JEHOVAH'S WITTNESS ASSEMBLY HALL REPLACED THE VALLEY MUSIC CENTER

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Once the Valley Music Theatre stood just above Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills. It brought great pride to residents in the West San Fernando Valley. The structure was sold to the Jehovah's Witnesses and later resold for apartment development. The Music Theater / Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witness was destroyed and lies under great swaths of plastic today.

Jehovah's Witnesses Assembly Hall - Postcard given to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2010 - artifact 1600

“Unique and beautiful in design, the California Valley Circuits Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses is located on a 8 1/3 acre site 2 block south of Ventura Freeway at 20600 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, California, 91364.
The dome-shaped auditorium has circular/sloped seating for over 2800 persons arouind a large central stage.”

Interior of Jehovah's Witnesses Assembly Hall - Postcard given to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2010 - artifact 1602

"A 35-foot crown, representing the everlasting Kingship of Almighty God Jehovah is suspended above the stage as a centerpiece in the circular auditorium of the California Valley Circuits Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located between Winnetka and DeSoto offramps of the Ventura Freeway at 20600 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, California, 91364."


Jehovah's Witnesses Assembly Hall - Postcard given to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2010 - artifact 1601

"Wide ramps lead from 2 parking lots to this dome-shaped, floor to ceiling glass fronted entrance and lobby of the California Valley Circuits Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 20600 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, California, 91364."

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

1932 Olympic Games Poster - reproduced as a postcard for 1984 Games - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2010.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley actively collects artifacts and information about the Olympic Games of 1932 and 1984, held in Los Angeles. We also seek and archive information about the training and achievements of Olympians of the San Fernando Valley.

Support your Museum's Olympics Collections:

Museum of the San Fernando Valley 1 (818) 347-9665
21031 Ventura Boulevard Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

CALIFORNIA INT'L THEATER FESTIVAL HAS APPRENTICESHIPS

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES


(click to enlarge)

HORSE BREEDING WAS ONCE A MAJOR SAN FERNANDO VALLEY ENTERPRISE

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- Northridge100

Once horse ranches extended all across the North part of the San Fernando Valley. Owning a race horse was very much a part of one's status as a film or recording star. The Falk Ranch at the top of Balboa Boulevard at Lassen Street boasted many fine horses used for racing and pleasure riding.
Photo from Race Souvenir Tray - Gift to The Museum from Steve Falk 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
The 6th Race at Hollywood Park, May 29, 1956. World famous jockey Willy Shoemaker rides "First Aid Kit" to victory for the Falk Stables in Granada Hills.
The Falk family (Sue - holding a white purse, husband Steve - in dark suit holding little son Steven, watch as Steve's mother greets her winning steed at a Del Mar race. The Falk Ranch boarded the riding horses of Betty Grable and her bandleader husband Harry James.

ORPHA ADDS A MYSTERY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES


Photo given to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley in 2010 by Gary Fredburg.

As the Museum Community solves one historic riddle, another seems to follow immediately. Here among the records of Orpha Klinker, the great California artist, is an unknown woman. If you can give us a lead on this handsome lass, we'd appreciate it.

MOTHER OF OLIVE TREES

Mother of Olives - Oldest olive tree in California - files of Orpha Klinker - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.
The first olive trees in the San Fernando Valley, and much of the original olive stock that made Sylmar world famous, are likely descendants of this precious old tree. This photograph, taken in 1939 and sent to the California artist, Orpha Klinker, shows what remained of the great orchards of the Mission San Diego Alcala. Cuttings of this venerable tree produced what is still called the "Mission Type" olive.

THE SERRA PALM OF SAN DIEGO IN THE ARCHIVES OF THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

The Serra Palm - from a letter sent to Orpha Klinker April 28, 1939 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.

This 1939 photograph of the Serra Palm was in a letter file that once belonged to the great California artist Orpha Klinker. The great old palm tree was at the foot of Presidio Hill in San Diego was planted by the first Spanish colonists in California in 1769. It was at the place believed where Gaspar de Portola and Father Junipera Serra began their exploits in our state.
We are in hope that some curious person will investigate the Serra Palm's role in the Chicago World's Fair.
Seedling from the Serra Palm eventually were carried throughout California.

FREE MEMORIAL DAY BIG BAND CONCERT IN SHERMAN OAKS

Please bring your family, your picnic, and a blanket and come to Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park on SUNDAY, May 30, 2010 to celebrate Memorial Day with us and to honor our American heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice, as well as our veterans and military currently serving in our Armed Forces.

The Horace Heidt All-Star Big Band will entertain you with great singers and big band hits from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and there will be a dance floor, so bring your “dancin’ shoes” too!

A carnival is planned in the park that day, and the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council is presenting the afternoon festivities from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

It will be a special day for all of us to celebrate!
Sincerely,
Horace Heidt, Jr.

Please support your Museum today.

Niki de Saint Phalle sculpture in San Diego County.- Photo by Janne Fecht 2010

When the Federal Census for 2010 is reported, most of us expect the population of the 300 square miles of the San Fernando Valley to exceed 2,000,000 residents. Your Museum's goal is to directly serve 200,000 of these adults and children in the next two years by creating programs that reach all areas of the greater Valley.
Please show that you care about the amazing culture of the San Fernando Valley and our shared history. Your contributions not only impact the extent of our services, but show your support for our efforts.
Thank you. Jerry Fecht

Please send a contribution today:
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Boulevard Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

THE SHAME OF CAMPO DE CAHUENGA

El Camino Real - The King's Highway - postcard given to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2010 - (click on image to enlarge)

Marking great El Camino Real was the project of Mrs. Armitage Forbes and her associates who met regularly at their base of operations, Campo de Cahunga in Studio City - North Hollywood. I wonder what those heroes of California history would think today to see the once beautiful plants and trees half dead from lack of watering.

We understand that there is a budget crisis and a water shortage, but it is a shame for the city of Los Angeles to neglect one of California's most important shrines.

1919 VICTORY PARADE DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES


Victory Parade May 1919 - Newspaper clipping gift to The Museum from Beth Perrin 2010.

With Memorial Day just around the corner, this photograph from the May 31, 1959 edition of the Los Angeles Times, seems very appropriate. Here Company F of the 117th Engineers who served in the Rainbow Division in World War I come marching home.
This image was taken facing north on Broadway from 4th Street downtown. 18 soldiers from this brave company were killed in the war.

CONGRATULATIONS VALLEY GRADS

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

It's graduation time and time to honor the young women and men who will soon be helping us build a better world. Here's a photograph featured in a June 1959 edition of the Los Angeles Times. It shows the graduates of Los Angeles High School June 12, 1895.


Los Angeles High School Graduates 1895 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Beth Perrin 2010.

Essays on literature were required as part these students graduation requirements. What will the world think of our 2010 graduates a 107 years from now?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. POOH

Honey Mushrooms at San Elijo Lagoon

I was thinking of a way to wish Dr. Elizabeth Venrick (called by those who love her, Dr. Pooh) a Happy Birthday, when we received a copy of Lagoon Tidings from the San Elijo Conservancy. There on page two is a great photograph of Honey Mushrooms (Armillaria Meliea) taken at the lagoon. And, the caption read "Photo by Elizabeth Venrick".
So Happy Birthday Dr. Pooh and, Happy Viewing Friends of The Museum.

NORTHRIDGE FESTIVAL BRINGS MEMORIES OF DEVONSHIRE DOWNS

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- Northridge100

Remember Devonshire Downs and the many events that took place there? The "Downs" played a big part in life in the San Fernando Valley. From the San Fernando Valley Fair to rock and roll concerts, Devonshire Downs made history. What are your memories of it?


Devonshire Downs - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

Don't forget to put this year's Northridge Festival on your calendar. Come by and say hello at The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's table. Bring copies of your favorite times in Northridge and Porter Ranch (or, anywhere in the Valley). Become part of Valley history.

Your Museum can be reached at: 1 (818) 347-9665

HERITAGE DAYS COME TO PIERCE COLLEGE FARM CENTER

THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY AND WWII MEMORABILIA

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Today while having lunch at Barone's in Valley Glen, the artist Dale Alexander asked if I remembered a German tank or the Japanese zero that were displayed where Van Nuys Boulevard bends to meet San Fernando Road in Pacoima. Dale said that he recalls the vehicles being used to stimulate sales of World War II bonds. This is a part of Valley history, we need to know more about.

Item by item, artifact by artifact, the story of the San Fernando Valley's role in World War II continues to emerge.

Below, a Master Mason in North Hollywood shows The Museum's historic North Hollywood walking tourists, the great Audie Murphy's application to join the Freemasons. The Masonic Temple has many of Murphy's medals in its library. Audie Murphy was the most decorated soldier in the Second World War, including a Congressional Medal of Honor.
Audie Murphy's application to join the Freemasons in North Hollywood.

1943 Historic Postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.
The onset of World War II was a very frightening time in the United States. Here in a patriotic postcard a school boy looks on the names of heroes from an earlier war.

Postcard Announcing a Community Dance in Glendale - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010. (click on image to enlarge)

Postmarked Nov. 18, 1941, this "penny postcard" reveals an interesting part of American history. Sent 20 days before war was declared on the Japanese empire by the United States Congress, a "Defense Tax" was already in place.
One has to wonder how many people who lived in the San Fernando Valley at the time would recall that they had gone to the Glendale Civic Auditorium to dance to the big band of Paul Martin, Saturday night December 6th.

A SALUTE TO PAUL COHEN - HEROIC SOLDIER OF WWII

Paul Cohen - Heroic Veteran of WWII - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.

The Board of Directors of The Museum dedicated our May meeting to a genuine San Fernando Valley hero, Paul Cohen. Mr. Cohen served in the US Army in the Battle of Laite in the Phillappine Islands and in the Battle for Okinawa. He and his wife Frances live in Woodland Hills.

Bronze Star, won by Paul Cohen in World War II. He was the first veteran interviewed in The Museum's project to secure the histories of Jewish American Veterans of the Second World War. Van Nuys based photographer and blog writer Andy Hurvitz is working with The Museum on this important project.

STRAWBERRIES AT THE PIERCE COLLEGE FARM CENTER - A SAN FERNANDO VALLEY TRADITON

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY HISTORY

There are just somethings, provided you're not allergic, that are required by history and tradition to do..... and, one of these is to buy three huge boxes of strawberries from the Pierce College Farm Center every May!

DON DRYSDALE - THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY'S BASEBALL HERO

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY HISTORY
Don Drysdale - Historic postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
Donald Scott "Don" Drysdale was born on the 23rd of July 1936 in Van Nuys, California. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, Drysdale attended Van Nuys High School where he was a baseball teammate of the future actor Robert Redford.
One of the most important pitchers in Major League Baseball, Don Drysdale was a mega-favorite of L.A. Dodgers fans. Because of his brilliant career, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. His number “53” was retired by the Dodgers in 1984.
Don Drysdale’s ashes are buried in Forest Lawn, Glendale.

SMALL MEMORIES OF A LONG AGO WAR

Clifton's Cafeteria Newsletter 1944 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2010
Recently we had our home re-carpeted. We’re still disrupted and I’m using the ordeal as an opportunity to sort through old books and prepare for a trip to Out of the Closet or packing up treasures for the next Museum garage sale.
Among the books was a biography of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes that I will be giving to a lifelong friend, Burnet Brown. When I was cleaning it, I discovered three small historic treasures. Two were documents from the now defunct Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of Iowa dated June 30 and December 14, 1943. The third is a folded newsletter entitled “Food for Thot” published on June 1, 1944 by the beloved Los Angeles landmark cafeteria called “Clifton’s” 618 South Olive / 648 South Broadway.
Because your Museum is working with the young Van Nuys photographer Andy Hurvitz to secure the histories of the Valley’s Jewish-American WWII veterans, the discovery of the Clifton’s and Home Federal documents seemed especially timely.
Look at the Home Federal documents to see the intense patriotism the dangers to America generated in 1943. Here are two excerpts from the Clifton’s newsletter that speak about the “spirit of the times” in the summer of 1944:
“Personal War and Post-War Planning
The more you can travel under your own steam, the more national steam is left for the war and post-war effort. This nation was built by sturdy individuals solving their own problems. It can be strengthened by individuals and communities breaking big problems into little ones and solving them one by one. “Rip Van Winkle” days are over for America, for all of us. It isn’t hard to find something that needs doing. When you do it – that’s progress. When you and your fellow citizens do it together – that’s democracy. When you let George do it, that’s an invitation to a dictator.”

A question to Clifton’s: “With government urging we eat more eggs and the price of eggs greatly reduced why do you still charge 7¢ an egg?"

From Two Marines –
“... a few months ago we dined at your cafeteria and we unable to pay the check. We intended to fulfill our obligation the following week, but do to circumstances it could not be done. Enclosed in this letter is a money order to take care of the check and the remainder we would like to donate to the fund which we understand you have, to cover such cases as ours. Our meal was about $1.80. We hope that this long but unavoidable delay has not lessened your confidence in us, or in any other servicemen, who in the future might be confronted with the same situation.”
Answer:
Such letters as yours are the finest source of inspiration and encouragement to us in our service policy. We acknowledge with sincere thanks the receipt of your money order for $5.00 in return for the $1.80 meal checks you were unable to pay on your visit to us. What we did was not merely fulfilling Clifton’s policy but also the policy of thousands of friends and guests who support us in that policy, just as you have done.
You are not the first nor the last who have repaid us many fold for our desire to be of service to people in a pinch. So were are taking your five dollars, adding to it five dollars of our own, and putting it in the fund reserved for “other servicemen who in the future may be confronted with the same situation.” Thus your bread on the waters is returned doubled (plus the original investment of $1.80) for the service of the next soldier, sailor or marine who makes port at Clifton’s “in the same boat”.
Patriotism in 1943 - Documents from Home Federal Savings of Iowa - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2010.

VALLEY GRAFFITI ARTIST RAUL CAMPO WORKS IN LA ARTS DISTRICT

Graffiti Artist Raul Campo - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2010
Paints of Raul Campo 2010
Communal Graffiti Mural LA Arts District - Photo for the Archives of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010 by Gerald Fecht
Graffit Artists Resting - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2010

Artist at Work on Graffiti Mural - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010 by Gerald Fecht

Young Raul Campo was born in the Republic of Chile and has been a part of Los Angeles since his parents came here when he was seven. We encountered Raul at work on a major graffiti mural project in the Los Angeles Arts District, near Cafe Metropol this weekend. The building's owner knows good public art when he sees it, and he makes a handsome profit by renting out his building as a motion picture location as well.
Here's hoping that the public will recognize the importance of San Fernando Valley raised Raul Campos and that he survives to create a lifetime of art despite trying to get his start in a downsizing economy.

PS - There is a big, big difference between respected graffiti art and the vandalism of gang-related tagging.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY KIDS AND THEIR CARS

2010 - THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Ad in 1956 Van Nuys High School Yearbook - The Crimson and Gray - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.

Caption of the ad reads: "The new line of 1956 Chevrolet cars and trucks is displayed by P0LLARD-RAVENSCROFT CHEVROLET, 6232 Van NUys Boulevard. Here Fred and Tony admired the beautiful Bel-Air convertible and listened to the friendly salesman as he told them the advantages of owning a Chevrolet. Pollard-Ravenscroft maintains an excellent service departmentfor all cars, old or new."

Student Parking Lot at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks - 1956 Arches Year Book - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010

This student parking lot just north of Riverside Drive at Woodman Avenue is still in use in 2010. At the time this yearbook was published teachers who belonged to the Catholic religious order of the Brothers of Holy Cross resided in the mission-style building at the top of this photograph. The structure is now used for administrative purposes and the few remaining Brothers reside in a nearby home off-campus.


Parking Lot at Burbank Senior High School 1966 - Ceralbus Yearbook - Archive of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010

San Fernando Valley kids have had an unending love affair with cars from the time automobiles became accessible to student wallets. They make up a major part of the Valley's historic "car culture."

JERRY McGREEVY AND SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Jerry McGreevy - Notre Dame High School Yearbook 1956 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2010.

Brother Eugenio Cassano's Notre Dame Knights Marching Band was a powerhouse in the 1950s and continues to be in the 21st Century. Here drum major Jerry McGreevy struts his stuff.

Year books are of real importance in the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Not only do they show important, albeit often posed, images of student life, but styles in clothing, automobiles and insights into levels of community commitment to our schools.

Here's a simple and painless way to share your school experiences with future generations. Take a post-it note and put it in the front of your yearbooks or military records saying that you wish to donate them to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. This way your history won't end up in a garage sale somewhere in Idaho.

Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Boulevard. Suite 410
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

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

HOW ABOUT A FARRELL'S ICE CREAM CONE

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES Northridge100
Farrells Ice Cream Parlor Northridge - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010

It's not too late to share your photographs and memorabilia of old-time Northridge. The Museum is working on a special portable exhibit of historic Zelzah, North Los Angeles, Northridge Village and Northridge right now.
You can share your images via jpg format or give us a telephone call at
1 (818) 347-9665

SAVE LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Three great pillars of self-directed learning in the western world were put into place by Aristotle and his pupil Alexander the Great. Museums, Zoos and Libraries deserve their status as essential supports of classroom learning. Education, formal and informal, is the basis of civilization.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley encourages all of us who live in our great city to defend the full funding of Los Angeles Public Libraries. Go to:
www.SaveThe Library.org
and see how you can support our endangered libraries. Better yet, let the Los Angeles City Council know that Libraries are a high priority to the Museum Community.
Write"
Los Angeles City Councilmembers
c/o Council President Eric Garcetti
City Hall
200 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

A GREAT NEW ART TREASURE ARRIVES IN THE NO HO

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

The San Fernando Valley is an endless kaleidoscope of treasures, and no place exceeds the excitement going on in the revitalized NoHo Arts District.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is just halfway through our second year of walking tours of historic North Hollywood, and already there is new art and more history to tell about.

A major new work of art by the sculptor Cliff Garten on Lankershim Boulevard is a perfect example of this. Called “Sentient Beings” Garten’s exciting art stands at the entrance to the NoHo Commons complex, and will quickly act as a major welcoming image to the east side of the boulevard.

LANKERSHIM READING ROOM DEDICATED

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Lakershim Reading Room on the day of its re-dedication - Photo by Phyllis Hansen for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010
Cake made in the form of the Lankershim Reading Room - Photo by Phyllis Hansen for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010
Phyllis Hansen shares these photos from the re-dedication of the Lankershim Reading Room at the Andres Pico Adobe by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society.

MOCA's BIG FAMILY DAY - A BIG TIME SUCCESS

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY (AND DOWNTOWN LA) ADVENTURES

Elizabeth Morin of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs speaks with a MOCA intern about a future in the arts.
Rania Pallad and her husband Willard Simms watch over The Museum's table.


The Museum of the San Fernando Valley was part of MOCA's Big Family Day, downtown Los Angeles today. The event is MOCA's biggest family celebration of the year. There were special gallery tour by our city's expert art kids, great hands on art activities and great bands. MOCA's student art internships are among the most popular youth arts programs in Western United States.

SUPPORT ARTS EDUCATION FOR OUR CITY'S CHILDREN - all of Civilization is at stake!

THE MUSUEM SUPPORTS MOCA's FAMILY FUN DAY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY (AND DOWNTOWN LA) ADVENTURES

Rania Pallad, Treasurer of The Museum, hands out markers and crayons to the MSFV's table at MOCA - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The Museum's new signs let everyone in MOCA's plaza know that the San Fernando Valley is a super important part of the Los Angles Art Scene. Rania Pallad, Jerry Fecht and Willard Simms at our table.
Watching our Museum advisor, Fabrizio Flores in action today directing MOCA's Big Family Day was inspiring. Over a thousand people of all ages crowded the plaza of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), just across the street from Disney Hall.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley gave away posters, suitable for coloring, of neat things to do in the Valley. They were a big hit. The first thing that kids colored in were the pumpkins representing the Farm Center at Pierce College.
Special thanks to the artist Joseph Saenz and member of the Board of The Museum, Elizabeth Morin for producing the posters. Thanks too to Rania Pallad and Willard Simms who "personed" The Museum's table for most of the afternoon.
The Grammy Museum had drums for kids to try out.
We were right next to the folks from the new Grammy Museum's Education Department. Since Kait and Mike both live in Studio City, we had the chance to invite them to The Museum's walking tour and the big 75th Anniversary of Republic Studios next September.