Tel: (818) 347-9665 PST

TheMuseumSFV@gmail.com

www.TheMuseumSFV.org




Monday, August 31, 2009

RABBIT, RABBIT, RABBIT - IT'S SEPTEMBER IN THE VALLEY

An orchid for September

The number of times that one is supposed to say "Rabbit" on the first day of the month, is debated. However, according to my wife and her pals from Pomona College, you only get the "Month of Good Luck" by uttering the old rrr before saying ANYTHING else!
I think my wife Janne cheats a little by putting a Rabbit post-it note on her alarm clock.
If you wake up, say around 2:30 am, should you shout out Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit - or wait anxiously for dawn.
No one seems to know where or when the Rabbit custom arrived in the States, but it seems to have originated in New Zealand. I rather favor Australia as its origins, since as a little boy I read Peter Rabbit - and, fully understand shouting Rabbit to alarm the house for the protection of cabbages, carrots etc.
We have opossums, squirrels, fruit rats and an occasional coyote on Vanalden Avenue in Tarzana, but no rabbits.
Our friend Mary has rabbits in her neighborhood.
Anyway, have a great September. And, don't forget a great Museum of history and culture can't rely on luck to come into being.

Jerry

THE CHURCH OF SAINT BARBARA BY MARY OLSON-FRIEDMAN



Just for ducks, we'll start a Southern California Photograph of the Week, with this image of the Church of Saint Barbara by Mary Olson Friedman. Mary took this shot through an amber glass window. Magical!

MORE ABOUT SAINT BARBARA'S CHURCH

Exterior of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Barbara, in Santa Barbara, California - Photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. (click on image to enlarge)

Bronze Peacocks and the Eucharist - interior doors of the Church of Saint Barbara , in Santa Barbara, California - Photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
Ancient beliefs and symbols often found their way into the Christian religion. Here, on the door plates of a Santa Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, peacocks drink from the Eucharistic wine. It was a common belief at the time Saint Paul was preaching the Divinity of Jesus in the consecrated wine of the altar, that the flesh of peacocks (unlike other animals) did not decay after death. Thus, peacocks became symbols of the resurrected Christ.

Holy Deacon mosaic - interior of the sanctuary of the Church of Saint Barbara, in Santa Barbara, California - Photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church
1205 San Antonio Creek Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93111-1313
(805) 683-4492

St. BARBARA'S RELICS IN SANTA BARBARA

Relics and mosaic of the martyr Saint Barbara - St. Barbara's Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara, California. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley August 2009. (click on images to enlarge)
The relics of St. Barbara are kept in the enameled jewel box at the base of her mosaic icon.

Mosaic icon of the Virgin Mary and Jesus in the sanctuary of St. Barbara's Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara, California. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley August 2009.
An angel, similar to the one at the left of Jesus and His Mother, graces the right side of the mosaic.

Jesus Christ the Pancreator - detail from the interior dome of St. Barbara's Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara, California. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley August 2009.
The image of Jesus as the Pancreator is meant to convey His Divine authority and power. At Saint Barbara's Jesus is surrounded by smaller icons of the Apostles, Prophets and Saints on a white background. My choice here was to emphasize the mosaic of Jesus with a black border.

Silver encrusted icon of the martyr Saint Barbara at the entrance of St. Barbara's Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara, California. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley August 2009.
It is customary for Orthodox faithful to kiss the dedication icons at the entrance of their churches. Here, the image of Saint Barbara is depicted in her heavenly glory, surrounded by silver. Saint Barbara was killed by her own family members for her commitment to the Christian religion. The City of Santa Barbara was dedicated to her by Roman Catholic missionaries of the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans). In Catholic iconography she is depicted with a tower (like the rook in a chess set) and cannons. She was martyred by being hurled from a tower, and is the patron saint of cannon makers.

When I taught Humanities at Moorpark College, I would show my students a series of images (such as these icons and mosaics from St. Barbara's Greek Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara) and get them to talk about far off places they might like to visit. When I revealed that what they had seen was within an hour's drive of Thousand Oaks, many were amazed.
When it gets really hot in Tarzana, our adventure group arranges to explore Southern California's coastal communities. This week we drove to Santa Barbara. At the suggestion of Jerry McAlevey we included a stop at the absolutely beautiful church of Saint Barbara the Martyr.
In my opinion, these images are every bit as beautiful as those in far off Europe. What do you think?
Jerry Fecht

"STATION" FIRE IN LOS ANGELES

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Phyllis Hansen says:
"Photographed Saturday afternoon. Those are not clouds over the Hollywood Hills. It's smoke. La Canada/Flintridge fire originated to the far right--as it got dark we saw the flames on the ridges. Not Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory below. I live at the bottom of that cluster of homes in the Hollywood Hills on the left."

Photograph of Mount Hollywood by Phyllis Hansen - August 2009 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.


When Juan Cabrillo first entered Santa Monica Bay in 1542 , he and his crew observed great clouds of smoke over our part of Southern California. He referred to it as the "Baya de los Fumos" or "Bay of Smokes". It is said that Native Americans actually set fires periodically to control the overgrowth of vegetation.
The chaparral that covers the mountains surrounding the San Fernando Valley and indeed all of Southern California, when dry and overheated almost explodes when set afire.

Friday, August 28, 2009

WALKING TOUR OF NORTH HOLLYWOOD SEPTEMBER 5th

YOUR INVITATION TO JOIN OUR SEPTEMBER WALKING TOUR

The next walking tour of historic North Hollywood will take place on Saturday, September 5th 2009. This walk reveals secrets about the No Ho hidden for decades.

Meet:
10 am in front of the statue of Amelia Earhart in North Hollywood Park.

Location:
Northwest corner of Magnolia and Tujunga Streets – North Hollywood

Parking:
On the streets

Donation – The Museum is a non-profit organization
$ 10

Wear:
Comfortable walking shoes – Sunscreen – Hat – Sunglasses

Bring:
Camera – Little Notebook - Small Bottle of Water if it’s hot.

Length of Tour:
2 hours with possible ½ extension optional

Places to Eat at Tour’s End:
There are several excellent and reasonably priced cafes on Lankershim and Magnolia Sts.

Acknowledgements :
We are grateful for the Sponsorship of the Universal City / North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Thanks also to Diane and Guy Weddington McCreary for providing rare historical images.

Your Guide is Richard Hilton
Director of Tour for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Additional Guide is Jerry Fecht
President of The Museum

Please rsvp with the names of those who will be included on the tour
to: richardthilton@aol.com

We will need your names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses.



Telephone for Additional Information: 1 (818) 347-9665

MARK CALENDAR FOR LA's BIRTHDAY

Councilman Tom LaBonge wants to remind the Museum Community to:

Mark your calendars for the City of Los Angeles' 228th birthday. This event is celebrated every year with Los Pobladores Walk from San Gabriel Mission to El Pueblo in Downtown Los Angeles. Walkers begin at 6 a.m. and are greeted with festivities at about 9 a.m. at El Pueblo. Fore more information, http://www.lospobladores.org/history-walk.htm

Walk Facts for 2009

Los Angeles will be celebrating its 228th Birthday on Saturday, September 5st 2009
Here are some details for this event.

directions to Mission San Gabriel, Take 10 Fwy. toward San Gabriel. Exit on New Ave(north).Turn left at stop then Right on New Ave. When approaching fork in road, take right fork, name changes to Ramona, continue traveling north about 3/4 miles to Mission 428 South Mission Drive San Gabriel, California 91776-1299
Mission Tel. (626) 457-3035

Arrive at San Gabriel Mission at 6:00am. This will give you enough time to sign-in, listen to any announcements and depart approx. 6:30.You may leave your car in the San Gabriel Mission lot. When you are ready to return from Los Angeles, you can take one of the shuttle busses provided or you may take an RTD bus. Check bus schedules before hand as route # may have changed. Walk south on Alameda Street and take the first street left (Arcadia). Walk a half block to the Busway Stop signs. Board eastbound bus for San Gabriel. The trip back to the Mission is 26 minutes.

T'he route is approximately nine miles and takes three hours to complete. The grade is slightly downward! Please walk together as much as possible. Mobile vans will cruise the route in case you get thirsty, blistery, or need a rest. The trail ends at Olvera Street, Los Angeles, in the plaza area.

There will be a rest stop at Lincoln park, which is approx. 3/4ths. way. There are restrooms and water is also provided here.

When we arrive at Olvera Street, there will be free entertainment which will feature traditional dancing, dramatic presentations, a pinata, and birthday cake. There are various restaurants, historic tours and shops to visit on Olvera Street. Info 213-628-1274

1743 ENGLISH PAINTING IN WOODBURY UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

The Children of Willougby Bertie, 3rd Earl of Abington - English Painting dated 1743 - Los Angeles Times Library - Woodbury University - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
One of the great adventures in the effort to create a great Museum of history and culture for the San Fernando Valley are the mysteries one encounters almost every day. On August 26th, I attended the Annual Meeting of The Valley Economic Alliance. Naturally, I had hopes of creating more interest in the development of your Museum, but also had the opportunity before the meeting began to visit the Los Angeles Times Library next to our meeting hall. When I first saw this painting, high on the right side of the former chapel of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, I assumed that it was of the infant Jesus and Saint John the Baptist. I thought it odd that the artist would have depicted Jesus as the older child, since John is supposed to have been born before the Christ Child.
When I got to my computer desk, and enlarged and brightened the photo, I found that the painting was of two English aristocratic boys, The older child (in his fancy outfit) is James Bertie Lord Noreys. James only lived from 1735 to 1745. The baby surrounded by roses is Willougby Birtie who lived from c. 1739 to 1799. The boys were the children of Anna Marie Collins and her husband Willoughby Birtie, 3rd Earl of Abington.
How the painting came into the possession of Woodbury University, and why it is relocated to its lofty station is not as yet known to me.


"James Ld (Lord) Norreys and Willougby Birtie 3rd Earl of Abington 1743"

Interested in helping your Museum create an on-going assessment of Valley art treasures. Contact your Museum soon. Our telephone number is 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.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

WOODBURY UNIVERSITY'S UNIQUE HERITAGE IN BURBANK

2009 - The Year of Valley History.
Los Angeles Times Library on the Campus of Woodbury University - Burbank 2009 (photo by Gerald Fecht for the archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

In 1985, Woodbury University occupied a former Roman Catholic girls’ school in Burbank California. Founded as a business school in 1884, the present university gradually progressed into a full-service academic institution, with both graduate and undergraduate programs.

Stained glass windows in the Los Angeles Times Library on the Campus of Woodbury University - Burbank 2009 (photo by Gerald Fecht for the archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

A major, and on-going project of your Museum is the identification and interpretation of religious architecture and images in the San Fernando Valley. Leane Schirmer is the Chair of the Religion Committee of The Museum.

Interior of the Los Angeles Times Library.

Visitors to the Burbank campus of Woodbury University will particularly enjoy the institution’s unique respect for the historical heritage of its location. The Los Angeles Times Library, for example, was once used as the chapel for the Villa Cabrini, a boarding school for girls. Established by Mother Cabrini (the first American citizen to be designated as a saint by the Catholic Church), the building’s original stained glass windows have been retained to celebrate its heritage.

The Cabrini Chapel / Los Angeles Times Library is a living example of the amazing history that surrounds us in the San Fernando Valley. It’s your Museum’s responsibility to share our heritage with today’s and tomorrow’s generations.

Stained Glass Windows in the Cabrini Chapel of Los Angeles Times Library on the Campus of Woodbury University - Burbank 2009 (photo by Gerald Fecht for the archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

Watch for your Museum's new interactive website - coming soon.
Support your Museum's efforts - Call 1 (818) 347-9665 - Become part of Valley history today.

ROCKET ENGINE TEST STANDS - INFORMATION MEETING




ACME is Located at 23350 Lake Manor Drive, Chatsworth, California 91311 telephone 818-712-6903

Monday, August 24, 2009

HOW'S YOUR TV SAVVY?

2009 - The Year of Valley History

How savvy are you about television history? Phyllis Hansen, member of the Board of Directors of your Museum, found this clipping in a box full of old newspaper clippings. Can you guess the year these ratings were posted in the Los Angeles Times?

(click on image to enlarge)

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Center of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.
Join your Museum Community today. Call 1 (818) 347-9965 to find out how you can be part of the Television History Committee or find another valuable place in our effort to bring about a great Museum.

Friday, August 21, 2009

BRONWYN RALPH PRESENTS HER NEW GUIDE BOOK OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History


Join the members of the San Fernando Valley Historical Association at the Andres Pico Adobe on Thursday, August 27 at 7
P.M. when local author and SFVHS member Bronwyn Ralph discusses her just-published book,
Off the Beaten Path: A Guide to Exploring theCultural Landmarks, Historic Monuments and Other
Points of Interest in the San Fernando Valley.
Bronwyn’s book is a travel guide to exploring the rich history of the San Fernando Valley and the
wonderful landmarks that the Valley has to offer. “By taking an interest in visiting these historic sites,
it almost guarantees that the preservation of these points of interest can be preserved for future
generations,” she says.
A native of California who grew up in the San Fernando Valley, Bronwyn enjoys volunteering as a
docent at the 1899-built Doheny Mansion, visiting historical sites, and hiking.
We look forward to a fascinating evening learning more about our Valley and Bronwyn’s
book, which will be available to purchase. There will be refreshments and great fellowship after her
presentation.

JACK & RINA DAVIS, NORTH HOLLYWOOD PIONEERS

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Rina Davis of the Pioneer Davis Family - Photo from the Davis Family Album, Gift from Dave High - July 2009
Handsome Rina Davis lived her life in North Hollywood, California. She lived in her 90s.

Jack Davis Davis of the Pioneer Davis Family - Photo from the Davis Family Album, Gift from Dave High - July 2009 Jack Davis (see earlier posting) spent his life as a farmer
in the San Fernando Valley. He also purchased land in Studio City, that he developed for commercial purposes. Jack died in 1936 of cancer.

Rina Davis of the Pioneer Davis Family - Photo from the Davis Family Album, Gift from Dave High - July 2009
The Davis family home was located near the present Gelson's Market - Laurel Canyon and the 101 Freeway. These people were identified by a Davis family descendent, Guy Weddington McCreary in August 2009.

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

MORE ABOUT LOUIS THIEL - MYSTERY MAN PHOTOGRAPH IN THE HIGH COLLECTION

LOUIS THIEL
Six Years of Drama Castle Square Theater Dramatic Stock Company 1897 to 1903

Mr. Thiel before coming to the Castle Square Theatre
played with many different travelling and stock companies,
among which were The Wife for Wife Company, New Do-
minion Company, Humanity Company, Blue Jeans Company
and Lost in the Desert Company. His principal work is in
comedy and characters, being unusually successful in negro
and dialect parts. As *' Uncle Poly" in "The New Dominion "
he **was far above the average as a colored man and was
deserving of all the applause he received." One of his best
character parts was that of a tramp in "Side Tracked" and
proved a bit of mimicry that would be hard to duplicate. In
the play the humorous side of tramp life is shown, and, as'is
told by the title, he is side-tracked while trying to beat his
way on a freight car, and while thus detained he becomes a
prominent feature in a tragedy.

When " Quo Vadis " was put on Mr. Thiel was speci-
ally engaged to do the part of ** Nero," and all who saw the
piece have a vivid recollection of his work in that character.
He received great commendation from the critics at that time
as being fully in the spirit of the play and era. Mr. Thiel is
almost always in the cast, and although not usually called
upon for principal parts he makes the most of his opportuni-
ties and gives satisfaction at all times. As " Manasses
Marks" in "Humanity" he made a hit, playing the part
in an amusing manner. Mr. Thiel is a pigeon fancier of
some reputation and enjoys the study and care of these
familiar birds.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

MYSTERY MAN IDENTIFIED AMONG THE ANTIQUE PHOTOS IN THE HIGH COLLECTION

2009 The Year of Valley History
High Collection signature of Louis Thiel
Signature of Lousi Thiel - American actor from a photograph in the Billy Rose Theatre Collection of the New York Public Library.
Following my own lead, I googled "Louis Thiel Actor", I found this. Compare it with the signature on the High Collection photograph! Ole!!!!! Now the question is, how did this photograph get among the High Collection photographs?


Photograph of Unknown Man - Gift to The Museum from Dave High - July 2009.

I had pretty much made up my mind that the person in this photograph, of which I made a black and white image to clarify his signature, was named Louis Huel. (It may still be) But, in the light from a lamp over my left shoulder, the signature just might be Louis or Lorian Thiel. Is this fellow some sort of minister? I thought so at first, but religious habits are made with greater care, due to their sacred nature. Sooooo, what's up here? I have a new guess. Suppose he's an actor. "At the mercy of Tibereus (?) Co. Can the "Co" refer to Company. In the late 1800s CO would not have been used, I believe, for Colorado.

What is your guess. Email your Museum or put your opinion in the "comment" section.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

CAFE METROPOL - AN EXCUSE TO GO TO DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

This last Sunday, five of us went to the Ahmanson Theatre to see Spamalot. After the really funny musical, we drove down to the Café Metropol for a 3pm lunch. My wife Janne discovered Metropol after a search on the internet. And, what a find she made!
The neighborhood in which Café Metropol is located is in transition from warehouses and manufacturing companies to artists’ lofts and creative spaces. Parking spaces are limited, so it takes a little searching but not overwhelming. The Café, according to owner Angie An has been at its location for 12 years. Angie and her partner Guido Ganschow opened the place because there were no other places for coffee in the area at the time.
The restaurant’s interior is, as one would expect, a bit funky. With white butcher paper for table coverings, I wish I had brought something to draw with (and, I’ll be lots of art has been done there from folks in the neighborhood.)
Thank goodness that our pal Patty is serious about lemonade. Assured that the drink would be made fresh and good and sour, I opted in. (I figured that I could add sugar – but was served with a little pitcher with a supply of simple syrip.) It was simply the best lemonade in Los Angeles.!
For our friend Dallas, there was a goat cheese pizza. I had a splendid country paté served with French bread, butter, thin slices of red oinion and tomatoe and cornichons (ok........ so, I just looked up cornichon - crisp, tart pickles made from tiny gherkin cucumbers). As someone of Alsatian heritage, I am a snob about paté and won at the Metropol. It was accompanied by a delicate and very fresh mixed green salad with a super good sesame ginger dressing.
Patty and I had cups of salty, but still very good soup. Our ally Linda had a pulled turkey sandwich. Listen to this: “pot roasted turkey marinated in cranbetty bourbon BBQ sauces (she had extra sauce) on a brioche sesame bun........ sensational! She added oven baked garlic sweet potato fries.
Janne has tropical ice tea, and a ham stuffed panini. She substituted a hearts of Romaine Caesar salad. I was forced to order an ultra thin Margherita pizza, half of which I took to our poor, starving son at home. Patty tortured the rest of us by ordering a delicious looking slice of cheesecake accompanied by fresh raspberries in whipped cream.

Café Metropol is located downtown: It is very reasonably priced too!
923 E 3rd St
Ste 101
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 613-1537
www.cafemetropol.com

And, guess what! The Metro Gold Line Subway is scheduled to open a stop just 3 short blocks from Café Metro this next month.
So, catch the Orange line in the San Fernando Valley, transfer to the Red Line – go to Union Station and hop on the Gold Line and get off at the Little Tokyo Arts District. A day at the Japanese National Museum and MOCA’s Geffin Museum, and lunch at Café Metropol ... Is this a great City or isn’t it!

JACK DAVIS - THE SF VALLEY'S FIRST TENNIS CHAMPION

Jack Davis - Davis Family Album page 13 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Dave High - July 2009.
Serious tennis was brought to the San Fernando Valley by the family of Hammond Davis in the late 1800s. Jack (likely a nickname for John) Davis was best at the game. So, it might be fair to call him the first athletic champion of his times.

Jack Davis - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Dave High - July 2009.
This portrait of Jack Davis was among the loose photographs in the High Collection. His connection to the historic Davis family of Lankershim / North Hollywood has been verified by Guy Weddington McCreary and possibly his signature across this portrait photograph taken by the Byou Studio on South Spring Street, Los Angeles.

DAVE HIGH - A SAN FERNANDO VALLEY TREASURE

David High in his Workshop - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht - July 2009

No generation has had a greater love affair with cars than the one that reached adulthood in the 1950s. In the San Fernando Valley kids cruised Van Nuys Boulevard on Saturday night, adopted Rock and Roll and made Bob’s Big Boy hamburgers a required stop. Dave High was one of those lucky teenagers.
With notebooks filled with amazing drawings of souped-up cars, Dave was the envy of his classmate at Birmingham High School. Little did he know that sketching cars and creating fantasy vehicles was going to shape his life long career.

Dave High graduated from high school in an era when most boys saw military service as a reality. So, like hundreds of others, he went to the Naval Reserve Station in North Hollywood to enlist. To his, and California’s good fortune, Dave’s ability to draw was quickly recognized and he spent his active duty time as an Navy illustrator.
After his time on active duty, Dave went to work for his father “Skeet” as a mechanic in the family auto shop. (see: posting about Skeet – July 21, 2009 on this blog). According to Dave, he soon learned that drawing and customizing cars was a lot more fun than fixing them. He set about to find work as a professional illustrator.
In the best tradition of the animation business, Dave High found his first job working the night shift in a basement mailroom for Hanna Barbara Studios. (Hanna Barbara is famous for its Fred Flintstone and Jetsons productions.)
In Dave’s words, “It wasn't long before the rookie moved to daylight hours and settled into an upstairs desk as a background illustrator with one of the most prestigious animation companies in the world.”
Fortunately for Dave High, he was able follow his car-passion during the “offseason” in the animation business. He worked to restore automotive upholstery and better yet - as a designer of custom-made boat and car interiors.
In 1990, Dave opened a specialty garment screen printing company called Dave High Ink, in the Simi Valley. The website for the company tells us more about his exciting career.
“During the '80s Dave's cartooning skills became a hot item in the Hollywood art/designer scene. He worked for such studios as Hanna-Barbara, Ruby Spears, MGM and Walt Disney. As soon as one animation project was completed, he was snatched up as art director for another company. He worked on such productions as the California Raisins, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pocahontas and All Dogs Go to Heaven. Not only was Dave the art director for the live action show that debuted "Teddy Ruxpin", the talking bear, and he also illustrated and produced the Ruxpin books and three videos. “
In July of 2009, Dave High became a major contributor to the preservation of San Fernando Valley history through his donation of a large box of historic Weddington family photographs. Among the photographs was a small photograph album, identified by Guy Weddington McCreary as likely having belonged once to his mother’s family. These images now designated The Davis Family Album.
Dave states that he is honored to be included as one of the Valley’s very important artists, since “I know from experience there are many, many fantastic artists living in the Valley.” He continues to say, “I feel very fortunate to have been born where and when I was! It was really a great place to grow up!”
The Museum Community can learn more about Dave High and receive a newsletter from his company by emailing him at info@davehighink.net

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

Monday, August 17, 2009

WHAT'S UP WITH YOUR MUSEUM - BUILDING A WEBSITE

So much is going on with your Museum, that it would be a real task to present it all here all at once. So, I've decided to feature a "What's Up With Your Museum" posting as a way of letting folks know what is going on.
Today marks the 1000th indexed item in The Museum's inventory. The David High collection will in itself add hundreds of new entries, as each photograph is registered, identified, scanned and indexed. Big job!
I hope you are enjoying the photographs as much as I. How about dropping us a line and share your opinion.
Don't forget to pay a visit to the Mid Valley Library to see Fred Berk's great display of The Museum's historic postcards.

Phyllis Hansen and Michael Stevens are turning up the heat on a Website for The Museum. Money to pay for the Website is our chief barrier now. We need a $600 sponsorship to get the site up and running.
Don't forget that contributions to your Museum are tax deductible. If you like this blog, just think of the enjoyment that will come your way when an interactive website becomes a reality.


Make a great mobile Museum a reality for you and your family for generations to come. Join The Museum Community today.
1 (818) 347-9665

STORM LAKE, IOWA - 1890s - A MODEL FOR NORTH HOLLYWOOD / LANKERSHIM

2009 - The Year of Valley History
For the Weddingtons, and others from Buena Vista County, Iowa, the infrastructure of midwestern communities in the 1890s was to be a model for the development of the San Fernando Valley. When one wonders why such imposing buildings as the Iowa structures seen here were not duplicated in our area - the answer is simple - Earthquakes.
Hospital for the Insane at Independence, Iowa - Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 (refer to HC-43

Storm Lake Iowa County Courthouse c. 1890, Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 (refer to image HC-42

"North Side of School House" c. 1890, Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 (refer to image HC-39

Buena Vista College - c. 1890, Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 (refer to image HC-40

Downtown Storm Lake, Iowa - East Side of Lake Avenue, c. 1890, Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 (refer to image HC-42

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

100 YEARS AGO IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Mrs. Bombard and Jesse Andrews- May 31, 1909 - Gift of Dave High to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - July 2009 - Refer to HC-38
Very early, settlers in the village of Lankershim began to plant orchards. High water tables near tributaries of the Los Angeles River enabled farmers to plant walnuts and even peaches.

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.
Become part of The Museum Community, working to bring about a great Museum for the Valley. Volunteer today by calling 1- (818) 347-9665

Your Museum supports the LA Historical Alliance.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

OLDEST KNOWN PHOTOGRAPH OF TENNIS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Davis Family Photo Album c. 1890 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009

When Harriet and Hammond Davis moved to Lankershim / Toluca (Now North Hollywood) in the late 1800s, they were determined to keep important family traditions from England. Among these was tennis. They introduced the sport to their new neighbors the Weddingtons, and when the families intermarried, tennis became part of their San Fernando Valley lifestyle.

Friday, August 14, 2009

VAN WINKLE FAMILY PIONEERS OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Van Winkle Family , San Fernando Cal. April 1892 - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009 (refer to photo HC-31)
Photographed by T or Freuschel 216 Lincoln Ave. Goshen, Indiana

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

The collection of photographs from David High continues to be identified, and catalogued. This is the 31st image to be scanned and documented.

URGENT NOTE: The priceless "Mother House" of North Hollywood continues to be a sitting duck for vandals. We need expressions of public concern.

Your Museum supports the efforts of the LA Heritage Alliance.

PHOTOS OF PIONEER DAVIS FAMILY OF NORTH HOLLYWOOD DISCOVERED

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Photo of Harriet Davis, Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009

Photo of Hammond Davis, Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from David High - July 2009

A few weeks ago, when David High donated his wonderful box of old North Hollywood photographs to your Museum, a small photograph album was know to have one identifiable picture of a San Francisco landmark. Today, nearly every image in the album has been identified by a descendent of the family in the book. Guy Weddington McCreary recognizes that most of the old timers are members of the historic family of Hammond Davis. Guy is a descendent of the Davis.
Here are the heads of the family, Harriet (HC-29) and Hammond Davis (HC-30)
Hammon's picture was hotographed by Thomas C. Bayfield, North Street, Horsham, England.
Harriet's was done by G. Churchill, photographers to Her Majesty the Queen and most of the imperial and royal families of Europe.
4 Cornfield Road, Eastbourn, England.
The names of the photographers and locations reveal that this family may have been from the Horsham region of Sussex south of London.

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

Thursday, August 13, 2009

A GREAT AUCTION IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Likely the auction of livestock from the Van Nuys and Lankershim Ranches in 1911 - Photo gift from David High - July 2009 Refer to photograph HC-27
Richard Hilton, Director of Tour Operations for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley comments:
" I am suspecting it is February 22, 1911, auction day in Van Nuys. It would be looking South from what is today Van Nuys Blvd. with the Santa Monica Mountains in the background. The train would be the Southern Pacific on the tracks just north of Oxnard Street. I have never seen this photo before. It's great! What a great find these shots are."
Note: Mr. Hilton is planning a special walking tour of downtown Van Nuys this fall.

More from Richard Hilton
Okay, now I am thinking that this was the Lankershim/Van Nuys auction of ALL their farm equipment, livestock, etc. of the several different ranches held by the Los Angeles Suburban Homes Co. It was held November 4, 1910 and was a huge event; over 2,000 people there. The Times reports 7 special RR cars packed to the gills and a 100 cars there. It was held at the Kester Ranch just South of the Southern Pacific tracks at Oxnard and Van Nuys Blvd. Another was auction was going to be held later at the Patton Ranch which is just Northwest of Rancho Los Encinos. So... I think now that this is that auction, especially if it said "auction" on the photo. I think this is looking north as the RR tracks are in the background and the cars would be parked south of the tracks because that is where the Kester Ranch was.
Richard


We are checking with Bill Carpenter of the historical museum at LA Valley college to see if this photograph, from the High Collection, matches similar images in the college's collection.

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

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

MICHAEL TOZZI DONATES PIERCE COLLEGE TREASURES TO THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2009 - The Year of Valley History
La Riata 20th Anniversary Yearbook - Los Angeles Pierce College 1967- 1968 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Michael Tozzi - August 2009
Los Angeles Pierce College in 1948 shortly after the college was opened. Michael Tozzi was the editor and chief of the college newspaper for 1966-1967.

Detail from La Riata 20th Anniversary Yearbook - Los Angeles Pierce College 1967- 1968 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Michael Tozzi - August 2009
One of the most cherished landmarks in the modern San Fernando Valley is the Pierce Farm Center. The center celebrates Pierce College's treasured agricultural heritage, and provides Valley families with one of the few precious farm-experiences left in our area. This photo from the school's 20th anniversary yearbook, demonstrates the long time farm tradition at Pierce.

Cover of La Riata yearbook Los Angeles Pierce College 1967- 1968 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Michael Tozzi - August 2009

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

FRED BERK REVIEWS "SANTA SUSANA FIELD LABORATORY" BY WALSH AND BOWLING

2009 - The Year of Valley History


Book Review
Santa Susana Field Laboratory
by Christina Walsh and William Preston Bowling

For most of the Cold War, the people of the San Fernando Valley lived with a neighbor they knew little or nothing about. Just to the west, in the Simi Hills, was a huge facility building and testing rocket engines, and and procucing nuclear power as well. The Santa Susana Field Laboratory, run by Rocketdyn, NASA, and other government agencies, did vital work, but contamination from radioactive and other toxic sources grew to alarming levels.. Only in recent years has this problem been addressed on an effective level, resulting in a partial cleanup.

A pair of activists, working hard to increase public awareness are Christina Walsh and William Preston Bowling, are authors of an attractive softcover book entitled SANTA SUSANA FIELD LABORATORY (privately printed). It consists mainly of their own color photographs of the site, with accompanying narrative.. The authors have done a really important job helping to focus attention on a lingering problem, and they encourage people to visit the Aerospace Cancer Museum of Education in Chatsworth, which is headquarters for their ongoing efforts. (818) 712-6903.
Fred A. Berk Librarian, Museum of the San Fernando Valley

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

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

HISTORIC POSTCARDS ON EXHIBIT AT MID-VALLEY REGIONAL LIBRARY

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Fred Berk - Historic Postcard Display - August 2009 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

When your Museum incorporated in 2005, we determined that we would be a Museum Community serving the entire 1,800, 000 residents of the greater San Fernando Valley. And, one of the ways we intend to serve the widespread communities of the Valley, is to "take history to the people." One of our first successes was the creation of a mobile exhibit entitled, "Mr. Whitsett and Our Thirsty Valley". When we secure more financial strength, we will produce mobile exhibits on a regular basis, until folks encounter our rich and exciting Valley history all over the area (in schools, religious institutions, public buildings, businesses and recreational facilities. Expect more walking and bus tours, publications interactive history stations.

While we are building our bank account, we will be doing whatever we can, whenever we can to tell the Valley's amazing story.
Thanks to The Museum's Librarian, Fred Berk, another small but impressive exhibit of The Museum's historic post card collection is now on display at the:
MIDVALLEY REGIONAL LIBRARY (just west of the 405 freeway)
16244 Nordoff Street
telephone: 1 (818) 895-3650
The Library;s hours are
Monday and Thursday (Lunes y Jueves) ........... 10 am until 8 pm
Friday and Saturday (Viernes y Sabådo) ........... 10 am until 6 pm
Sunday (Domingo) ...................................... 1 pm until 5 pm

Exhibit of historic postcards organized by Fred Berk.

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