CLARETVILLE NOVITIATE IN CALABASAS

2009 The Year of Valley History

Immaculate Heart Novitiate - Calabasas - vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2009

Over my years in the San Fernando Valley, the Claretian Seminary in Calabasas has changed hands many times. We'll need a Calabasas expert to fill us in on the several organization who have called the property in Malibu Canyon their home. For some years people referred to the place as Claretville. It was in actuality a novitiate (training school) for the Claretian Order of the Roman Catholic Church.
This postcard in the Religion Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (Chaired by Liane Schirmer) shows the main chapel of the Immaculate Heart Novitiate. The Claretians were founded by Saint Antonio Maria Claret in 1849. Their initial work began as missionaries in Catalonia and the Canary Islands. San Antonio Claret became the Archbishop of Cuba and focused the order as missionaries in Spain and Latin America.
How and when the Claretians came to California and Calabasas isn't known by your Museum at this time.

EARLY DEVELOPERS OF THE NORTH SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Senator Charles Maclay - except photo from: A Daughter of the Snows “The Story of the Great San Fernando Valley)

Benjamin Porter - except photo from: A Daughter of the Snows “The Story of the Great San Fernando Valley)

George K. Porter - except photo from: A Daughter of the Snows “The Story of the Great San Fernando Valley)


except photo from: A Daughter of the Snows “The Story of the Great San Fernando Valley)

104 YEAR OLD TOLUCA, CA PHOTO BEGINS DETECTIVE WORK

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Johnathan Smith 1905 - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High July 2009 - refer to photo HC-78


This photograph of Johnathan Smith, taken 104 years ago at the Wesner Studios in Los Angeles, poses many questions. But, it answers a few as well. In this case, its identification as Toluca, California demonstrates that North Hollywood was still being called Toluca at the time. Unfortunately, at the present, we don't know who Johnathan Smith was. Let the detective work begin!

Henry Saberson Mystery on the Way to Being Solved

2009 - The Year of Valley History


Henry and the Baby (black & white photograph) - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009
Refer to photograph HC-76

The historic Weddington family of North Hollywood was from Buena Vista County, Iowa. This photograph, found in the High Collection, was simply identified as Henry Saberson and Baby. A search of Buena Vista County records revealed that Henry Saberson was a member of the Iowa State Legislature and....... that the State of Iowa has no photograph of our Henry.

Records of the Iowa State Legislature Henry Saberson
Iowa state representative for Buena Vista County, 10 January 1893 to 12 January 1896. (District 77 - Republican)
HENRY T. SABERSON "Honesty is the best policy" is the motto which the Hon. Henry T. Saberson of Buena Vista county has taken for his guidance through life. By following it strictly he has met with success and is now in a fairly prosperous condition so far as this world's goods are concerned.
He was born in Beloit, Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1833, and received his education in the schools of that town. His parents lived on a farm and he was brought up to that life. In 1875 he moved to Buena Vista county. Northern Iowa was then a wild, unbroken country.
In 1887, after thirty-five years at farming, he began mercantile life by opening up a hardware store at Alta (Iowa). The venture has been a success. Besides this he has gone into banking. In his township he has held all the various offices. For four years he was president of the Buena Vista Agricultural Society.
In all his relations in life he has endeavored by strict integrity to win the respect and confidence of those, with whom he has been associated, and to this fact he attributes much of his success. He is now cashier in the Alta branch of the Farmers Loan and Trust company of Sioux City. In politics he has always been a Republican, his first vote being cast for C. C. Washburn for governor of Wisconsin. He was elected to the Twenty-fourth General Assembly by a handsome majority, and returns to the Twenty-fifth with even better support, Mr. Saberson is married and has a family of four girls. They have a pleasant, happy and comfortable home at Alta.

IT'S TIME JUST TO SIT BACK AND LAUGH - JIM PIDDOCK PERFORMS

2009 - The Year of Valley History

One of the great things about living in the San Fernando Valley is sharing our community with men and women of enormous talents and skills. One of our neighbors is the terrific actor Jim Piddock who lives in Studio City.
Since Jim’s arrival in the United States in 1981, his career on the stage and in film has earned him the right to be called a genuine Star performer.

Besides being a success on and off-Broadway, Jim Piddock has important film roles to his credit, including: Lethal Weapon, Independence Day and The Seeker. My favorite of his comic performances was a dog show commentator in Best in Show.

Right now, Jim Piddock is performing in the very funny, An Evening Without Monty Python at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood.
In tough times like this, it is important just to sit back and laugh oneself silly. My wife Janne, friend Nancy and I loved the show.

Until October 4th www.tix.com

CHILDREN OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY AND VALLEY HISTORY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Art by Child - Sun Valley Youth Arts Center - 2009
Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

A few years ago, a gentleman from Boys Town in Nebraska gave me a little square message-pin that reads:
"When you help a child today, you write the history of tomorrow." I have have long kept the pin over my desk to remind me of one of our Museum's most important missions - the presentation of history and culture to San Fernando Valley children. The reality is that children, who have a sense of belonging to a place, show it greater respect and care. Children need to be recognized as individually important (some are willing to risk their lives and limbs to tag their names in public places). This isn't all that different from powerful people who have their names carved atop grand buildings.

The cool thing about museums, is that they can educate by experience, without the threat of tests or examinations. This makes out educational task more challenging, because we have to win children's interest on the merits of our work.
You are invited to become part of our Museum Community today. By being part of our movement, you can preserve the past, record the present and "write the history of tomorrow."

Your Museum's telephone number is 1 (818) 347-9665

RUINS OF HISTORIC CAMPO DE CAHUENGA IN GRAVE DANGER

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Miles Knudsen inspecting Abode Ruins of Campo de Cahuenga - Photo taken by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - September 2009.

One of the most important people working for the preservation of American and San Fernando Valley history is Miles Knudsen of Los Angeles. Miles is the Vice President and Librarian of one of the most important historical treasures in California, Campo de Cahuenga. It was at this location "manifest destiny" in the United States became a reality.
Knudson and his colleagues have been working tirelessly to renovate and re-open the museum at the site of the ruins of the original Campo.

Long only marginally protected, the original adobe ruins of Campo de Cahuenga were exposed during the construction of the Red Line subway adjacent to the site. A protective material (white) was put over the precious walls. Unfortunately that coating is failing, due to moisture rising from the ground.

In the above photograph, the ruins of the original Campo are examined by Miles Knudsen. While the cracks in the white covering, exposing the original abode, might look for a set on the campus of Universal Studios across Lankershim Boulevard, they actually are alarm bell, signaling the permanent loss of the adobe structure.

Fragments of the original roof tiles of Campo de Cahuenge - Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

On a recent walking tour of downtown Santa Monica, our very informed guide Winston Chappell pointed out that the sand-blasting done to clean up painted surfaces of old brick buildings may be responsible for the brick literally melting away. He commented that in the process of firing brick a protective coating emerges at the surface. Exposed to sunlight, the surface hardens even more. Sand blasting exposes the bricks' interior and erosion follows.
Campo's abobe bricks are now facing a similar fate. With their protective coating gone, they face a destiny of simply vanishing.

Interested in helping to preserve Campo de Cahunega for today's and future generations? Visit Campo's website at
www.campodecahuenga.com
Or, leave a message for Miles Knudsen at 1 (818) 763-7651


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

RICHARD HILTON REPRESENTS MUSEUM ON NORTHRIDGE 100 COMMITTEE

2009 The Year of Valley History

San Fernando Valley State College - historic postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg - 2009

This coming year the community we now call Northridge will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Richard Hilton, Director of Museum Tour Programs will represent The Museum on the centennial's history committee. Your Museum is dedicated to preservation, protection and exhibition of history in all the communities of the greater San Fernando Valley.

San Fernando Valley College was opened in 1958. In 1972, the institution's name was changed to California State University Northridge.



Support your Museum Community today. Call 1 818) 347-9665 and get involved. Preserve Valley History Now.

WILLIAM ANDREWS KEY FIGURE IN EARLY SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

2009 - The Year of Valley History


William Andrews

A few months ago, Guy Weddington McCreary mentioned in passing that the Andrews and Anderson photographs found in the historic David High collection, were involved in the layout of North Hollywood (Lankershim/Toluca) and Burbank. The recent gift of "A Daughter of the Snows" (Story of the Great San Fernando Valley) confirms Guy's comment.
On page 12 the little history published in 1923 states:
"The historic boom of the 80s made its inroad into the grain fields of the "solid south" as well, for the same year that the Maclay and George K. Porter ranches were put up for subdivison a large section of the south side of the Valley, too, was lost forever to wheat culture.
The Lankershim Land and Water Company bought the eastern 12,000 acres of the great Los Angeles Farm and Milling Company Ranch, and diving it up into farmed that ranged in size from one to 250 acres and in price from $5 to $150 per acre, put it on the market under the direction of W. H. Andrews.
The land was one of the seven divisional ranches into which the sellers had divided their great domain for convenience and economy of operation, and was always known as the Lankershim Ranch. The next ranch to it was known as the Sheep Ranch, whose houses and barns stood up to the Fall of 1923. Next to it was the Kester, followed by the Home, Patton, West and Workman Ranches, taking their names for the most part from the name of the superintendent in charge.
Mr. Andrews had a force of 120 Chinamen and 200 mules to cut roads through the brush and stubble of the Lankershim Ranch. He used this same force in laying out the new town of Burbank also. Those were historic days!"

William Andrews was married to Mary "Mollie" Weddington, the sister of Sheriff Wilson Weddington of Storm Lake Iowa. During the winter of 1890, the Andrews invited their relatives to spend the winter in warm Southern California. The Weddingtons came and saw real opportunity in the San Fernando Valley. That same winter, William Andrews conducted a land auction for the Lankershim Land and Water Company, and the Weddingtons made their first big purchase of Valley land.

Note: Many historical organizations skip over information that today is politically awkward. The use of Chinese labor to clear Valley lands is one such example. Great questions deserve to be answered, if we are to amass a genuine record of our past. If you are interested in this and other issues of history, contact your Museum today.

1 (818) 347-9665

FIRST PURE BRED DOGS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Hammond Davis and his family and dogs - Davis Album page 12 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Jack Davis Founding Family of North Hollywood - Davis Album page 12 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Jack Davis of Lankershim, California.


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

INSIGHT INTO YOUR MUSEUM'S PROTECTION OF HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS

2009 - The Year of Valley History

When your Museum gets a public office and exhibit space, we'll approach our local colleges, universities and volunteer organizations for volunteers to work on important historical preservation projects such as our recently acquired collection of photographs from David High. Numbering, scanning, photographing, cleaning, storing and in some cases displaying photographs and artifacts is a big (and we are planning on) a never-ending job. Cataloguing and alerting other historical organizations will someday be a full time supervisory job.

Right now, I am cleaning, scanning and protecting the photos from the High Collection. I'm working on photo 74. Every time one of these images in touched, many of which are over 100 years old, a bent corner or fragment of cardboard matting has the chance of breaking off. (Just ask our Board Member, Phyllis Hansen, what it is like handling old news clippings - some of which almost evaporate when touched.) The High Collection's images are being separated and placed in protective sleeves. In the future they were be exposed only under the most careful of circumstances.

Scanning an historic photograph and subjecting the copy to enhancements can help folks identify peoples, places and things without dealing with the original.
Here's a mystery man, likely standing in front of his farm. We hope it was taken in the San Fernando Valley. Jerry

Farm House Photograph - Given to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High - July 2009 refer to photo HC-68 (click on image to enlarge)
This is the condition of the image as it is today.


First manipulation of the image - removing from the viewer, the matting.


The Mystery house as seen in black and white


The photograph with additional manipulation.


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

VALLEY CYCLISTS c 1895

2009 The Year of Valley History

This photograph of two cyclists, from the David High Collection, is bady faded and has considerable damage. It is so fragile that it will be removed from its protective sleeve very seldom. I thought at first that it might have been taken in England and part of the things brought to Lankershim / North Hollywood around 1895.
Faded Cyclists Photograph, given to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High July 2009 - (click on image to enlarge)

Faded Cyclists Photograph manipulated and resized, given to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High July 2009 - (click on image to enlarge)

By changing this photograph from a faded sepia image to black and white, interesting details are revealed. The palm tree and cactus indicate strongly that this photograph was taken in Southern California. (It is my guess that the two men are members of the historic Davis family of Lankershim / Toluca / North Hollywood.

CAMPO DE CAHUENGA EXHIBIT PREPARATION BY FRED BERK MUSEUM LIBRARIAN

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Last spring Fred Berk, Librarian of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley prepared a special historic postcard exhibit for The Museum's participation in LA Heritage Day at Heritage Square. It was so well received that he expanded the exhibit and has taken it on-the-road. (You may recall that one of The Museum's missions is to get history to all parts of the greater San Fernando Valley.) For a month a variation of the exhibit has been in the entry of the West Valley Regional Library in Northridge.
Now Fred is at it again! This time, he's working on a special San Fernando Valley historic postcard exhibit for the re-opening of Campo de Cahuenga.
Campo de Cahuenga, which can lay claim to being the birthplace of California, will reopen for its acclaimed re-enactment in November and permanently shortly thereafter.

Robert Taylor - Northridge Estates - historic postcard given to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2008.

Film and television actor, Robert Taylor owned two homes in Northridge, California. The first was his own property, and the second he owned with his actress wife Barbara Stanwick. 2010 - A Century of Northridge History

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHAPEL NORTH HOLLYWOOD

2009 - The Year of Valley History

The First Presbyterian Church of North Hollywood - vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht - 2009

"The First Presbyterian Church of North Hollywood - 5000 Colfax Avenue, North Hollywood, California. The Chapel, show here, is used for small weddings and each Sunday for Junior church services. This is the center of the youth program."

Liane Schirmer is the chair of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's committee to preserve Valley religious history and culture. You can support Liane and her committee by sending The Museum the history of your place of worship. You can specify that your financial contributions be used for the preservation of Valley religious history.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Boulevard Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY MYSTERY PHOTOGRAPHS PROJECT

2009 - The Year of Valley History

In a short time, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will have an interactive website on-line. One section of the site will be a place for "Unknown Pictures". The following three photographs, in the Archives of The Museum, are examples of our quest to attach names and places to our historic images. These photos are from the David High Collection.

Unknown wedding party - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009- refer to photo HC 65

Unknown girl - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009- refer to photo HC 64
This beautiful young girl is wearing a small watch at her neckline.

Unknown group photograph - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009- refer to photo HC 63
The only thing known at this time about this photograph is the number of the address 128 - Wow! Just as I was putting this photograph into a protective plastic sleeve, I notices that there is lettering on the front right window. I magnified it and discovered: Francis C. Ferry M (likely MD). This will be fun!

MYSTERY PHOTO FROM THE HIGH COLLECTION

2009 The Year of Valley History

Ok mystery lovers, how about beginning to put the puzzle pieces together on this automotive photograph from the High Collection. We could start with an identification of the model of automobile, and where it was made.
It appears that the driver took this photograph, since his seat behind the wheel is empty (likely a male, since all of the females are properly seated in the rear seat) - Refer to photograph HC-66



Unknown car, passengers and location - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High July 2009

MICHAEL WHITE ADOBE IN IMMEDIATE PERIL!

Our Museum Community recognizes that schools and colleges have a primary responsibility to serve the needs and the constituencies for which they are created. But, it is outrageous when folks in the school-business or college-business fail to protect historical treasures or structures that they own. Where "public" schools, colleges and parks are concerned, it is important for institutions to understand that the people are the ultimate owners. At best school and college officials, even the boards that govern them are simply to be responsible stewards of historical artifacts.
Faced with the compulsion to sell or tear down historic treasures, school officials have a first responsibility to transfer ownership to those who are in the museum-business or conservation-business. Authorities at San Marino High School have an ethical responsibility to deed the 164 year old Michael White Adobe to a responsible museum community and to insure that the public has access to it.

--------------------

Piece of San Marino history a victim of the times

164-year-old Michael White Adobe on the high school campus is barricaded as a hazard. Moving or restoring it is estimated at $1 million. The budget crisis makes demolishing it the most likely ending.
By Corina Knoll
September 22 2009
Which way to the Michael White Adobe?

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-outthere22-2009sep22,0,7530908.story

HELP US SAVE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

2009 The Year of Valley History

Beautiful Reseda Park - vintage postcard - Gift by Gerald Fecht to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

There are many simple ways to help build the collections and Library of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
Besides being on the lookout for historic postcards of the Valley, we also need modern cards representing Valley communities.
Your Museum collects postcards because they give glimpses into the life and times of our communities. They tell the world what we (and visitors) think is important about where we live and work.
Years ago, photographs of people and homes were commonly printed on postcards. If cards have been mailed, we can often retrieve the year and place from where it was mailed. If we are lucky messages may be included. If you enjoy garage and estate sales, be on the lookout for snippets of Valley life, such as: report cards, yearbooks, photographs, maps, menus, business and Chamber of Commerce brochures, autographs, matchbook covers, political memorabilia, and event programs.
1 (818) 347-9665 SAVE VALLEY HISTORY 1 (818) 347-9665 SAVE VALLEY HISTORY

LA VALLEY COLLEGE MUSEUM HOLDS OPEN HOUSE

Please join us for refreshments at the LAVC Historical Museum Open House on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 2 pm. Exhibits are also availble for viewing including the Voices of Valley Veterans (sponsored by the California Council for the Humanities), Thirsty Valley (sponsored by the Metroplitan Water District), and Mr. Whitsett's Office.

Please RSVP to (818) 947-2373 or carpenb@lavc.edu.

Bill Carpenter
LAVC Historical Museum

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Free Admission
Location: Bungalow 15 & 16 adjacent to Burbank Blvd.
(see attached link of Valley College Map)
Parking: Available on Lot H

Please RSVP to Bill Carpenter at (818) 947-2373 or email at carpenb@lavc.edu

SNOW ABOVE THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY - JUST DREAMING!

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Fabulous San Fernando Valley - vintage postcard - 1975 - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht - 2009

One of the exciting parts about working to bring about a great Museum of history and culture for the greater San Fernando Valley is meeting people with a genuine interest in our historical heritage. At the recent paper and postcard show in Glendale, I had just found this charming postcard from 1975 of snow on the San Gabriel Mountains. I was marveling at the message side of the card, that had detailed information about a woman named Luisa who was sending to "Cinema Concurso 34" at KMEX TV Channel in Hollywood, her address, telephone number and social security number..... wow! I wondered how much identity theft went on in the mid- '70s? I bought the postcard for a dollar and put it in a bag with other little treasures in The Museum's Library.
Just then, Gary Fredburg (Secretary of The Museum) introduced me to Barry O. Balin, a resident of Woodland Hills. Mr. Balin, I discovered is an historical archivist with a significant interest in San Fernando Valley history. As I was leaving, I told Barry the same thing I have told many of you, "Now you have your very own Museum."

BING CROSBY AND THE ROMANCE OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY 1942

2009 The Year of Valley History

Historic Bing Crosby postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2009
Bing Crosby Residence Toluca Lake – 1942 (postcard)
“Greetings from Hollywood”

Los Angeles June 13, ‘42
Dear Miss Thelma. I was glad to get a card from you indeed. Yes, I will be glad to exchange cards with you, being you are such a lovely young lady with brown eyes. I have brown eyes too, and I am a bachelor and more than twice your age. I operate gum and peanut machines, and I also work some in the movies as an extra. (blurred) Frank B. H--- 433 Hill Street.”

JERRY FECHT RECALLS SEMINARY LIFE

2009 The Year of Valley History

Our Lady Queen of Angeles Catholic Seminary 1977 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2009

Several interesting things happen when one works to bring about a Museum of history and culture. First is a sense of one's sure fired lack of immortality. The second is an honest realization that what is throughly modern today is tomorrow's invitation to an antique store.
I discovered this post card while visiting a paper artifacts / historic postcard show at the Glendale Auditorium this last Saturday.
I spent a full year of my childhood within the confines of this seminary. Since my folks lived in Omaha Nebraska, I was never allowed to leave the grounds, unless I was a guest at another student's Los Angeles area home. I grew to despise the place. Just above my dormitory bed was a very large hall-way type alarm bell, that went off every morning about 5:30. And, girls were on another planet. It had a magnificent Spanish altar now in the Cathedral downtown.
I came to Los Angeles alone shortly after I turned 13, interestingly on a Grayhound Bus filled with Utah Mormons returning from a pilgrimage to Navoo, Illinois. One fellow showed me around the Temple grounds in Salt Lake City. I was impressed, especially wit the seagull monument.
My brother Jimmy and his family greeted me at the downtown Grayhound terminal and drove me to Saint John's Minor Seminary on 3rd and Detroit Streets in Hollywood. Despite 3 or 4 weeks of massive homesickness, I learned to love Hollywood and sneaked away (through an unlocked basement door in the gym) to wander the city. I especially liked the Jewish people I encountered. A buddy Giles Clark, also an out-of-state student, commented that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, would have loved Canters - I know we did.
With the wonderful Red Cars in operation, I went just about everywhere that I could - and still get back to the seminary before morning wakeup.
Then life changed. The seminary moved to the Mission San Fernando. The food was better, but the confinement unbearable. I left the seminary, telling my parents that I would come back to Omaha, Nebraska in the fall. That gave me a whole summer to bum around the city. I love Los Angeles and especially the San Fernando Valley to this day.
Sleeping on beach, staying with friends, what a summer! My parents discovered that I wasn't living at the school and moved immediately to California. The next fall, I was enrolled at Notre Dame High in Sherman Oaks - got a job, bought a suspect Chevy, and discovered that something called Rock and Roll had arrived while I was learning Gregorian Chant.

Our Lady Queen of Angeles Catholic Minor Seminary (message side of the postcard)
Notes 13 October 1977 postmark
c/o Cafeteria Staff, Fleming Jr. High School, 25425 Walnut Street, Lomita, Calif. 90717
return address: OLQA PO Box 1071, San Fernando Valley Calif. 91541
“Hi everyone. Thought I’d write and say hello. This is my school. I really like it a lot. Don’t know when I’ll be able to see you all. I send my love. Don’t work to hard.” Love Sebastian (little smiley face symbol)

Seminary of Our Lady Queen of Angeles located adjacent to the Old Mission San Fernando California. This seminary accommodates the high school division of the twelve year program of studies and training for young men aspiring to the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

SPHYNX ROCK IN CHATSWORTH

2009 The Year of Valley History

In a short time, Phyllis Hansen and Michael Stevens of your Museum's Board will have our first interactive website on line. This vintage postcard of Sphynx Rock and other images featured in this blog will be included with hundreds more stories and objects from the Archives of The Museum. Fortunately, because we are not as yet burdened with physical site expenses, contributions (even small ones) can really facilitate our progress. If you would like to support the website or help us secure artifacts such as Sphynx Rock, contact us today 1 (818) 347-9665 or mail your tax deductible support to:
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Sphynx Rock Chatsworth Park Canyon - vintage postcard in the Archives of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley - gift of Gerald Fecht September 2009

Detail of Sphynx Rock Chatsworth Park Canyon - vintage postcard

OCTOBER A TIME OF MYSTERY IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

All Hallows Tree at the home of Janne and Jerry Fecht in Tarzana.

JOHNNY WHITAKER CHILD ACTOR FROM THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

The San Fernando Valley is and has been the home of thousands of child actors. While most are or have been Extras, some went on to major careers in entertainment. Many, like Johnny Whitaker, were successful as children but for a variety of reasons did not continue as adult performers.

Photo from the program for The Odessy of Runyon Jones - Program is a grift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2009
In the program, Johnny Whitaker's biography reads
"At the age of twelve, Johnny is already a veteran performer. He made his professional debut in a TV commercial at the age of 3 1/2 and has been busy ever since. His most recent film credits are Walt Disney's Snowball Express, and the new feature film, Tom Sawyer. Johnny also appeared in Disney's The Biscuit Eater and Napoleon and Samantha, as well as in The Russians are Coming. Television viewers know him as Jody in Family Affair."
Johnny Whitaker graduated from Sylmar High School. He was born in Van Nuys on December 13th, 1953. He graduated from BYU in communications and has not worked as a performer since that time.

The program for The Odessy of Runyon Jones - Program is a grift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2009

If you have an interest in entertainment history and the San Fernando Valley, we'd like to hear from you.
Our telephone number is 1 (818) 347-9665

MATTHEW GERRED JOINS THE MUSEUM COMMUNITY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Glendale California "Home of Your Dreams" promotional brochure of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce - 1954 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2009


A warm welcomes Matthew Gerred of North Hollywood / Burbank to the Museum Community. Matthew is a graduate of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks and holds a Bachelors degree from California State University Northridge. His parents and grandparents are long time Valley residents, and Matthew has an abiding interest in our history. Matthew, a member of the San Fernando Valley Jaycees, is a political fund raiser by profession.


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

KIRBY PRINGLE WELCOMED BY THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

San Fernando Road, Burbank, California - vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2009

Kirby Pringle has returned to Southern California after completing his graduate studies at Loyola University Chicago. The young historian is a graduate of California State University Northridge, where he participated in CSUN's fabulous digital on-line historical library. Kirby has an interest in the San Fernando Valley's influences over Country and Western music. (If you have information you wish to share with Kirbry, contact your Museum at 1 (818) 347-9665

"New, modern shops on Burbank's main thoroughfare, constantly increasing with Burbank;s fabulous growth"

SHERRY SONNETT DONATES IMPORT BOOK TO MUSEUM LIBRARY

2009 - The Year of Valley History


A Daughter of the Snows "The Story of the Great San Fernando Valley" 1923 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Sherry Sonnett- September 2009
When Sherry Sonnet presented Fred Berk, the Librarian of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, with a 1923 edition of A Daughter of the Snows, he was especially pleased. You see - Fred Berk has been looking for this booklet for over three years.
The book, published by the Lankershim Branch of Security Trust and Savings Bank has been out of print for years and copies are almost impossible to come by.



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

WELCOME TO BRONWYN RALPH AND JOE RUBIN

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Vintage Postcard Van Nuys Boulevard looking north to Kittridge Street - Gift to the Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg Sept. 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley welcomed to its September Board and Advisors meeting, Ms. Bronwyn Ralph and her father Joe Ruben. Ms. Ralph is the author of the new guidebook to San Fernando Valley's landmarks and historic sites, entitled Off The Beaten Path. Mr. Rubin is a retired builder and has offered to advise The Museum on house-moving issues. This is of particular value with the potential upcoming moving of the historic Weddington House to North Hollywood Park.
Bronwyn Ralph is a graduate of Carvalis High School in Studio City and Mount Saint Mary's College. She is a docent for the historic Doheny Mansion on the downtown campus of Mount Saint Mary's.

SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 21st

2009 The Year of Valley History
SAVE THIS DATE: October 21st. Board & Advisors Meeting of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The Mustang Van Nuys Jr. High S' 50 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg Sept.2009

This yearbook belonged once to Joan Shores in grade B 8th, Homeroom 208. The softcover book is filed with autographs of students and teachers. Unfortunately, along the way, four schoolmate photos were carefully clipped out. Such is life among pre-teens.

Do you have school year books from the greater San Fernando Valley? Call your Museum today (1-(818) 347-9665. We collect and preserve artifacts and documents related to schools and colleges in Southern California.

FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT PHIL'S DINER

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Several of you have asked The Museum about Phil's Diner, and how to track its progress.
Here's Casey Hallenbeck's great new website:

http://www.philsdinernoho.com/id29.html


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

SPORTSMEN'S LODGE HOTEL

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Detail Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel - oversize promotional postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Remember when the Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel called itself part of North Hollywood? You might want to give them a call and ask them why - just "dial" PO 9-4700



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

MRS. JONES 1953 KINDERGARTEN GLASS IN BURBANK

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Carol Rambo wrote her name in crayon - 1953 - Gift of Gary Fredburg to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009

Now in their early 60s, these precious kindergarten kids were members of Mrs. Jones class at George Washington School in Burbank, California on the 14th of May 1953. For many, the San Fernando Valley would be their lifetime home. Your Museum belongs to the "grown-ups" whose lives are part of the social fabric of our Valley.
Mrs. Jones Kindergarten Class - 1953 - Gift of Gary Fredburg to 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.

THE VALLEY NEEDS A VICTORY - SUPPORT PHIL'S DINER

2009 - The Year of Valley History



Philadelphia artist Phil Juska thought The Museum Community might like to see what the interior of Phil's Diner once looked.
Will we allow the oldest diner in California to become a footnote to our history? Casey Hallenbeck, who is working to restore our heritage diner, can't fight the system alone. Contact him at Casey Hallenbeck | Facebook to let him know that you care too!

Your Museum is a proud member of the LA Heritage Alliance.


Support The Museum of the San Fernando Valley today. Call 1 (818) 347-9665

PHILADELPHIA ARTIST MAKES PHIL'S DINER MODEL

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Phil Juska has just completed a terrific model of the San Fernando Valley’s treasure, Phil’s Diner. The model is 1:24 scale, 1/2 inch per foot. It's 15 inches long and 6 inches deep. The body and roof come off for viewing.


Marilyn Monroe plays the role of counter-girl. She serves coffee to the ultimate biker, Marlon Brando




Valley hero Casey Hallenbeck reads a "trade" while playing the role of chief cook and bottle washer at Phil's Diner



Here’s what the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania model maker has to say about his effort:
“I've finally finished my model of Phil's Diner in No. Hollywood. I'm sending along some pictures in a few emails. The waitress behind the counter is Marilyn Monroe, who grew up about 10 minutes from Phil's. I read online that Marlon Brando used to eat there, so I put him at the counter as his character from The Wild One, complete with his classic motorcycle cap and his gang's "skull and crossed pistons" logo on his leather jacket.”

“Since an episode of The X Files was filmed there, I put Scully and Mulder at one of the tables and the "Smoking Man" lurking in the kitchen window.

The cook at the end of the counter, reading Variety, by the way, is the current owner, Casey Hallenbeck. Everything in the model (except for the overhead lights, the coffee mugs and the food) is made from scratch. The sign lights up and the front and side pocket doors actually work.
Thought you'd enjoy seeing it.”
Phil Juska Philadelphia PA


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