OFF THE BEATEN PATH - MUSUEM REVIEW

OFF THE BEATEN PATH, by Bronwyn Ralph, with photography by Joseph L. Rubin
Second Edition, Published by the Markwin Press, Silver Springs, Nevada, 2009

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is proud to have as one of its friends the author of a local guidebook that exudes enthusiasm for historical and cultural landmarks throughout our Valley. There are thirty capsule descriptions here, each with an accompanying photograph or map, and visiting details. There is also a general reference map.

Some of the locations described are of significance far beyond this valley, including Campo de Cahuenga, where the treaty ending the Mexican-American War in California was signed. A lesser known place is the huge Portal of Folded Wings at Valhalla Memorial Park, a shrine to aviation and aviators (with a small museum inside). Sites of mainly local interest include the 1903 Pioneer Church in Chatsworth, erected long before the tract homes or lthe citrus groves which preceded tham. This too-small book just whets the appetite for a future guide to not just dozens, but hundreds, of significant historical, cultural and architectural points of interest in an area covering more than half of the city of Los Angeles..

Fred A. Berk
Librarian, Museum of the San Fernando Valley

JACK O LANTERNS IN TARZANA

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Jack O Lanterns in Tarzana 2009 - Carvings by Brendan Fecht

Centuries ago another name for a demon was a knave.
My parents, long ago in Missouri, used to play a card game called "High Low, Jack and the Game." They called the facecard now commonly called the Jack, the knave.
Since princes in the feudal system were dangerous folk, and always manipulating things to insure their chances at being a king, many evil deeds were done. Thus, Jack became associated with evil itself.
On the eve of All Saints Day (November 1st), the spirits of the dead who had not yet attained salvation, were believed capable of coming from their graves to haunt those who had not prayed for them. These geists or ghosts were spirits of darkness and therefore repelled by the glow of light. Hence, the jack-o-lantern. To give those jacks an additional scare, faces were called on gourds and melons (later on the pumpkins of the New World).
When my son Brendan carved these pumpkins last evening, he was connecting (knowing or not) with his long departed ancestors. Let's hope none of them come calling out "Trick or Treat" this weekend.
On November 2nd and 3rd, many Europeans (and now in places all across the globe) prayed for their departed friends and relatives on All Souls Day (genius for males on Nov.2 ] anima for females on Nov.3) "Indulgence" credits could be used to get one's folks into paradise.

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

SPECIAL LECTURE ON LA ARTS AT CSUN Nov 5th

Thanks to Shel Weisbach for sharing this:

CSUN's Valley Pioneer Lecture, presented by the Dept of History, on Thursday, Nov 5, will feature Prof Sarah Schwank on "Abstract Art, Urban Bohemians and the Politics of Postwar Modernism in Los Angeles". The lecture is free - call for reservations 818.677.3566. I am unsure if parking passes will be given.

For more info
http://www.csun.edu/csbs/departments/history/news/ValleyPioneerLecture.pdf

L.A. HERITAGE ALLIANCE MEETING

2009 The Year of Valley History
Schlitz Brewing Company – Panorama City - Gift to the postcard collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg - 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

A reminder that the final LA Heritage Alliance meeting for 2009 on Saturday, November 7 at the Pico House at El Pueblo (at the southern end of Olvera Street and the plaza) in Downtown LA. The meeting will begin at 10am and will be completed by 12noon so you can enjoy a lunch or a tour on your own at Olvera Street. (A special thanks goes to El Pueblo and the City of Los Angeles for hosting the meeting.)
The topics to be included: an update on the online calendar and LA Heritage Day 2010, a discussion and creation of an action plan addressing the structure of the LA Heritage Alliance, county wide preservation alerts, and we'll have a short workshop on effective outreach techniques.
This meeting will be full of useful information for historical organization, so make sure you take the train or Metro or drive bike or walk to the heart of the City to participate. Please share this information with other staff and/or board members and leaders of your organization.
Please make sure you RSVP by November 5th at 5 pm.
John Bwarie Coordinator, L.A. Heritage Alliance
laheritagealliance.org

About the postcard:
"Visit the Los Angeles Plant of the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This spectacular sight is located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley at 7521 Woodman Avenue. Schlitz is proud to have won national acclaim for its architectural and landscaping splendor.”

Dick Mlack wrote us:
"Oh does that bring back memories.....get out of class on Friday, catch the 12:30 pm tour at Schlitz that took about 1/2 hr. Then hit their tap room for beer and pretzels!! Race over to the Budweiser plant and catch the 3:00 pm tour that took a loooong 45 minutes. Then to their tap room for beer and pretzels until they threw us out around 5:30-6:00pm. Head out to go drink beer and play shuffle board at some sleazy bar in Canoga Park before heading back to the frat house for a party or exchange. Oh yeah...major buzz!!!"

Biking with the Stars with Topanga Creek Bicycles

2009 The Year of Valley History

Biking with the Stars with Topanga Creek Bicycles (reprint of LA Visitors' Bureau news.

Topanga Canyon, in LA's woodsy Santa Monica Mountains, has long been the filming site of movies and TV shows, as well as home to numerous celebrities. Now, Topanga Creek Bicycles lets visitors and groups explore the off- and on-road excitement of this scenic and legendary backcountry. Topanga Creek Bicycles is located at the edge of Topanga State Park, in a building that was once the recording studio for Jim Morrison of The Doors. Owner Chris Kelly and his pro-racing staff rent mountain bikes and high performance racing bikes, and create self-guided itineraries for all skill levels, providing an excellent opportunity for cycle-enthusiast groups and individuals who are visiting LA. Every Sunday morning is the official "shop ride," and Kelly invites enthusiasts to show up with their gear, meet the locals and join the fun. The shop also custom-makes bikes and sells and services a wide range of bicycles and accessories. Its popular demo/rental program lets riders test out high performance racing bikes including BMC, Salsa and Pivot, before purchasing one, or simply enjoy the ride. Founded in 1999, Kelly started in business as LA Bike Tours, leading bicycle excursions throughout Los Angeles. In 2008, he moved to Topanga Canyon and changed the company name.
www.topangacreekbicycles.com.

IS THIS SUNSHINE RANCH IN OLD GRANDA HILLS, CALIFORNIA?

2007 the Year of Valley History

Postcard property of Jim Hier - Oregon

Jim Hier, author of the Arcadia Publication “Granada Hill”s needs The Museum Community’s input.
Is the postcard image here the former Sunshine Ranch (now Granda Hills)?

Contact your Museum soon to help Jim out.
Thanks Jerry Fecht

museumsfv@gmail.com

telephone: 1 (818) 347-9665

DATE SET FOR 2nd ANNUAL "WALK IT OFF" WALKING TOUR OF NORTH HOLLYWOOD

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Richard Hilton, Director of Tours and Conservation Matters for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, has announced the SECOND ANNUAL WALK IT OFF Walking Tour of historic North Hollywood. Perfectly timed for the Saturday after an "overstuffed" Thanksgiving, this highly popular walking adventure is an ideal pumpkin pie recovery.


Over a century ago, this handsome Lankershim lady walked in the very area where visitors on the Walk It Off tour will be strolling. Perhaps she arrived on the Chatsworth Express at Lankershim Station, or had this expensive dress mailed to her at Toluca Post Office?
Historic Portrait Photograph - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 (click on image to enlarge).

Photograph by the Coulis Palace Studio 351 South Broadway, Los Angeles

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

YOUR MUSEUM - WORKING EVERY DAY TO SAVE THE HISTORIC WEDDINGTON HOUSE

2009 The Year of Valley History

Preserving the Weddington House is a major priority for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Here are four snapshots from the early days of the historic house from the David High Collection. Now highly endangered, the Weddington House could provide educators, school children and others interested in Valley history with a great venue from which to glimpse into another time and "place within a place."

Fred Weddington & Two Unknown Women
in front of Weddington House, Lankershim California - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High - July 2009 (click on image to enlarge) Refer to photograph HC-114 Likely a wedding related photograph. but it might have been before the Pasadena Rose Parade, an important events for the Weddingtons.

Unknown Woman at Weddington House. Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High - July 2009 (click on image to enlarge) Refer to photograph HC-112
Note the details in this snapshot. A hammock on the front porch, a hose connection for the front lawn, a vintage automobile.

Fred Weddington & Group of Lankershim Residents - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High - July 2009 (click on image to enlarge) Refer to photograph HC-113
Fred Weddington is at extreme left, with his fist on lawn.

Unidentified woman at the Weddington House, Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High - July 2009 (click on image to enlarge) Refer to photograph HC-112

Notes: very faint “Printed by Merick Reynolds Co.
222 South Broadway, Los Angeles, California

Your gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley let's us know that we aren't alone in our effort to create a great Museum of history and culture for the San Fernando Valley. Call today to become part of the Museum Community. 1 (818) 347-9665

ARTIFACT PROCESSING - BIG TASK FOR YOUR MUSEUM

2009 - The Year of Valley History

There are several reasons for sharing these "unknown" photographic images on this blog, from the David High donation. The first, is to let the Museum Community what we are working on. The second, is to demonstrate some of the challenges faced by artifact conditions and identification. The third is in preparation for an Unidentified Images Section coming soon to The Museum's new website.

Unknown Women's Group - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High July 2009 - refer to Photo HC-109 (click on image to enlarge) Refer to Photo HC-111

Unknown Couple - Likely Married - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High July 2009 - refer to Photo HC-109 (click on image to enlarge) Refer to Photo HC-109
Pretz Photographer – 340 ½ S. Broadway Los Angeles
This double portrait is in considerable danger, since its cardboard mounting is crumbling.

Unknown Woman large portrait photograph - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High July 2009 - refer to Photo HC-109

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

HALLOWEEN IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY - A GNOME

2009 The Year of Valley History

Halloween Gnome - Collection of Janne and Jerry Fecht

Halloween is on its way to the San Fernando Valley. My two biggest successes were when I made costumes for my sons Brendan to be a slot machine and Damon to be a Med Fly.


Join your Museum Community today. Be part of preserving and enjoying San Fernando Valley history.
1 (818) 347-9665

MUSEUM MEETS ON OCTOBER 21st.

Pavement detail - Congregational Church of Northridge - October 2009 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

The Museum Board of Directors and Board of Advisors
meets on the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month.
Board Room - 2nd floor
Valley Economic Alliance
5121 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-1497

October 21st
informal meeting 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
regular monthly meeting 6:30 pm until 8 pm

call 1 (818) 347-9665 to be included on the agenda.

QUILTED PILLOWS - AN AMERICAN TRADITION IN NORTHRIDGE

During the time Americans lived under British mercantile laws, the manufacture of textiles that competed with England, was highly regulated, taxed or forbidden. A high cost of cloth resulted.
American women responded in part by making the most of textile scraps in their possession. The result was the cherished art of quilt making. Family pews in New England churches were made less uncomfortable with quilted pillows. These pillows in the Congregational Church of Northrige are the unknowing descendants of this centuries old practice.
PS - This is also an origin of the American Op-Art movement.

MORE ABOUT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NORTHRIDGE

Sanctuary Vault and Skylight - Congregational Church of Northridge 2009 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Congregational Church of Northridge 2009 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Designed by A. Quincy Jones - Congregational Church of Northridge 2009 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Simple but Elegant Altar - Congregational Church of Northridge 2009 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Your Museum will continue collecting images and historical articles concerning the Congregational Church of Northridge as part of our on-going commitment to preserving San Fernando Valley history and culture. These images were taken on a rainy day in October. The interior deserves to be photographed in better light than from my modest little camera.

If you would like to preserve the history of your religious sanctuary in the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, here are a few things to consider including:
When and by whom was your religious group or parish established?
Pictures or documents related to your founding.
Profiles and pictures of your leaders.
Historic events - example: The great Northridge Earthquake, clean up and recovery.
Photographs and story of your buildings.
Contact address, telephone numbers, persons.
Copies of brochures, anniversary programs etc.

Mail these to:
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Attention: Religion Committee
21031 Ventura Boulevard
Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Telephone 1 (818) 347-9665 and get involved.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN NORTHRIDGE - A DESIGN TREASURE BY A. QUINCY JONES

2009 The Year of Valley History

Congregational Church of Northridge - October 2009 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. The world famous architect A. Quincy Jones designed this Northridge treasure.

Spires of glass give tribute to European stained glass traditions.
Despite the October rain outside, the Church is warm and inviting,

In 1961, with the aid of its parent Congregational Church of the Chimes in Studio City, a community of San Fernando Valley residents established the Congregational Church of Northridge. With a shared interest in the arts, the new church group secured the architectural services of A. Quincy Jones.
A leader in the creation of important architecture in Southern California, Jones planned a religious sanctuary devoid of traditional symbolism, but a structure that reflected the beauty of its Northridge hillside and allowed great shafts of natural light to illuminate the building and the spirits of those who were to worship there.
As the congregation became more traditional, religious symbols began to appear and homage to an older heritage entered the building. Practical additions of office space and storage rooms arrived, but the building stays essentially true to A. Quincy Jones’ vision.
Your Museum, in our efforts to support the Northridge 100 celebration will be asking Pastor Roger Barkley and his congregation to support our overview of religion in Northridge with a history of the building and the community it nurtures.
Congregational Church of Northridge
9659 Balboa Boulevard
Northridge, CA 91325
telephone 1 (818) 349-2400

Parties interested in assisting The Museum of the San Fernando Valley to acquire Northridge religious history and artifacts such as photographs and anniversary books, are asked to telephone: 1 (818) 347-9665

L.A. DODGERS ON THE VERGE OF MAKING NEW HISTORY!

Los Angeles Dodgers "Rally Towel" 2009 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley collects the history and artifacts related to sports in Southern California. Professional and amateur sports are a basic part of our lives at many levels. From school yard games, to high school rivalries, to collegiate events, pick up sports, and park leagues - sports are your Museum's interest.

But....................... because the Museum Community lives and breathes and works in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, we expect the LOS ANGELES DODGERS to make new history on their way to the 2009 world series! Go Blue!

HALLOWEEN IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY - CATS

2009 The Year of Valley History

Halloween Cat Ornament - Collection of Janne and Jerry Fecht 2009

The first domestic cats were brought to the San Fernando Valley by Spanish colonists about the time the English colonies in America began our Revolution. Under supervision of Catholic Franciscan monks, heavy wooden doors connecting the rooms of the Mission San Fernando Rey de España modified with "cat doors". These allowed domestic cats to roam the whole facility, to keep mice and rats at bay.
With the arrival of American pioneers in the 1800s, the numbers of outside felines exploded. While wheat farmers found tame and ferrel cats allies, the native bird population didn't. Ferrel cats, for example, in the fine urban forest surrounding the buildings of Valley College, have wiped out the native bird population there. Well meaning campus cat lovers, who set out cat food, haven't proved to be friends of native California birds.
While the Spanish padres, who followed the example of Saint Francis Assisi, were apparent friends of house cats, western Christianity hasn't generally agreed. Since cats, especially kittens, were sacred to the Egyptian followers of the Goddess Isis, competing Christians in the Roman Empire viewed felines as "familiars" with the African deity.
It is seldom talked about anymore, but the "sin of familiary" was once a big thing.
Since animals did not have immortal souls, communicating with them had to be an evil thing, according to theologians. Demons were believed to take the form of animals or even people (usually women who owned property and were without protective families).
When Dominican monks wanted to prove to the "holy" Inquisition that a woman was a witch, all they needed was a witness that heard her talking to her cat as if it was a human being. Hmm! (Good thing those monks have not been our 3-cat house in Tarzana lately.)
In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued a bull, ordering cats owned by accused witches be also put on trial. Hundreds of thousands of mostly women and cats, were burned at the stake in both Catholic and Protestant nations. (Remember. before our Revolution, accused persons had to prove their innocence.) This Inquisition of Cats gave rise to a massive invasion of rats - and, the rats were home to fleas - and fleas brought the Black Death - and, the Black Death brought an increase in witchcraft trials etc etc.
The association of cats with evil has never left us. Only recently have most of our States enacted laws against the mutilation of cats and other animals.

NORTHRIDGE GETS INTO THE SPIRIT or is THE SPIRITS

2009 - The Year of Valley History

"Come on Maria, Daddy will buy you a little fish."
Doorway entrance to tropical fish store in Northridge - October 2009
Window painting - Halloween Store in Northridge - October 2009
"Come in and browse a little"
Comic book store - Northridge - October 2009
"Exit Only"
Is the Blorckbuster store in Northridge making a theological statement here?

If you have Halloween or Day of the Day photos that you'd like to share with the Museum Community, send them along to
jerry@anchoreducation.com or give us a 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.

NORTHRIDGE YEAR 99

Reseda & Nordoff - October 2009 - looking southwest - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
What a perfect day to begin my walking adventure of Northridge ... in the rain! By the time I did my mile, everything had been nicely washed down for the first rain of Fall. I found a Persian-style market, filled with the same smells my son Brendan and I experienced in the great market in Istanbul. Students from California State University Northridge were waiting for busses here at the corner of Nordoff and Reseda, protecting their textbooks - now the price of gold, and a Latina mother and daughter were braving the elements with matching umbrellas.

FROM HOBBIES TO SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

Smith Brothers' Hobby Center in Northridge - Photos by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - October 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Hobbies often lead their followers into a serious study of history. In my walk today, in preparation for the 100th Anniversary of Northridge next year, I ducked into the Smith Brothers' Hobby Center. I loved the place; model airplanes, plans for miniature trains and wonderful tools that we'd all like to have.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley has a vital interest in the history of transportation in our part of California. We are particularly focused on the aerospace and airplane manufacturing businesses of the greater Valley communities. If you would like to help us build our archives about rockets, airplanes, trains, rapid transit or our freeways, contact your Museum today.
1 (818) 347-9665

SMITH BROTHERS' HOBBY CENTER
8941 Reseda Boulevard - Northridge 91324
David Wooten is the Manager - 1 (818) 885-8636

PUMPKINS AND WATER MELONS AND SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

2009 The Year of Valley History

Guy and Marjorie (Davis) Weddington and their daughter Louise (later to be McCreary) in Lankershim (North Hollywood), California - photo given to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High - July 2009. (click on image to enlarge)

Recently, while we were working to identify this and other photographs in the David High Collection, Richard Bogy joked with me about not noticing the pumpkins and watermelons next to the fence. Details, such as Richard's observation, help to identify the time of year and sometimes the location of events. North Hollywood (nee Toluca/Lankershim) was once famous for its pumpkins, shipped by train across America. We are not sure if the Bonner Canning Company processed pumpkins, but one thing is for sure, it wouldn't be Fall in the United States without pumpkin pie.

Do you have photographs or memorabilia of San Fernando Valley agriculture. Become part of Valley history today. Contact your Museum at 1 (818) 347-9665

THE DAY OF THE DEAD APPROACHES THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Day of the Dead Altar Pieces - Collection of Janne and Jerry Fecht

Have you noticed an interesting change in the weather. Perhaps, you've seen that the sunlight in the park strikes the trees differently that it did only a few weeks ago? Interesting that the time for flu shots, coincides with the rapid approach of Fall. Humm.
The other day a young Latino workman came to our home to get our heater ready for winter. When he was about to leave, he remarked how much he liked our little Day of the Dead display. I told him that when his and your Museum gets a location for the display of San Fernando Valley artifacts, that we would regularly celebrate Latino and other ethnic arts and crafts.
Ivan, the workman, wanted the Museum Community to know that his family tradition teaches that death is not to be feared but to be celebrated as part of the great mystery of life. He said that his beloved grandmother died last year and that he had decided to honor her's and other deceased family memories with a special Day of the Dead tattoo. Here is Ivan's salute to his family Mexican origins and to their sacred memories.



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

EVENING AT THE BARN - HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM

Hooray for Edendale! "Evening @ the Barn" will be held Wednesday October 14th, 2009 in the
HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM in the Lasky-DeMille Barn
(Across from the Hollywood Bowl)
2100 N. Highland Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90068
Hollywood Heritage Members: $5, Non-Members: $10

Please note that "Evening @ the Barn" admission prices remain the same for Hollywood Heritage members: $5. But the non-member price has been raised by two dollars to $10.

Admission sold only at the door. Doors open 7 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m.

***REMINDER: The Hollywood Heritage Museum has a capacity of only 120 persons. Once the capacity is reached, we will not be able to seat anyone else, due to fire regulations.

Please arrive early so you won't be disappointed!

Hollywood Heritage P.O. Box 2586 Hollywood, California 90078
www.hollywoodheritage.org


The Museum of the San Fernando Valley proudly supports the Hollywood Heritage Museum and the L.A. Heritage Alliance

MYSTERY GRAVEYARD IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Your Museum is a very busy Community. Despite our important projects such as the Northridge/Zelzah Centennial history committee, we catalogue dozens of items each week. The High Collection photograph below, in its original form, is very faded and difficult to figure out. When it was scanned and manipulated for color and size, a very interesting detail emerged. Aside from what appears to be an adobe or stone wall in bad shape, there are several picket fences in the foreground. Arranged in squares they seem to me to be family cemetery plots.
The photo may be of the graveyard at the Mission San Fernando Rey de España or the old Pioneer Cemetery.
What is your opinion? Jerry
Clicking on the image will give you a better picture.

Photograph - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High July 2009
(refer to photo HC-91

BIRD WONDERLAND and SATAN THE WRESTLING MOVIE TIGER

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Satan, the Wrestling Movie Tiger - historic postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg - 2008 - presented here without caption.

Mr. Barry Balin of Woodland Hills, an important collector of historic paper goods and expert on vintage postcards, has asked his Museum to share information about Bird Wonderland of Van Nuys. He is interested in knowing more about Jackie the Wrestling Lion who was once part of Bird Wonderland of Encino/Van Nuys.
We don't have any images of Jackie, but we can share our image of "Satan" the Wrestling Movie Tiger. Jackie, by the way, may be the introduction lion image still used on Metro-Goldwin-Mayer films.

Here's your Museum's record
Bird Wonderland – Van Nuys
Satan, The Movie Wrestling Tiger (historic postcard)
artifact number: 1009-001-1138
condition: good in protective plastic sleeve
donor: Gary Fredburg 2008
scanned: COMMUNITIES, Van Nuys, Bird Wonderland
used on blog October 2009
Notes: Front caption reads: “Satan” is a 3 year old, full grown Sumatran Tiger raised in captivity. Satan has appeared in many pictures including Bengal Tiger, Jan of the Jungle etc. Photo shows Mr. Glick of the Bird Wonderland, Van Nuys, California, in a playful mood with Satan."
The Bird Wonderland was located at 15640 Ventura Boulevard, Van Nuys, California.

If you have information about Bird Wonderland, that existed in the 1930s, please contact your Museum at 1 (818) 347-9665.

FIRST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SCIENC FAIR 1959

2009 - The Year of Valley History

If you were a student in grades 7 through 12, you could enter the First San Fernando Valley Science Fair.

First Annual San Fernando Valley Science Fair March 1959 - brochure - Gift from Gary Fredburg to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The Museum Board of Directors and Board of Advisors
meets on the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month.
Board Room - 2nd floor
Valley Economic Alliance
5121 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-1497

October 21st
informal meeting 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
regular monthly meeting 6:30 pm until 8 pm

call 1 (818) 347-9665 to be included on the agenda.

Antiques Appraisal Faire Burbank October 24

Antiques Appraisal Faire Is it worth a fortune, or priceless to you?
Host: Southern California Genealogical Society and Family Research Library

Saturday, October 24, 2009
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Southern California Genealogical Society and Family Research Library
417 Irving Drive Burbank, CA

818-843-7247 scgs@scgsgenealogy.com

Have you ever wondered about the dollar value of that trinket your grandmother left you, even though you would never dream of selling it? Ever dream of appearing on Antiques Roadshow and learning that your dumpster-dive doodad is worth a small fortune? The Southern California Genealogical Society's Appraisal Faire is the place for you. Donation of $5 per item, maximum of 3 items per person. All appraisals done by qualified appraisers:

Anne Copeland, a certified appraiser and member of the American Quilter's Society, will appraise quilts and give a 15-minute talk on how to maintain them.

Gert Leonard, San Dimas - Dolls and Bears Appraiser
Diane M. DellaValle - The Antique House, La Canada Flintridge - General Appraiser
Book Alley, Pasadena - Book Appraiser
Heller and Company, Pasadena - Stamps and Jewelry
The Jewelry Judge, San Marino - Jewelry
Pasadena Coin Company, Pasadena - Coins

Open to the public. See you there!

MYSTERIES TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Since many of the photographs in the David High Collection of The Museum are of people related to the pioneer Davis Family of Toluca/Lankershim (North Hollywood), I first assumed that the ship photo below was from the family's move to the San Fernando Valley about 1895. But, considering the condition of the deck, paint etc. it seems like this might be a ferry rather than a higher class transportation vessel.

Mystery Sea Photo - Gift to the Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High July 2009 - refer to photo HC-107

Mystery Woman - Gift to the Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High July 2009 - refer to photo HC-106
At first study, I thought this woman was standing on the stairs of the Weddington House, but look at the posting for Milo Wesley Weddington. The stairs look steeper and higher.

TRAVEL TOWN MUSEUM REVEALS RESTORATION WORK

A note from Councilman Tom LaBonge

the Travel Town Museum will show off recent
restoration work at Depot Day on Sunday, Oct. 18th, 11a-3p. There will
be tours, wood-carving demonstrations, music and more. For more
information, call (323)668-0104 or visit: http://traveltown.org/

ARE YOU READY TO HOWL FOR HALLOWEEN?

HIGH PHOTO DONATION ADDS PARTS TO THE PUZZLE OF SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Among the photographs given to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by David High this last July, were these two pictures; a tin-type with "M. Weddington age 14 months" and a second just inscribed "Milo". Guy Weddington McCreary identifies these as Milo Westley Weddington, among the first pioneer children of the village of Toluca/Lankershim (now North Hollywood).

Milo Wesley Weddington - tin type - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 refer to photo HC-105

Milo Wesley Weddington - photograph gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 refer to photo HC-103

This photo of Milo about 2 years old, dressed as was the custom in what today would be considered girl's attire, is not only important from the perspective of Weddington family history, but The Museum's effort to move and or protect the historic Weddington House in North Hollywood. Here we can see the use of shingle-like siding on the house but porch as well. A great vase sits on the right and a kind of crochet throw over a porch chair.
Without the concern of David High, these parts of the puzzle that is San Fernando Valley history might have been forever lost.

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

RECEPTION FOR RICHARD GLAZER DANAY POSTPONED

2009 - The Year of Valley History

The reception planned for Richard Glazer Danay (important American artist and graduate of Pierce College) on October 13th has been postponed until early November. Please check this blog frequently to find the date Ric's talk and reception.

In Their Sunday Best - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009
This image of a young couple in a "buggy" is exceptionally faded. It is my early judgment that it is of Jack Davis and his wife. (Please refer to this picture as HC-88
When I first studied it, I thought it might be of two women in a wagon. The photo became much more clear when I manipulated it with photo processing.
In Their Sunday Best - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 - image edited for additional clarity

Join your Museum Community today. We need volunteers to acquire histories of Northridge religious organizations, schools and businesses for the upcoming 100th Anniversary of Northridge - Zelzah. 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.

ALAN SIMON SHARES BONNER FRUIT CO "PASS BRAND" LABEL

2009 - The Year of Valley History

"I really enjoy your Museum of the San Fernando Valley Blog. Look at it every few days. Just thought you would like to know that it is appreciated.
Attached is a label for Yellow Cling Peaches from Lankershim, out of my collection. Feel free to post it if you wish. It complements your comments on how peaches were grown here."
Alan H. Simon

Bonner Fruit Company Label - Collection of Alan Hl Simon"

Note: Click on the Bonner Label and look closely at the Caheunga Pass image. What a treat to see this Mr. Simon. Thanks from the Museum Community for sharing this.

EARLY FRUIT ORCHARDS IN TOLUCA / LANKERSHIM

2009 - The Year of Valley History

When the wheat crops failed on the historic Lankershim Ranch, the foremen looked for substitutes. Since the early days of the Franciscan missionaries, the ability of a semi-arid San Fernando Valley to sustain orchards was well known. The padres had brought grape cuttings, the seeds of olives and fruits and a variety of nuts.
Among the most successful orchard crops were cling peaches (so named because the meat held tightly to the fruit even when ripe).

Mules used in Lankershim Orchards - Photograph gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009

While waiting for a speech at Moorpark College, Caesar Chavez, who was using my office the campus center, and I talked about picking fruit (both his and my families did the back breaking work.) We discussed how in the early days of American farming in California, that East Indians were brought under English contracts to plant the orchards.
My mother told her children about a song the little children in Live Oak, California sang about the orchard planters: "Hindu, Hindu, does the best he ken do, and when it rains, he makes his skin do." Actually, the East Indian laborers were not Hindus, but Sikhs. When their planting was done, some of the American contractors put them on boxcars and sent them to the border of British Columbia (sending them back to British territory, in that case Canada, fulfilled their bargain).

Lankershim Peach Orchards - Photograph gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009
Peaches seem to have originated in China about 3000 years ago, but very early cultivation of the fruit was conducted in ancient Persia. Roman merchants brought the highly desirable fruit to the western world, and aptly named it Persica. The English renamed the fruit Peche from which we get the word peach. Dried peaches and their pits arrived with the Spanish in California.

Lankershim Peach Orchards - Photograph gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009

The early pioneer American farms in the San Fernando Valley experimented with a variety of fruit trees, including oranges.
Lankershim Orange Orchards - Photograph gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Center of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.
Interested in agricultural history? Call 1 (818) 347-9665 and become part of your Museum Community.