done by Kobi Amar Design - 1 (323) 445-1996

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

DENTAL OFFICE MURALS DISAPPEAR

Teeth and Tooth Brush 2009 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. (click on image to enlarge)

When I see a new public mural or mural sign, I try to photograph it right away! There a zillions of reasons why murals disappear; the weather, inferior paint and vandalism are just a few. But, one of the biggest adversaries of public art is the law. Often murals are put up with no thought about municipal or community codes. So, down the art comes - no matter how significant.
I suspect the great dental office murals on Ventura Boulevard, just east of Reseda on the South side of the street, were the victim of ordinances. Too bad, because they were important statements of pop art.


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

HIGH TEA IN THE JUNGLE - SWING ON BY!

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Wall of Tarzan at the Tarzana Community and Cultural Center- 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Tarzana Community & Cultural Center Presents
High Tea in the Jungle

Join us for our 4th annual Mother's Day High Tea & Fashion Show
Saturday May 2 at 2:00pm
$35.00
Shop the many Boutiques, unique Gift Baskets and Silent Auction
Reservations 818.705.1286 Limited Seating

ON THE LOOKOUT FOR BEAUTY IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Tujunga Village / Studio City - Spanish architecture home April 2009 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (2009) (click on image to enlarge)
We hope you are enjoying checking this blog to watch your Museum's progress. Capturing the history of our Valley, not only entails the preservation of artifacts and documents from the past, but documenting our lives in the present. Four years ago I began regular walks through Valley neighborhoods and made carrying a digital camera a habit.
Last week I met with Elizabeth Morin and Richard Hilton to discuss the formation of an all-Valley Gallery of notables. We shared great coffee at the Aroma Cafe (4300 block of Tujunga Avenue) and had little cups of chocolate at the Gelato Bar next door. On the way back to my car (I parked on a side street so that I wouldn't have to worry about the 1-hour tickets on Tujunga) I encountered this breath-taking home. - Another Valley morning filled with treasures!


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

TIME HAS COME FOR AN ALL-VALLEY HERITAGE CONFERENCE

San Diego Commemorative Bell - collection of the Tarzana Historical Museum 2009 - photo in the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

More and more the need for an all-San Fernando Valley Heritage Conference has become apparent! From protecting our collections from theft or neglect, to the writing of collective grants, or just getting the Valley's fair share of support from foundations and government agencies -the time for a united Valley Heritage Alliance is at hand.
This bronze casting of a San Diego Commemorative bell, in the collection of the Tarzana Historical Museum, is a small but good example of why our Valley museums and historical groups need to know what their neighbors are doing. Campo de Caheunga, founded by Mrs. A.S.C. Armitage Forbes, is not only the birthplace of modern California but also the home the historic El Camino Real bells. A loan from the Tarzana Historical Museum to the Campo de Caheunga of the San Diego bell could be an interesting and valuable addition when the Campo produces its upcoming exhibit on the life and times of Mrs. Forbes.


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

TARZANA HISTORY MUSEUM PREPARES TARZAN COMICS EXHIBIT

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Tarzan The Terrible -collection of the Tarzana Historical Museum - photo in the Archive of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 (click on image to enlarge)
At long last the Tarzana Historical Museum (Tarzana Community Center) will soon be open for a splendid adventure into the mind of Edgar Rice Burroughs through his beloved jungle characters.

Tarzan, Jane and Boy - poster in the collection of the Tarzana Historical Museum - photo in the Archive of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Tarzan Escapes - collection of the Tarzana Historical Museum - photo in the Archive of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

OPENING DAY AT DODGER STADIUM

Opening Day at Dodger Stadium April 2009 - Photo by Jerry Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
Opening fireworks greet fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers on opening day.
In the words of the great Tom LaBonge, "Enjoy and love the great city of Los Angeles!"


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

Interested in being a sports historian or collector for your Museum? Give us a telephone call at 1 (818) 347-9665.

CHILD'S PRAYER BOOK AT EASTER - PACOIMA 1948

Pray Always - copyright 1936 - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 by Gerald Fecht (click on image to enlarge)

Children in Catholic families, in the 1940s and 50s, were often given miniature prayer books at the time of their First Communion. Jerry Fecht brought this book of prayers and instructions with him from Everett, Washington. He used it during Sunday Masses at Saint Ferdinand's Church in San Fernando, when he was in the 4th grade.
In 1948, Jerry lived with his parents and older sister in a one-car, unfinished garage at 10607 Tamarack Street in Pacoima.
(click on image to enlarge) Religion Committee of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

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

CHARLES AND MARY FORMAN FOUNDERS OF TOLUCA LAKE

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Charles and Mary Forman - Founders of Toluca Lake by Richard Bogy

Charles Forman owned a country ranch that comprised a great deal of present-day Toluca Lake , and – in 1892 – he offered the first petition for a local U S Post Office (located in the parlor of the Weddington house) for what he called the town of “ Toluca ”. That was the first known reference to the “ Toluca ” name in the region. A recent discovery in the attic rafters of the Weddington house was an 1890’s shipping crate addressed to the “Weddington Brothers General Store” in “Toluca, California ”. In that same 1892 year land magnate Lankershim petitioned the Santa Fe railroad to build a train station close to the Toluca Post Office and to name it the ‘Lankershim Station”. As if to correct a “mistake” the railroad commissioned a locomotive “Toluca Flyer” in 1901.

General Forman died in 1919, a year after Mary. They had two children survive to adulthood, including Charles Jr. (who sold sections of the ranch property after his father’s death). One daughter, Lillie, died several days after her first birthday.

Forman had his ranch house at the large intersection of Forman Avenue and Toluca Lake Avenue. A barn stood slightly south-east of the house (on the site of the future Bing Crosby home) and an adobe packing shed was a bit father south east – near to present Navajo Avenue. The packing shed is said to still exist today as the “skeleton” of a home built around it. Forman Avenue south from Riverside Drive was the ranch driveway.

Although the General and Mary often spent relaxation time at the Toluca Ranch they maintained a grand mansion near the intersection of Pico and Figueroa (present day convention center - next to the 40-acre ranch of Horace Bell - early settler, member of the famous vigilante posse of Col Hope known as the “Rangers”, early LA publisher of the “porcupine” and author of what is believed to be the first book about Los Angeles history that was published in Los Angeles – “Reminiscences of a Ranger”). The General had just finished building what was said to be the grandest home in his native Virginia City, Nevada , when he met and married Mary on a business trip to Los Angeles. He so loved the house that he had built Nevada that he had it disassembled and shipped to Los Angeles, where it was rebuilt on the Pico site. Mary was of original Spanish stock and her family owned the Rancho La Puente. The Forman mansion on Pico was said to be one of the social centers of early Los Angeles, and the site of many lavish parties.

Mary Forman - A founder of Toluca Lake - digital image courtesy of Richard Bogy - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Charles Forman - A founder of Toluca Lake - digital image courtesy of Richard Bogy - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

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

MORE CIVIL WAR TREASURES

The San Fernando Valley is filled with memories of the American Civil War.

"This was taken Nov. 24th, 1915. The church was dedicated Nove. 30th, 1876 on Thanksgiving Day.
This is the school house where we sent to school and in which we enlisted in 1861 for the war.
The school house was built some time in 1847 or 1848 - no one living seems to know. The auto is Paul W. Hatches. The house Wm. Tripps. James S. Hatch."

(click on image to enlarge)
The house of William Tripps is at the far left. The school house is in the center of the photo and the church to the right in the foreground.
Since James E. Moss grow to manhood in Little Rock, Kendall County, Illinois - this photo is likely from that area of Illinois.
I believe the writer James S. Hatch was one of the Three Jims of Civil War fame.
Jerry Fecht

HAPPY EASTER TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Vintage Easter postcard - digital photo - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Fred Berk 2008 (click on image to enlarge)
Greetings to The Museum Community.
Here's hoping that you all had a happy and safe Easter. My blog wouldn't open, so I'm just now able to post on our historic postcard.
I fixed a big Easter dinner for my family. Ham, sweet potatoes, baked squash, green beans, yeast rolls, salad and fruit salad. Yesterday, I was forced to watch Orlando Hudson complete the first "cycle" (home run, triple, double and single) in a Dodger game for over 40 years. Opening Day at the Dodgers! Living in the San Fernando Valley! Working to bring about The Museum of the San Fernando Valley! Song birds nesting on my Tarzana patio! Spring is here!
The good life.

HAPPY PASSOVER TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Booklet on Kosher Cooking - Ralphs Market 2009 - (click on image to enlarge)

Here's wishing Jewish families and individuals of the San Fernando Valley a Happy Passover.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley collects, archives and exhibits artifacts and documents related to Jewish history in California.



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

NOMINATIONS FOR BOARD OFFICES OF THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Sheet Music for Bing Crosby "San Fernando Valley My Home" Gift to the Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Nominations are now due for officers of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Send them to Jerry Fecht or Gary Fredburg asap.

I was thrilled today when I wiped out the Links section for this blog.
And, naturally, I didn't have it backed up. Ole'

MUSEUM MEETS ON APRIL 22

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Ramona Lemon Label - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2009 (click on image to enlarge)
The Board of Directors and Board of Advisors of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will meet on
Wednesday 22, April, 2009
Executive Committee: 5 PM until 6 PM
Full Board Meeting: 6 PM until 8 PM

Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley Building
5121 Van Nuys Blvd # 200 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Information: 1 (818) 347-9665

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

MURALS AT LAKE BALBOA GASOLINE STATION

If you have a digital camera, take it along with you and send your images in jpg format to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Give us permission, and we might use them on this blog and our approaching website.
(I can't find the names of the mural painters featured in this posting but will add them as "comments" soon.)
The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

Lady Bug (detail) Murals at Victory Boulevard Gasoline Station - Lake Balboa 2009 - photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
Crested Crane - (detail) Murals at Victory Boulevard Gasoline Station - Lake Balboa 2009 - photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
Caterpillar (detail) Murals at Victory Boulevard Gasoline Station - Lake Balboa 2009 - photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
Butterfly (detail) Murals at Victory Boulevard Gasoline Station - Lake Balboa 2009 - photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
Be a part of San Fernando Valley history and culture. Call 1 (818) 347-9665 today and ask how you can join the Museum Community in your neighborhood.

FIRST MUSEUM MEETING DEDICATION GOES TO JOHN BWARIE

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Van Nuys Drive In Theater c. 1948 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2009. (click on image to enlarge).
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Board of Directors has a simple way of thanking those men and women who make special contributions to the history and culture of our communities, we dedicated our monthly meetings in their honor. Fittingly the first person to be honored in our minutes is John Bwarie.
Because of John's hard work and dedication to Los Angeles and Valley history, L.A. Heritage Day was a huge success. Thanks John for all you do for us.

In the 1940s and 50s, one of the hottest night time places to be in the San Fernando Valley was the Van Nuys Drive In Theater. The film "On An Island With You" gives us a great clue to when this photograph was taken. The movie featuring Ester Williams and Peter Lawford was released in 1948.

THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SERVES SHERMAN OAKS CALIFORNIA

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Los Angeles Times Magazine February 4, 1990 - gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 1990 (click on image to enlarge)

"Mid-Century L.A. - O, Happy Days - Red Cards! Luaus! Clifton's Cafeteria, Hi Ice Cream Cones, Hot Rods! Crusing! And all of the other things that made life swell!"
Photo on cover: Sherman Oaks, 1957. A new neighborhood is born."

Your Museum community believes a community with a population of over 53,000 deserves a great Museum of history and culture. Studio City came about just about the time the great Los Angeles Aqueduct was completed in 1913. One of the owners of the L.A. Suburban Homes Company, "General" Moses Hazeltine Sherman named much of the area after himself.

Support your Museum. Become a part of San Fernando Valley history. Volunteer to be your community's Museum chairperson.
1 - (818) 347-9665

GO TO SEE THIS RIGHT AWAY!!!

Lake Balboa in Anthony Beilenson Park - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 (click on image to enlarge) Photos by Jerry Fecht
How often do I order you folks around? Well this week is an exception. Tax season or not, you must take a half hour to go to the San Fernando Valley's Beilenson Park (formerly Balboa Park) and see the Japanese Cherry Trees in bloom! Hurry, the blooms are in their final days for the season.
Take the Orange Line to Balboa Park, walk a couple of short blocks into the park and visit Lake Balboa.

Cherry Trees in bloom in Beilenson Park.

CALIFORNIA'S LIVING NEW DEAL PROJECT

California’s Living New Deal Project Needs Your Help!

California’s Living New Deal Project needs local experts' help to reveal the impact of the New Deal on Southern California. The project, launched last year, needs information & images related to WPA projects constructed in L.A.
From their site:
"In order to identify New Deal projects in local communities we are asking interested historical societies, libraries, museums, and individual citizens to help provide information. If you know of a New Deal project in your community please complete [this form].

Once your information is received, we will confirm the project and conduct further research if necessary. Once the New Deal project is verified it will be added to the California’s Living New Deal Project website map."
About California’s Living New Deal Project:

California’s Living New Deal Project is a collaborative venture documenting and interpreting the impact of New Deal programs on the State. We invite you to join the California Historical Society, the California Studies Center, and U.C.Berkeley's Institute for Research on Labor and Employment Library in identifying and discussing these indispensable public buildings and sites. Through this rediscovery, we will explore the history of the New Deal and consider timeless questions of civics in a living democracy.

contact: http://livingnewdeal.berkeley.edu/involved.html

DIVORCED IN LA BLOG MAKES A NOTE ABOUT THE MUSEUM

Here's a note from the Blog "Divorced in LA"

"San Fernando Valley is forming a network of historical societies which plans to have plaques on each historical spot with a phone number you can call from your mobile phone and hear stories about the property you are looking at. As the man said, "like the blue plaques around London." I have always wondered why LA doesn't have blue plaques like that on all of its historical sites."

THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY PREPARES FOR THE 100th BIRTHDAY OF NORTHRIDGE

Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the San Fernando Valley community of Northridge. A great centennial takes lots of good old-fashion elbow grease and lots of historical research. That's why were are getting started now.
If you love history, care about the present and want a better tomorrow, now is the time to contact your Museum to be a part of the MSFV's Northridge Heritage Committee.

Telephone your Museum at: 1 - (818) 347-9665
or e-mail the Museum at gfecht@sbcglobal.net

BUDWEISER - A MAJOR PART OF VALLEY HISTORY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

In the early 1950s, the Anheuser-Busch Company's decision to build a major brewery in the San Fernando Valley created a major boost to the economy of the Valley and Southern California. Hundreds of construction workers and business suppliers shared in the infusion of over $20,000,000.
Budweiser Plant - vintage postcard - Gift of Gary Fredburg 2009 - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

In 1952 popular beers in America were still being made, very much, in European traditions. Companies like Budweiser prided themselves, not only on the quality of their products, but a sense of "family" among their workers.
border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319830669470147138" /> Budweiser Brewing Building - vintage postcard - Gift of Gary Fredburg 2009 - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

One of the great traditions of German breweries was the presence of nearby beer gardens. The sports complex next to the Budweiser plant in Saint Louis, Missouri is an example of that tradition. Busch Gardens next to the San Fernando Valley brewery became a major landmark in Los Angeles and remained such until the end of the 1970s. Old timers in the north Valley still tell stories of visits to their backyards of exotic birds on holiday from Busch Gardens.

Busch Gardens - vintage postcard - Gift of Gary Fredburg 2009 - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

Fred Berk, Librarian of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, wants to remind you to donate your vintage postcards of the San Fernando Valley (or, allow The Museum to scan and utilize your collection). Call 1 (818) 347-9665

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