VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR REPUBLIC PICTURES EVENT.

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES


The 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures has turned into a HUGE event. It will be held on Sept. 25 from 11 until 5.

The Studio City Neighborhood Council (Cultural Affairs Committee) and The Museum of the San Fernando Valley really need volunteers to help on this exciting day. Free Parking – Free Admission for your friends and guests.

If you can help for the day please let me know right away. There are some really nice perks planned for the volunteers.

Thanks so much Jerry Fecht 1 818 347 -9665

VIEW OF THE LOS ANGELES RIVER FROM CBS IN STUDIO CITY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Los Angeles River - August 2010 - Photos by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Mount Cahuenga (often called Mt. Hollywood) is in the distance, overlooking the Los Angeles River.
Restoration of a natural river is in the planning stage for the Los Angeles River.

For those of you lucky folks who will be attending the free 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures on September 25th at the CBS Center in Studio City, you may very well get to see this spectacular view of the Los Angeles River. Parking is free, entrance to the event is free.
Make sure that you come by to visit our Museum volunteers at the Kids Art Space.

A NEAT LEAD ON ORPHA KLINKER'S OLYPIC IMAGE

Athletic Club Magazine, "Mercury" for May 12, 1932, illustrated by Orpha Klinker.

This image is a great lead for The Museum's on-going research about the Olympic Games and the involvement of Los Angeles.
"You have to look very very closely to be able to see the masthead. Orpha likely did this because of her brother Elza (Orlene's father) being a 1928 Olympic athlete was probably involved in this. He was active with his Olympic friends all his life.

BETA THETA PI FRATERNITY CHRISTMAS 1960

This photograph was taken at the annual Christmas dinner of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity on December 13, 1960 at the Rodger Young Auditorium in Los Angeles. Gift of Steve Falk to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010. (click on image and move curser to enlarge.)

CALIFORNIA AIR GUARD VAN NUYS BASIC TRAINING

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

California Air National Guard recruits at the conclusion of basic training - Photo image gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Steve Falk 2010 (click on image to enlarge)



When The Museum acquires our base of operations, we will begin immediately to scan, as well as photograph, all images that come our way. In the meanwhile, because of history's fleeting opportunities, we often photograph images such as this picture of California Air National Guardsmen during basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, take in June of 1961. Squadron 3710 Flight 39

BOB'S BIG BOY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES


One of the great icons of life in the San Fernando Valley is the image of the chubby little fellow called Bob's Big Boy. Here, at the Glendale restaurant adjacent to Toluca Lake, the Big Boy brand is reinforced on a cement trash container. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.

Share your Valley memories with the San Fernando Valley Memory Bank. 1 (818) 347-9665

DONATION OF STEREOPTICON SOUGHT

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES


San Fernando Tunnel = stereopticon image - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2010.
Your Museum is seeking the donation of a "Stereopticon" slide viewer. Such a machine will allow our researchers to view double images, such as the above view of the San Fernando Tunnel for study.
Remember, donations to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley are tax deductible.
1 (818) 347-9665

CHATSWORTH RESERVIOR

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Chatsworth Resrvoir = postcard - gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010 (click on image to enlarge)"Located at the foot of the beautiful Santa Suzanna Mountains. "

Can you envision the day when The Museum of the San Fernando Valley has a headquarters from which to have volunteers and student interns working daily to publish the hundreds of images of the Valley in our archives? This vintage postcard of the Chatsworth Reservoir is a good example of the kind of treasures that await publication.

PEGGY STEWART AND BEN COOPER CELEBRATE REPUBLIC PICTURES 75th ANNIVERSARY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Ben Cooper and Peggy Stewart - Photograph by Lee Davis - August 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

The great Republic Pictures actors Ben Cooper and Peggy Stewart. The photograph, by Lee Davis, was taken on the occasion of the kickoff reception for the 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures. The event was sponsored by the Studio City Neighborhood Council and The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON THE PASSING OF FREDERIC BOGY

Vintage postcard of Toluca Lake - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburge 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

"My Dad was part of that generation that each day becomes smaller and smaller.

As his family, we were lucky to hear and remember many of his stories about a time and two wars that most high school kids today don’t know even happened.

It was our father’s burden to live it and it is our generation’s responsibility to remember it." Richard Bogy - Toluca Lake August 2010

MUSEUM MEETING DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF FREDERIC W. BOGY

/Frederic Whitting Bogy

The August board meeting of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley was dedicated to the memory of Frederic Whitting Bogy, prominent Toluca Lake- North Hollywood businessman. For his heroic service in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, in the battles for Saipan and Iowa Jima he was awarded the Silver Star. The 4th Marine Division serviceman also earned two purple hearts in service to his country. Fred Bogy was only 16 years old when he enlisted in the military.

Mr. Bogy graduated from the Officers Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia during the Korean conflict. In 1952, he was assigned to Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base in California, where according to the Toluca Times he “re-established, trained and commanded the Marine Corps amphibious reconnaissance unit for deep cover reconnaissance, demolition operations, and combat and rescue missions. In Korea, Marine Recon conducted covert operations up to 200 miles behind enemy lines. The training and many of the techniques Fred instituted in Marine Recon have been incorporated today in such Special Forces as the Navy Seals. Under Fred’s command the Marine Recon unit was instrumental in testing and developing the Gagnon-Cousteau Aqualung.”

A fifth generation Californian, Frederic Bogy grew to adulthood in Rancho Santa Fe. The Bogys were principles of the Toluca Lake Company, which was instrumental in the development of Toluca Lake and other east Valley properties beginning in 1923. Fred Bogy earned Bachelor and Master degrees from the University of Southern California, where he was a charter member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and elected to Trojan Squires and Knights, and Skull and Dagger, and was editor of El Rodeo (the University’s yearbook.)

According to the Toluca Times, “Fred was elected as the youngest-ever president of the Los Angeles Insurance Association, and was a member of the Underwriters Club for more than fifty years. For many years Fred was president of The Bogy Company, which – celebrating it’s one hundredth anniversary this year – remains the oldest continuously family owned insurance brokerage firm west of the Mississippi.”
Frederic Bogy was born on the 4th of March 1927. He died in Los Angeles on the 29th of July 2010.

CHI SIGMA CHI FRATERNTIY LA VALLEY COLLEGE

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Photograph of Chi Sigma Chi from Rosalyn (Roz Stern) Krause for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

Among the photographs in the 1960s scrapbook of Theta Rho Theta Sorority at Los Angeles Valley College is the group portrait of the Chi Sigma Chi Fraternity. Nothing is mentioned on line about this group that functioned in the 1960s.

A TRIBUTE TO BRUCE D. ACKERMAN

The women and men who are working to bring about The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, are honored to take this time to thank the great Bruce Ackerman for his outstanding support and vision. The Museum Community was thrilled when Bruce early on recognized the need for a museum of history and culture for the entire San Fernando Valley. His efforts have provided us an all-important meeting place from which to plan The Museum's activities and conduct vital board meetings. His understanding of the importance of history in the "sense of place" for our Valley cities and suburbs is important today and will be for generations yet to come.
We are delighted to be a small part in the community-wide expression of gratitude to this great man and leader of the San Fernando Valley.

Gerald Fecht - President The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

MEGA-STAR ROBERT TAYLOR WAS NORTHRIDGE RESIDENT

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Robert Taylor Photograph - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010


Robert Taylor was born Spangler Arlington Brugh in 1911. He came to California with his college teacher to Pomona College in the 1930s. Athletic and handsome, he ran track, played the cello and was an excellent actor. He was discovered at Pomona by a MGM talent scout and had a most successful film career going from 1934 well into the late 50s. Taylor married the great actress Barbara Stanwyk in 1939.
It is unsure how long Robert Taylor lived in the manor house on Oakridge Estate, but he remained married to Stanwyk until 1951.

THE ESPLANADE IN FOREST LAWN

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Esplanade at Forest Lawn - vintage pstcard - gift of Gary Fredburg to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

The Esplanade, rimming the hill beside the Hall of the Crucifixion, commands this view of the San Fernando Valley. Nearest is Glendale. Beyond it, Burbank and other Valley communities. On the left, a part of Los Angeles, Griffith Park in the Hollywood Hills.

Is this the Glendale Forest Lawn?

ACTRESS JANE RUSSELL

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Jane Russell - vintage pin-up postcard - gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

Few places in the world has and has had more celebrity residents than the San Fernando Valley. Van Nuys High School has an impressive list of notables among its graduates, including the beautiful movie star Jane Russell.

MUSEUM'S FOCUS ON CHILDREN

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Joey the Clown - Sylmar - gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.

While The Museum of the San Fernando Valley does not have ambition to become a children's museum, we are very focused on providing services and inspiration to youth. If you have an interest in supporting our efforts for children, please contact your Museum soon.
1 (818) 347-9665

MARC WANAMAKER SPEAKS ON HISTORY OF REPUBLIC PICTURES

Tuesday, September 21, 2010, the Studio City Branch Library welcomes Marc Wanamaker, Los Angeles and Motion Picture historian, as he speaks to guests on the history of Studio City and Republic Pictures. 7 P.M. at 12511 Moorpark St., Studio City, CA 91604. Free admission.

EDWARD EVERETT HORTON

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Edward Everett Horton - photograph - gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2010 - (click on image to enlarge)

One of the greatest character actors of his time was Edward Everett Horton, who lived in Encino in the San Fernando Valley. Mr. Horton was a “working actor” who started his performing career on Broadway and in Vaudeville. He continued to work into the 1960s. Because of his service to the Encino community, the city of Los Angeles renamed the street on which he lived as Edward Everett Horton Avenue.

STARS OF REPUBLIC PICTURES

Great Stars of Republic Pictures - Photograph by Lee Davis - August 2010. (click on image to enlarge)
Front row (left to right): Anne Jeffreys, Ann Rutherford, Joan Leslie, Adrian Booth, Coleen Gray, Shirley Mitchell, Jane Withers.
Back row (left to right): Hugh O’Brian, Ben Cooper, Marjorie Lord, Dick Jones, Tommy Cook, Donna Martell, Marsha Hunt, Eilene Janssen, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Jane Kean.
Note: Peggy Stewart was at sign unveiling ceremony but not present for photograph

Lee Davis captured this great moment in Republic Pictures' history at the kickoff reception for the 75th Anniversary of the studios.

THE GREAT WHEAT FIELDS OF PORTER RANCH

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Make sure to double click on this great old photograph of Porter Ranch.
Once great wheat fields grained the whole San Fernando Valley. Here, in the late 1880s, the wheat harvest was underway on Porter Ranch

THE GREAT HUNTSINGER TURKEY RANCE OF NORTHRIDGE

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Fred Huntsinger with one of his prize turkeys.
In the 1950s the Huntsinger family built one of America's most successful turkey ranches in Northridge. The ranch was located at 9741 Lassen Street.

REPUBLIC PICTURES HELPED SHAPE VALLEY HISTORY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Entrance to Republic Pictures 1936 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
Republic Pictures in the 1950s - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

It's not called the "Entertainment Industry" by accident, and old time Republic Pictures knew what popular entertainment meant. From classic cowboy movies, to early science fiction and "cliff hanger" series, Republic Pictures had its pulse on America.

SHE WAS LOOKING FOR A COVERED BRIDGE IN UNIVERSAL CITY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

vintage postcard of Universal City - gift of Gary Fredburg to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

postmark October 30th in the 1950s
Dear Albert. This the nearest to a covered bridge I’ve found. Boy the way they travel here is terrible. I went to visit Forest Lawn today – so beautiful. Going to Santa Monica Friday pm to the dance of Lawrence Welk. I am thrilled. Then hope to go to the big Red Network next week. Tell Aunt Bessie. I have so many cards to send. LoveClaia (spelling unsure of name)
to: Mr. Albert Durgen Mc Falls, Maine.

GARY FREDBURG AND THE GREAT MOVIE HORSE TRIGGER

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
A favorite art work in the San Fernando Valley is this statue of the great old movie horse Trigger.
Gary Fredburg, newly elected Vice President of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley at the opening reception of the 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures - August 2010

MYSTERY IN JACK OAKIE'S BEDROOM

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Bedroom Mystery Oakridge Estate (click on image to enlarge)

When I looked carefully at the markings behind where once hung a mirror or was covered with stonework, above the fireplace in Jack Oakie's bedroom, I saw these pencil markings. At first blush, I considered that it may have been a worker's message, likely in a foreign script. But, with more thought, the lines may not be in an unknown alphabet, but may have been simple measuring directions.

WALL PAPER OAKRIDGE ESTATE

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Wall paper - Oakridge Estate 2010 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley


As expected much of the Oakie era wall coverings of the manor house on Oakridge Estate are missing or damaged. However, there are many excellent examples of the style and wall paper used. This will help greatly when the time, and money, for the restoration comes.

PAUL REVERE WILLIAMS AND JACK OAKIE

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Paul Revere Williams and Jack Oakie - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
The architect of the manor house on Oakridge Estate was Paul Revere Williams. He and Jack Oakie conferred about changes to the house periodically.
Jack Oakie
Jack Oakie was respected film and stage performer, who with his wife purchased Oakridge Estate from the actress Barbara Stanwyk.

ANNE JEFFREYS HELPS KICKOFF THE 75th ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC PICTURES

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

The great Anne Jeffreys, at the kickoff reception for the 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures. One of Ms. Jeffreys most notable roles was as a ghost in the 1953-1955 television series Topper.
The 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures is sponsored by The Museum of the San Fernando Valley in partnership with the Studio City Neighborhood Council’s Cultural Affairs Committee.

OAKRIDGE ESTATE MURAL

MORE MURAL PHOTOS OF OAKRIDGE ESTATES

View of the Bar from the Living Room of the manor house of Oakridge Estate.


My blog is resisting loading more than two photos per entry. That is the reason for the multiple entries about the Oakridge Estate.

LIVING ROOM OF THE OAKRIDGE ESTATE

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Living Room and Murals of Oakridge Estate - photos by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.
(click on images to enlarge)
With some of the windows unboarded, a visitor to the manor house of the Oakridge Estate can begin to feel what this splendid old dwelling might become if fully restored.

THE BAR AT OAKRIDGE MANOR

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June 8, 1954
I don't know about you, but one of the things I love best about exploring historical houses and donation boxes given to The Museum, are THE small insights into people's lives. In the Oakridge Manor, two handwritten pages (fortunately dated 1954) reveal the full spectrum of what Jack and Victoria Oakie preferred to offer their guests to drink.

MURAL OF JESUS AT SAINT PAUL'S LUTHERAN PRE-SCHOOL

Mural of Jesus at Saint Paul's Lutheran Pre-School in North Hollywood 2010

Theta Rho Theta Sorority at Valley College

"Presents" of Theta Rho Theta Sorority at Los Angeles Valley College in Van Nuys - 1961 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY TREASURE EMERGES IN NORTHRIDGE

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Living Room Mural detail - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010. (click on image to enlarge)
After years of neglect, the great old Oakridge Manor had its first public preview this last Saturday.
Still in an exceptionally fragile state, Oakridge Manor's living room still houses impressive murals, done by as yet an unknown artist. With a naive innocence, the murals represent a bygone era in decoration.
That the murals were considered, even in their time, as decoration rather than fine art, is exemplified by a light switch placed directly in the center of a mural near the garden door.
For more information about the historic Oakridge Estate, please call the office of Los Angeles City Council District 12 at 1 (818) 756-8501