VAN NUYS CONSTITUENCY CENTER - CITY HALL

This frieze is among several that adorn the exterior of the old Van Nuys City Hall. 

The figure, either the Goddess Pomona or Hygia, holds the caduceus-wand of the God Mercury.  The caduceus symbol was mistakenly adopted, when the American Medical Association was founded, for the wand of the God Aesculapius lord of medicine whose symbol is a forked stick with one winding snake on it.
Mercury is the God of rapid decisions, business transactions and thieves.

See this frieze and many other surprises on The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's next Van Nuys historic walking tour. Call 1 (818) 347-9665 and leave your contact information for future tour information.

DISCOVERING A RIC GLAZER-DANAY SCULPTURE IN WOODLAND HILLS

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

A great thing about the artist Richard Glazer-Danay is that he still has so many friends and admirers in the San Fernando Valley. This gives those of us who admire his talent, the chance of wonderful surprises, like seeing this John Wayne sculpture pierce in recently in the home of a mutual friend. Ric made the piece for a lifelong buddy, who served in the United States Marine Corps in the Vietnam war.

(click on this image to enlarge)  Other Ric Glazer-Danay's works are in the collections of the Pierce College Foundation and The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. The actor John Wayne lived for many years in Encino, California.
       Greg Petrello notes: "Our family moved to Encino when I was 14 years old and Jonh Wayne lived a few blocks away on Valley Vista & Encino Ave. I remember climbing his fence and going up to his door to get a autograph. He was not home but the maid gave me a signed photo on Mr. Wayne. All can say is "Where are the John Waynes" today?"

DORIS DAY

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

This image was supposed to have been the home of Doris Day in North Hollywood. It was donated to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg in 2010 as part of our Library's Entertainment Industry History section.  (click on the image to enlarge)

LED Lights at Dusk in the NO HO

2010   THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

LED lights turn on at dusk in the NoHo. (click on image to enlarge) Block by block the historic NoHo District of the San Fernando Valley is emerging as one of the City of Los Angeles' most important arts areas.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is seeking volunteers for an oral histories project, soon to be announced. Volunteers will be trained in oral history gathering techniques and preservation. Call The Museum today, if you are interested in this (work at your own pace) project. 1 (818) 347-9665

PHIL'S DINER READY FOR A NEW PAD

2010   THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Only two weeks away from its big move, historic Phil's Diner spends its last days waiting for transfer to its new foundation pad at the entrance to the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in North Hollywood.

 Gary Fredburg, Vice President of The Museum follows Casey Hallenbeck to the front of historic Phil's Diner. Casey is restoring the grand old diner to its rightful status as the last of the great stand alone diners in California. (click on image to enlarge)

 Casey Hallenbeck (left) and Gary Fredburg lay plans for The Museum to spread the word about the restoration of Phil's Diner. Gary arranged for the diner to display the autographed album cover of "Phil's Diner" by the great Phil Everly (onetime member of the famous Everly Brothers singing duo).

 New and old, Phil's Diner will have a state of the art preparation facility to serve customers in the historic dining space. Gary Fredburg stands on part of the foundation pad where the Diner will stand.

Phil's Diner will be moved just beyond the saw horses in the foreground of this photo. These pictures were taken for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2010.

THE GREAT GENE AUTRY's GIRL OF MY DREAMS

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

In 1943, Mills Music published the words to "Girl of My Dreams" by Sunny Clapp. The song was a big hit in the American music market. It was made popular by the San Fernando Valley's own Gene Autry in the Republic Pictures film "South of the Border" with the great character actor Smiley Burnette. This sheet music treasure is a gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010. (click on this image to enlarge).

PHI SIGMA TAU FRATERNITY SAN FERNANDO VALLEY STATE COLLEGE - 1965

        2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

 

Shortly after San Fernando Valley State College was established, so too was a local fraternity called Phi Sigma Tau. This traditional college beer mug belonged to a pledge of the fraternity calling himself "Hammer." 
The fraternity established in 1961 was to become the "Zeta Chapter" of Phi Delta Theta fraternity in 1969. That national fraternity has been on the CSUN campus for 40 years.  
"Hammer" has yet to be identified. The mug was a gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg -2010 (click on the image to enlarge.)

WARNER BROTHERS BURBANK c. 1944

2010   THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

During the Second World War, Ralph Skoll sent a Hollywood "accordion" postcard souvenir to Carolyn Murchison in Hays, Kansas. This "Home of Warner Brothers and First National Pictures" was among the cards. Hard to imagine the 134 Freeway from this image.

WOODLAND HILLS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION AT THE PIERCE COLLEGE FARM CENTER

2010   THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Gary Fredburg never ceases to amaze me. He'll hear that Museum representatives plan to attend an event, such as a recent Fall Festival reception at the Pierce College Farm Center, and the next thing we know in the mail arrives another little gem about the event or the community it serves. In this case, I mentioned to Gary that I had just met some very important folks from the Woodland Hills Homeowners Association at the Farm Center, and the Woodland Motel and Coffee Shop becomes part of the Archives of The Museum. 

A telephone call to SUperior 8-9195 could get you a reservation for one of the "20 new, De Luxe, carpeted, air-conditioned units with showers, Radios and televisions. A Roof Lounge for sunbathing was available."

The Pierce College Farm Center has long been a vital San Fernando Valley institution. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley strongly encourages our members and future members to visit the Farm Center soon, Halloween time is the perfect reason to drop by -  there are a zillion great pumpkins and decorations for Fall to choose from...... and the produce is great too. 

LITTLE DIPPER - LOCKHEED EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Lockheed Aircraft Company in Burbank, California was the location for many important military airplanes during and after the Second World War. Here is a photograph, given to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg, of the "Little Dipper." We think the aircraft was manufactured in, or about, 1945.

JANE WITHERS LIFELONG SAN FERNANDO VALLEY RESIDENT

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

For privacy and security sake, The Museum does not release the addresses of the many celebrities who reside in the San Fernando Valley.
This is an historic postcard showing the residence of the great Jane Withers. It is part of The Museum's archive of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry artifacts. The vintage postcard is a gift to The Museum from Gary Fredburg - 2010.

Jane Withers was among the many celebrities who took part in the 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures, sponsored by the Studio City Neighborhood Council and The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. 

SFV FAIR 1976 - VAN NUYS EGG SHOW 1936

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

The power of the Internet never ceases to amaze me!  No sooner had I published the previous "mystery image" of the Poultry Judge, than I received the answer. Naturally it came from materials being sent to your Museum from Gary Fredburg who constantly finds new treasures for The Museum's ever-growing Library. 

The president of San Fernando Valley Fair in 1976, in a cowboy hat, was Andrew H. Stockel. He lived in 1936 downtown Los Angeles and was the person addressed as a "poultry judge" in the 1936 San Fernando Valley Egg Show in Van Nuys. Stockel later moved to Northridge.

 The San Fernando Valley Egg Show was held in Van Nuys on April 2 and 3, 1936.  The event was sponsored by the Van Nuys Evening High School's poultry and rabbit husbandry classes.  Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.

Fred Cremer was a judge for rabbit entries at the 1976 San Fernando Valley Fair.

AMERICAN POULTRY ASSOCIATION 1936

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

On January 17th, 1936, this cryptic hand made postcard was sent to Mr. A. M. Stockl at 100 Hobart Street, Los Angeles, California. The 1 ¢ postcard was sent from San Fernando California and is signed:
"A.P.A.  Judge Poultry Show" 
A quick on-line match showed the APA related to poultry, and revealed an assocition formed in 1873 and incorporated just four years before this card was sent.

The cartoon shows an aggressive writer, with typewriter and script, pushing out of his way (possibly) an entertainer. What this would mean to someone attached to the American Poultry Association, perhaps as a judge is not understood. What are your ideas.

Postcard with cartoon pasted on the message side 1936 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.

3715th ARMY AIR CORPS BASE UNIT BURBANK, CALIFORNIA

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Inevitably when The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's historic walking tours begin in North Hollywood, standing by the statue of Amelia Earhart, an aircraft will take off right over our heads from the Bob Hope / Burbank / Lockheed Airport. Appropriately Amelia's face looks to the airport, where she once spent so much of her time and inspiration.
Just north on Tujunga Avenue, the MSFV tour stops to learn about the North Hollywood Fire Department Station, and our docents nearly always point out the easily passed by "air raid siren" still attached to the building. Going fast are the Valley's memories of World War II, a time when protecting the Lockheed Aircraft facilities in Burbank  and the Van Nuys Airport were very important matters in the security of a nation at war.

Here members of the 3715th Army Air Corps Base Unit at the Lockheed Aircraft Factory School, demonstrate the skills they were learning at the Burbank facility. Thanks to Gary Fredburg, Vice President of The Museum for adding this historic image to the Archives of our Museum.

If you, a friend or family member is interested in preserving your role in San Fernando Valley history, contact your Museum today.  1 (818) 347-9665

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY FAIR 1947

 2010   THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES         Northridge100

San Fernando Valley Fair brochure 1947 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010. 
The early fairs in the Valley are an important source of information about Valley agricultural history.

The second Annual San Fernando Valley Fair was held for three days (September 19, 20 and 21) at the San Fernando Ball Park in 1947. In 1947 it was the youngest agricultural  fair in California. 
Max P. Shoenfeld of Northridge was the President of the agricultural district.

YES VIRGINIA, THERE REALLY WERE FRATERNITY TOGA PARITIES IN THE 1960S

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

 

"Toga Parties" were very much the rage on Valley campuses in the 1960s. This photograph was donated to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from John Bogdanoff (right) of Grover Beach, California. To the right is Ron Simmons. They women are yet to be identified. 

FOOTBALL SEASON IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY - 1960s STYLE

2010    THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

 On November 2, 1961 a cross Valley football game took place between a new U.S. Grant High School (now in Valley Village) and long established Van Nuys High School. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley just received this "Official Program - 10¢" from Tom Ny in Bakersfield, California. Tom was Van Nuys fullback number 33.
The fun part of this program is that on the Grant High School varsity was right tailback Paul Craig number 75. These two rough and tumble rivals were destined within two years to become lifelong friends and allies, while playing together for the L.A. Valley Monarchs.

 Gayle Weichlein, 1962 Homecoming Queen for Los Angeles Valley College

Tom Ny, who played on the 1963 L.A. Valley College in the school's Homecoming Game against the Bakersfield Renegades, now lives and has an equipment rental business in Bakersfield. Tom's one time rival from Grant High School, was a part of this Valley College football game. 
Paul Craig, who now lives in Bend, Oregon, was a letterman for Valley College. He was an "all league" selection.

FIRE HOUSE 5 PLUS 2

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

One of America's favorite jazz bands of the 1940s was the famous Fire House Five Plus Two. Led by the great Ward Kimball of the Walt Disney Company fame, the dixie-land band was a fixture for San Fernando Valley celebrations. Those who joined The Museum's Richard Hilton on last Saturday's walking tour of historic North Hollywood learned that the Fire House Five Plus Two played at the opening ceremonies of the LA Fire Department station at the corner of Tujunga and Chandler.
This is Ward Kimball's captain's hat now on display at the Walt Disney Barn in Griffith Park.

The San Fernando Valley owes a special debt of thanks to the author historian Michael Broggie for working to save the Walt Disney train heritage.

February 17, 1963 Views from a "Brownie Camera"

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
L. A. Valley College "Greek Day" February 1963. Taken with a Brownie camera on February
17th, 1963 - from a Theta Rho Theta scrapbook.

 Al Sanchez and Don Huish (name may be misspelled) Sigma Delta fraternity at Valley College.

 Theta Rho Theta Booth.

 Jay Smith gets a dunking

 Donna and Wendy at Greek Day

THETA RHO SORORITY c. 1963

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

One of the most popular sororities at Los Angeles Valley College in the 1960s was the Theta Rho Theta.
These photographs were taken from images still in Roz Stern's scrapbook. The photographs were glued onto the book, and removal for scanning endangered the images.

 These color snapshots were taken on February 17th, 1963 at the Phi Delta Psi Fraternity house on Victory Boulevard. An all-Greek festival was taking place. "All Valley College Greeks participated with games, fun and laughs."

 "Poor Kirby gets wet at the Phi Delt booth"  Evidently, the Phi Delta Psi brothers had constructed a dunking stand. Kirby and a friend Vito Mazzarino had been in the US Navy together and had just started Valley College.

"Barbara checks out the scene at the carnival"

THE GORGIOUS NEW RESNICK PAVILION AT LACMA

         Resnick Pavilion at LACMA  - Photo by Gerald Fecht October 2010 - click to enlarge

If you haven't visited the new Resnick Pavilion at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), plan to see it as soon as possible. The curators who decided to exhibit colossal Olmec sculptures to initiate the building were simply brilliant! At last, Los Angeles has a heroic space to show large works in an airy, well lighted space. Hurrah! The classic Mexican Olmec art is great too.

LOS ANGELES RIVER IN STUDIO CITY

2010   THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Los Angeles River in Studio City - Photograph by Phyllis Hansen 2010.  Many of the tributaries of the Los Angeles River come from the San Fernando Valley.

STUDIO CITY NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL'S CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Often photos are taken of organizing committees prior to major events such as the recent successful 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures. I thought our readers might like to peek in on a work session of the Studio City Neighborhood Council's Cultural Affairs Committee after the Anniversary as it continued its effort to make sure that loose ends were taken care of, such as thank you letters, the dispersal of certificates, and last minute bills paid.

BARGAIN BOOKS OLDEST BUSINESS IN VAN NUYS

2010   THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES.

The one great thing about "down time" for me is the endless opportunity to explore the amazing San Fernando Valley. Outside the window, from my 8th story court room, I could see a large sign calling out "Bargain Books."  On my jury duty lunch break, I could browse and even buy a book or two on Valley history for The Museum's ever growing Library.

You can see how close Bargain Books is to the Van Nuys Constituent Center (Van Nuys City Hall). Just one short block north of the Marvin Braude city complex. A good little Mexican restaurant on Van Nuys Boulevard at the corner, called Cilantro. Bar-b-que chicken tacos... yum.

 Bill Wirt, co-owner,  went to work at Bargain Books when he was a boy going to Van Nuys High School.

Like her brother Bill, Diane Sharran has worked for her family's bookstore since graduation from Van Nuys High School. Her knowledge of the store's inventory is just amazing.

Anyone who has taken one of Richard Hilton's Museum of the San Fernando Valley historic walking tours knows to pay attention to decorative grillwork. These beautiful designs grace the entrance of the grand old Van Nuys City Hall.... thanks Richard.

BARGAIN BOOKS
14426 Friar Street
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 782-2782

TARZANA RAINBOW

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Since I have been on call all week in a pool for jury selection, I haven't had much time for Museum work. I have been taking some photographs in and about the Van Nuys Court House and City Hall. My favorite photo this week however was taken from my drive way in Tarzana.
I returned late afternoon to look at huge dark clouds rolling over the Valley from the southeast. Here's my treasure.  (click on the image to enlarge)

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A HOME FOR THE MUSEUM'S LIBRARY

2010     THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

 Sunshine and Wealth by Bruce Henstell - anonymous donation to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - October 2010  (click on image to enlarge)

Nearly everyday your Museum adds to our Library of San Fernando Valley history and culture, and because we are tied to the history of Southern California our collections grow in this larger area as well.  Of special importance is our Library's section of San Fernando Valley Entertainment History. Our immediate goal is to acquire a base of operations, that will house of growing Library as well as serve to support The Museum's growth. Can you help?
Support your Museum's Library by financial support and by being on the lookout for books and periodicals related to Valley history. Call 1 (818) 347-9665 today.

PERSIAN HOOKAHS IN TARZANA

2010   THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

 A large Persian community has developed in the San Fernando Valley. Here water pipes peek through a cafe window in Tarzana. (click on image to enlarge)  Photo for the archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2010

If you or a friend or relative is interested, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is much in need of an adviser on Persian culture and Persian-American history. Please contact your Museum at 1 (818) 347-9665.

HISTORIC MAGNOLIA HOUSE IN SHERMAN OAKS

2010   THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

One of the most beautiful treasures of the San Fernando Valley is the historic Magnolia House in Sherman Oaks. Designated Los Angeles Cultural Monument number 293, the grand old house was built during the "roaring 20s" and reflects the passion for Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of the time.  Thanks to the vision of Valley realtor Jerry Berns, the Magnolia House was rescued and restored to some of its original beauty during the 1970s.  

Drawing of the Magnolia House - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Jerry Berns 2010.  (click on image to enlarge).  A detailed history of the Magnolia House, with photographs of its restoration was donated this month to The Museum's archives by Jerry Berns.

Please respect that the home, while a cultural monument, is a private residence and viewable only from the street.  13242 Magnolia Boulevard, Sherman Oaks.